Grain texture and starch physicochemical properties of waxy maize in response to contrasting ecological conditions
- 1State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University
- 2Hebei Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology
- 3Teaching Support Department, Hebei Open University
Abstract
The present work investigated the grain texture and starch physicochemical properties of waxy maize grown under contrasting ecological conditions at five sites across Hebei Province (Hengshui, HS; Baoding, BD; Tangshan, TS; Qinhuangdao, QHD; and Chengde, CD). The findings indicate that grain hardness ranged from 2.41 to 3.25 g/s, with the maximum recorded at TS. Total starch content varied between 429.49to 458.10 mg/g, with the highest value at TS. Notably, starch from QHD displayed significantly higher amylose but lower amylopectin content than other sites. Starch granules from TS had the largest average size (22.49 μm) and the highest relative crystallinity, whereas those from HS were smaller and more uniform. Peak viscosity were significantly higher at BD (1859.3 cP) and TS (1824.7 cP), and starch from TS exhibited the greatest gelatinization enthalpy and swelling power. In contrast, starch from HS showed higher initial light transmittance but poorer stability. Correlation and principal component analyses further attributed these variations in starch traits to site specific soil fertility and climatic factors, particularly temperature and precipitation during grain filling. Overall, these findings highlight the role of environmental heterogeneity in shaping starch physicochemical properties in waxy maize, providing valuable information for waxy maize management and starch-based product development.
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BibTeX
@article{ji2026grain,
title = {{Grain texture and starch physicochemical properties of waxy maize in response to contrasting ecological conditions}},
author = {Pengtao Ji and Xiangling Li and Weixin Dong and Peijun Tao and Yuechen Zhang},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-60224-3},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-60224-3},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Grain texture and starch physicochemical properties of waxy maize in response to contrasting ecological conditions
AU - Pengtao Ji
AU - Xiangling Li
AU - Weixin Dong
AU - Peijun Tao
AU - Yuechen Zhang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - Scientific Reports
DO - 10.1038/s41598-026-60224-3
UR - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-60224-3
AB - The present work investigated the grain texture and starch physicochemical properties of waxy maize grown under contrasting ecological conditions at five sites across Hebei Province (Hengshui, HS; Baoding, BD; Tangshan, TS; Qinhuangdao, QHD; and Chengde, CD). The findings indicate that grain hardness ranged from 2.41 to 3.25 g/s, with the maximum recorded at TS. Total starch content varied between 429.49to 458.10 mg/g, with the highest value at TS. Notably, starch from QHD displayed significantly higher amylose but lower amylopectin content than other sites. Starch granules from TS had the largest average size (22.49 μm) and the highest relative crystallinity, whereas those from HS were smaller and more uniform. Peak viscosity were significantly higher at BD (1859.3 cP) and TS (1824.7 cP), and starch from TS exhibited the greatest gelatinization enthalpy and swelling power. In contrast, starch from HS showed higher initial light transmittance but poorer stability. Correlation and principal component analyses further attributed these variations in starch traits to site specific soil fertility and climatic factors, particularly temperature and precipitation during grain filling. Overall, these findings highlight the role of environmental heterogeneity in shaping starch physicochemical properties in waxy maize, providing valuable information for waxy maize management and starch-based product development.
SN - 2045-2322
ER -