Impact of Weather Conditions and Farming Systems on Size Distribution of Starch Granules and Flour Yield of Winter Wheat

Abstract

The size distribution of wheat-grain starch granules has an impact on the yield of fine flour. The aim of the study was to compare the impact of conventional (mineral fertilizers, pesticides) and organic farming treatments (cover crops, composted cattle manure) on (i) the size distribution of starch granules, (ii) the level of the first break whole and fine flour yield. The grain samples of winter wheat cv Fredis were taken from a long-term field crop rotation experiment established in 2008 at the Estonian University of Life Sciences in Tartu County (58°22′ N, 26°40′ E) on Stagnic Luvisol soil. The weather conditions during the grain filling period of winter wheat had a strong impact (p < 0.001) on the grain starch granule size distribution. The proportion of starch granules with a smaller diameter (C-type granules) was higher in years with a longer grain filling period. The size distribution of starch granules was not influenced by farming system. The increased proportion of C-type granules increased the fine flour yield significantly. Fertilisation with organic manure and twice with mineral nitrogen increased significantly the mean diameter value of different starch granules.

The Combined Effect of Nitrogen Treatment and Weather Conditions on Wheat Protein-Starch Interaction and Dough Quality

“…The quality of the dough was assessed through its rheological properties and the results showed that quality depended on a combination of several factors, but in particular on the quantity and quality of protein and gluten, which in turn depended on both of the studied trial factors (weather conditions in trial years and N treatment, i.e., mineral or organic N availability during grain filling period). The protein and gluten content and therefore, the wheat-dough quality, were better in 2014 and 2016, when the grain yield level was lower [20], which is also in line with the findings of Giancaspro et al [31]. The mean protein and gluten content over the trial years were highest in flours obtained from N treatment N150.…”

“…As organic production becomes more widespread [19], and farmers are urged to decrease mineral nitrogen input, it is important to clarify the extent to which organic fertilization affects gluten accumulation and starch-granule formation during grain filling, whilst the interaction of gluten and starch granules on the dough properties of cereals grown in organic or conventional systems invites further exploration. Earlier, we demonstrated that in addition to the fertilizing regime, local weather conditions significantly influence N availability and the protein content of grains [20].…”

“…Field experimental conditions followed the previously described methodology. The experimental design, setup, chemical analyses, weather conditions (temperatures and precipitation during growing period) and measurement of starch-granule distribution are detailed in Alaru et al [21], Keres et al [20,22].…”

“…The climate of Estonia was found to be slightly continental at the experimental site. Meteorological data of the post-hibernation vegetation period in 2013-2017 were collected from a meteorological station approximately 2 km from the trial site [20]. The length of the post-hibernation vegetation period depended on the snow melting time in April.…”

Black Oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) Ontogenesis and Agronomic Performance in Organic Cropping System and Pannonian Environments

“…The organic farming system has been adapted for many climate zones and local conditions [37]. Agronomic performance and quality traits are affected by environmental conditions and growing season [41][42][43][44]. However, nitrogen (N) fertilization management and the irregular availability of N due to factors influencing mineralization in the soil are two of the biggest challenges for organic farming [42,43].…”