Metabolite analysis of Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertner sprouts treated by two kinds of illumination

Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertner (variety ‘Jinqiao 2’) sprouts obtained from seed germination under dark and light treatment were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine differences in metabolite content. Results showed that tartary buckwheat sprout metabolites were significantly different under the two light treatments. A total of 383 metabolites were detected, among which 137 metabolites were significantly different under the different light treatments, particularly amino acids and their derivatives, carbohydrates and their derivatives, aromatic compounds, and fatty acids. Except for amino acids and their derivatives, all other differential metabolites were found at a higher concentration in the light-irradiated sprouts. KEGG metabolic pathway analysis showed that the different metabolites were enriched in 136 metabolic pathways. Thus, our study showed that light promoted the production and accumulation of most nutrient metabolites in F. tataricum sprouts, and the nutrient components were richer and more valuable than those under dark culture.