Effects of Various Wavelength on the Hardness and the Free Amino Acid Contents of Soybean Sprouts

BACKGROUND: Effect of various light wavelength and plant defense molecules were evaluated on the hardness and the contents of free amino acid including γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA) in soybean sprouts. METHODS AND RESULTS: Germinating soybean seeds were treated with various single wavelength of light (380, 440, 470, and 660 nm) or without light at 25∘C for six days. Soybean seeds were also treated with stress-signaling molecule ethephon or H₂O₂ at the same time. Soybean sprouts treated with 470 nm substantially raised the hardness almost two times than the control. The free amino acid contents were higher in 470 nm and H₂O₂ treated soybean seeds than the control. Nutritionally beneficial GABA contents were increased by the treatments of 470 nm, 440 nm, ethephon, and H₂O₂ . CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the hardness and the contents of amino acids can be regulated by stimuli, which stimuli could be composed of various wavelength and plant defense molecules. Especially, single wavelength 470 nm illumination has the effect of increasing GABA contents with increased hardness.