Methyl jasmonate enhances isoflavone biosynthesis and antioxidant activities in Fusarium sulawense-infected soybean sprouts

Soybean sprouts are a popular and nutrient-dense traditional food in several countries; thus, they are susceptible to numerous infectious diseases during germination. This study examined the impact of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) at concentrations of 100 and 300 μM on isoflavone levels, antioxidant activities, and disease index against Fusarium sulawense in soybean sprouts. The application of 300 μM MeJA resulted in a 26 % reduction in the disease index of F. sulawense -infected soybean sprouts after 7 d of germination. The isoflavone content in MeJA-treated soybean sprouts increased, particularly on day 5 (7.71–9.57 g kg −1 ). Ten isoflavones were quantified, with genistin (∼1.3 g kg −1 ) being the most abundant and acetyl daidzin (∼0.19 g kg −1 ) the least abundant. On day 5, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) exhibited peak levels of 117 and 193 kU kg −1 , respectively, in F. sulawense -infected soybean sprouts when treated with 100 μM MeJA. The total phenolic content (TPC) in MeJA-treated soybean sprouts increased by 2-fold from day 1 to day 7, except for F. sulawense treatment. MeJA boosted the expression of several isoflavone biosynthesis-related genes in germinated soybeans, including PAL , C4H , 4CL , CHS , IFS , and CHI . Collectively, this study suggests that the application of MeJA in F. sulawense -infected soybean sprouts may enhance isoflavone biosynthesis and antioxidant activities. • MeJA reduced the disease index by 26 % in F. sulawense -infected soybean sprouts. • MeJA enhanced SOD and CAT activities in F. sulawense -infected soybean sprouts. • Ten isoflavones were found in F. sulawense -infected soybean sprouts. • MeJA boosted isoflavone’s biosynthesis-related genes in soybean sprouts. • MeJA could be a promising antioxidant and antifungal agent in plant-based foods.