In this study, we established a system to analyze and accurately distinguish changes in the metabolite content of mung bean sprouts at various growth stages. Specific regions of the FT-IR spectrum (1700–1500 cm^-1, 1500–300 cm^-1, and 1100–950 cm^-1) reflected qualitative and quantitative changes in key metabolites, such as amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and sugars. These regions play crucial roles in assessing metabolic changes at different growth stages. The results of the PCA revealed that metabolite clusters were distinctly separated according to growth stage, with notable differences observed between days 7, 10, 14, and 17. This indicated significant differences in metabolite changes across growth stages. PLS-DA analysis also confirmed similar results, clearly distinguishing metabolite changes according to growth stage, thus providing valuable information for identifying growth stages. This technique can be an important tool in the selection and breeding of mung bean varieties and can contribute to the development of functional materials. Furthermore, it is expected to contribute significantly to enhancing mung bean productivity and research on functional substances.

This study used perilla seeds produced in 2019, 2020, and 2021 to determine the year of production using multivariate statistical analysis of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectral data of perilla leaves. Spectral analysis based on multivariate statistical analysis of whole-cell extracts was used to distinguish the perilla leaves at the metabolic level. FT-IR spectral data of the leaves were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The FTIR spectrum identified spectral differences between the frequency regions of 1,700 to 1,500, 1,500 to 1,300, and 1,100 to 950 cm^-1. This spectral region reflects quantitative and qualitative changes in amides I, II in amino acids and proteins (1,700–1,500 cm^-1), phosphodiester groups from nucleic acids and phospholipids (1,500–1,300 cm^-1), and carbohydrate compounds (1,100–950 cm^-1). PCA revealed separate clusters corresponding to production traceability relationships. Therefore, PCA can be used to distinguish between production in 2019, 2020, and 2021 based on different metabolite contents. PLS-DA showed a similar production traceability classification for the perilla seeds. In addition, this metabolic identification system can be used to rapidly select and classify useful perilla seed varieties.

To determine whether Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectral analysis based on multivariate analysis for whole-cell extracts can be used to discriminate different countries of Perilla seeds at the metabolic level, leaves of Perilla seeds were subjected to FT-IR spectroscopy. FT-IR spectral data of leaves were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). FT-IR spectra confirmed typical spectral differences between frequency regions of 1,700-1,500, 1,500-1,300, and 1,100-950 cm^-1. These spectral regions reflect the quantitative and qualitative variations of amide I, II in amino acids and proteins (1,700-1,500 cm^-1), phosphodiester groups in nucleic acids and phospholipids (1,500-1,300 cm^-1), and carbohydrates (1,100-950 cm^-1). PCA revealed separate clusters corresponding to their country relationship. Thus, PCA could be used to distinguish between countries of origin with different metabolite contents. And PLS-DA showed a similar country classification of Perilla seeds. Furthermore, these metabolic discrimination systems could be used for the rapid selection and classification of useful field crop cultivars.

“ Nulichal” was developed by the National Institute of Crop Science, RDA, in 2010. The initial cross was conducted in 2000, and an elite line (HB15305-B-B-31-2) was selected in 2005. Subsequently, preliminary yield and advanced yield trials have designated it as “Iksan 95.” It showed good agronomic performance in regional yield trials from 2008 to 2010 and was released as “Nulichal,” with resistance against the barley yellow mosaic virus (BaYMV) and high yields with a waxy endosperm. The average heading and maturation dates of “Nulichal” were April 24 and May 30, respectively in paddy fields, which were 1 day later than those of the check cultivar “Saechalssalbori.” It had culm and spike lengths of 82 and 4.0 cm, respectively. It showed 774 spikes/m², 63 grains/spike, 25.0 g of 1,000-grain weight, and 793 g of test weight. “Nulichal” showed higher levels of resistance to BaYMV than the naturally occurring Iksan (type III strain), Naju (type Ⅰ), and Jinju (type II). The expansion rate was higher than that of “Saechalssalbori” and its hardness, gumminess, and chewiness were lower than those of “Saechalssalbori.” Its average pearled grain yield in the regional yield trial was 4.00 MT/ha in paddy fields, which was 10% higher than that of the check cultivar. The combined availability of “Nulichal” was improved by its increased culm length compared with that of “Hinchalssal.”