Abstract: Phytic acid is one of the most common organic acids (myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6 hexakisphosphate or InsP6) in grains such as Zea mays, Triticum aestivum, Hordeum vulgare, Oryza sativa and Glvcine max. Phytate caused by phytic acid binding with K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ or Fe3+, for example, is an important form of micronutrient storage. Phytic acid and phytate are indigestible for humans and non-ruminant livestock. After consumption , phytic acid can be changed into phytate bound with other mineral elements in the body, which leads to the decline of mineral bioavailability and further results in micronutrient malnutrition. In addition, upon discharge with excrement, phytic acid and phytate can give rise to serious environmental problems. Recently, lowphytic-acid (LP) mutants of maize, barley, rice and soybean were successfully induced by physical and chemical treatment and transgenic technology. This paper reviews the biosynthetic pathways of phytic acid, the development of LP crops, genetic characters and possible mechanisms of LP mutants, the nutritional assessment of LP crops and prospects for application.

Key words: Crops, Low phytic acid mutants, Inducement, Application