Comparative analysis of primary and secondary metabolites in wheat seedlings (<scp><i>Triticum aestivum</i></scp> L.) cultivated under varying photosynthetic photon flux densities and growth periods

A PPFD of 400 μmol m^-2 s^-1 increases sugar metabolism in wheat seedlings by promoting anabolism through photosynthesis. Furthermore, the accumulation of sugars, the primary raw materials for secondary metabolites, affects flavonoid biosynthesis. These results suggest that wheat seedlings undergo metabolic reprogramming in response to light intensity, enabling adaptive responses. Our study thus confirmed the relationships between primary and secondary metabolites in wheat seedlings under various PPFD conditions. Furthermore, the insights gained enhance our understanding of the influence of light intensity and duration on metabolite accumulation, which is vital for optimizing agricultural practices. © 2025 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.