Changes in Phytase Activity and Phytate During Germination of Two Fababean Cultivars

Two fababean cultivars were germinated over a 10‐day period and the levels of phytate and activity of phytase monitored. In both cultivars there was a marked increase in phytase activity which was accompanied by a concomitant decrease in phytate. The enzyme level reached a maximum 6 days following germination and was much higher in Ackerperle compared to Diana. Nevertheless a marked reduction in phytate levels was evident at the end of 10 days which accounted for a decrease of 71.2% and 77.3% in Ackerperle and Diana, respectively.