Impact of Decortication on Phytate Content in Pearl Millet Grains

Abstract

To find out the distribution of phytate in pearl millet grain, grains samples of 7 hybrids and 4 composites were decorticated and phytate content of whole grain along with decorticated grain and bran fraction was estimated simultaneously. Bran yield of analyzed hybrids/composites varied from 9.2 to 13.8 %. In decorticated grains (endosperm fraction) phytate content varied from 5.0 mg/g (HC 20) to 6.54 mg/g (HHB 67 improved) with an average value of 5.92 mg/g while in bran fraction it varied from 3.96 mg/g to 4.90 mg/g with an average value of 4.42 mg/g. On an average 5.34 % increment in phytate content was observed on decortications which varied from 3.5 to 9.2 %. A positive correlation was observed between bran content and increase in phytate content in decorticated grains. It is concluded that phytate deposition occurs throughout the endosperm and bran fractions but deposition in endosperm fraction is significantly denser than that in bran fraction. Therefore, decortications might not be the effective process in reduction of phytate content in pearl millet to improve the micronutrient bioavailability.