Summary
The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on phytochemicals biosynthesis and antioxidant activity in soybean sprouts. GmVTC2, GmDHAR and GmGLDH were investigated for the biosynthesis of vitamin C. GmPAL, GmCHS and GmIFS were investigated for the biosynthesis of phenolics, flavonoids and isoflavones. Our results revealed that 6‐benzylaminopurine (6‐BA) treatment significantly affected the expression levels of those major genes, followed by Gibberellin (GA3) and Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Moreover, the highest levels of vitamin C, polyphenolics and antioxidant activity in 6‐BA and GA3 treated groups indicate the synergistic and antagonistic role of growth regulators in the biosynthesis of phytochemicals. Overall, 6‐BA seems the key contributor in genes’ expression involve in the biosynthesis secondary metabolites and their antioxidant activity. Therefore, it could be the most suitable option to enhance nutritional quantity and health benefits of soybean sprouts.