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Published on: June 16, 2018
Starch Physicochemical Properties of Normal Maize under Different Fertilization Modes
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Physiology, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
Slow-release fertilizer (SF) application in maize improved starch quality compared to conventional fertilizer (CF). SF resulted in similar granule size, higher peak 1/peak 2 ratio, and lower relative crystallinity, offering benefits for functional food applications.
Area of Science:
- Agronomy
- Food Science
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Growing demand for natural, functional foods necessitates improving starch quality through agronomic practices.
- The impact of slow-release fertilizer (SF) on maize starch quality remains understudied compared to conventional fertilizer (CF).
- This research investigates the effects of different fertilization modes on maize starch properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the structural and functional properties of maize starch under SF and CF fertilization modes.
- To compare the influence of SF and CF on starch granule size, amylose content, and amylopectin chain length.
- To assess the impact of fertilization on starch crystallinity, viscosity, thermal characteristics, and retrogradation.
Main Methods:
- Maize hybrids (JY877 and SY30) were subjected to two fertilization modes: SF (one-off application) and CF (multiple applications).
- A control group with no fertilizer (0F) was used for comparison.
- Starch properties including granule size, amylose content, crystallinity, viscosity, thermal properties, and retrogradation were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Fertilization enlarged starch granule size, with CF yielding the largest granules. SF reduced amylose content, while CF did not affect it.
- CF decreased the peak 1/peak 2 ratio, while SF had varied effects depending on the hybrid. Amylopectin chain length was reduced by fertilization, more so under CF.
- Relative crystallinity increased under CF. Fertilization increased starch viscosity. Thermal characteristics and retrogradation varied between hybrids and fertilization modes.
Conclusions:
- SF application yielded maize starch with comparable granule size, a higher peak 1/peak 2 ratio, and lower relative crystallinity than CF.
- SF resulted in longer amylopectin chain-length in JY877, leading to lower pasting viscosities in SY30 and reduced retrogradation in JY877.
- Fertilization strategies significantly influence maize starch structure and functionality, with SF offering potential advantages for specific food applications.
