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Grain and starch granule morphology in superior and inferior kernels of maize in response to nitrogen

2018; Nature Portfolio; Volume: 8; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1038/s41598-018-23977-0

2045-2322

Fucheng Zhao, Liquan Jing, Decheng Wang, Fei Bao, Weiping Lu, Guiyue Wang,

Food composition and properties

Maize (Zea mays L.) contributes approximately 55% of China's grain production. The effects of nitrogen (N) on maize grain morphology and starch granules remain elusive. In this study, a field experiment in clay loam soil was conducted using three maize hybrids (Suyu 30, Suyu 20, and Suyu 29) and four N levels (0, 360, 450, and 540 kg ha-1) in 2010 and 2012. The results indicated that increased grain length and width, starch granule number, surface area, and volume, was associated with the application of 450 kg ha-1 of N. Differences between superior (ear base) and inferior (apical) grains decreased under highest yield treatments. The effects of N levels on inferior grains was more than that on superior grains. The starch granules of superior grains showed more polygonal, and bigger shape than inferior grains. The results revealed that N levels affected size and morphology of starch granules and grains. The application of 450 kg N ha-1 resulted in larger-sized starch granules and less difference between superior and inferior grains.