Effect of germination on the inositol phosphate content and phytase activity in under-utilised legume seeds grown in Nigeria

Seed of four under-utilised legumes grown in Nigeria: Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenoc arpa) and jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) were germinated for 0, 12, 24, 4 8, 72 and 96 h, at 25 degrees C with 8 h light/day. Phytase activity, total inositol phosphate content and individual inositol phosphates were analyse d in raw and germinated seeds. None of the legumes contained IP3. The predo minant, inositol phosphate was phytic acid (IP6). As germination progressed there was a decrease in the initial (raw) IP6 content in all four legumes. The highest phytase activity in the raw samples was in Lima beans. Pigeon pea contained the least. Phytase activity was not increased during germinat ion of these legumes.