Nitrogen application alters wheat starch structure, impacting quality and yield.
Nitrogen application in wheat affects starch granule development and structure. Medium nitrogen levels reduce starch biosynthesis, delay degradation, and change starch granule composition. The crystal structure and ordered structure of starch granules are altered, increasing swelling power and solubility. Enzyme expression related to starch biosynthesis or degradation is also affected by nitrogen treatment. Overall, nitrogen application at booting stage significantly impacts the quality of wheat starch.