A significant correlation was observed between total phenol content and BA concentration. The lowest content of this important secondary metabolite was recorded at CK-free medium. Low phenolic levels have been found poor morphological and anatomical functioning [31]. This malformation is associated with poor lignification and excessive hydration of tissues, which result in plan- tlets that cannot survive ex vitro conditions after trans- planting [32]. This suggests that BAP, to cause decrease in the content of phenols and lignins in shoots, could have a direct effect on the synthesis of proteins involved in the metabolism of phenolic compounds and polymerization of lignins and their precursors