Effect of lactic acid on alpha-amylase activity and phytic acid content in germination of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Lactic acid has been known as one of compounds to cause cellular harm in waterlogged tissues through the process of cytoplasmic acidosis. The effects of lactic acid on α-amylase activity and phytic acid (myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexaphosphate) content using an assay for high phosphate in the germination stage of rice were evaluated. It is showed that lactic acid inhibited rice germination at every treated dose. The reduction of α-amylase content attributed to lactic acid at 24 h after germination of rice seeds was observed. The findings highlighted the effects of lactic acid on α-amylase activity and phytic acid content and suggested that this compound may play a potent role as a germination regulator in rice.