Unlike the normal genetic and environmental affects that result in quantitative variation in seed total P, lpa mutants show large effects on the partitioning of P into phytic acid P, [P.sub.i], and lower Ins polyps.
M2s were selected for further study if a substantial reduction ([is greater than or equal to] 20% as compared with wild type) in seed phytic acid P, corresponding to the observed increase in [P.sub.i], was detected with HVPE.
This compound was first observed as an abundant P-containing compound in seeds, and thus referred to as "phytic acid" in the plant sciences and agronomic literature (Cosgrove, 1980).