Sequential determination of metabolites involved in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids after ultrasound-assisted extraction from plants and reverse LC separation

► Sequential determination of shikimate and essential amino acids in plants is reported. ► Ultrasound-assisted extraction prior to LC was applied. ► Both absorption and fluorescence detection (for shikimate and amino acids) were used. ► Very good sensitivity in terms of mass on-column was achieved. ► The method allows the presence of glyphosate in plants to be monitored.