Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.3, 158-170 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 162 Conversely, delayed planting may result in reduced starch content due to shorter growing periods and increased susceptibility to adverse weather conditions. Harvesting time also plays a role; harvesting at the right maturity stage ensures maximum starch accumulation and optimal starch properties (Zhou et al., 2019). Integrated agronomic practices that include precise timing of planting and harvesting can significantly enhance starch content and overall grain quality (Liu et al., 2018). Figure 1 Effects of different fertilization modes on the starch granule size distribution and X-ray diffraction patterns of common maize (Adapted from Wang and Lu, 2022) Image caption: Different letters indicate significant differences, p<0.05; JY877: Jiangyu 877; SY30: Suyu 30; 0F: no fertilization; CF: conventional fertilization; SF: slow-release fertilization (Adapted from Wang and Lu, 2022) 4.4 Pest and disease control Effective pest and disease control is vital for maintaining high starch content in maize. Pests and diseases can cause significant damage to maize crops, leading to reduced starch accumulation and altered starch properties. For instance, mycotoxin contamination, which can be influenced by irrigation and tillage practices, can adversely affect starch quality (Herrera et al., 2023). Implementing integrated pest management strategies and adopting resistant maize varieties can help mitigate these effects and ensure high starch content. Additionally, maintaining healthy crops through proper pest and disease control measures can enhance overall grain quality, including starch content (Mason and D'croz-Mason, 2002). In conclusion, various agronomic practices, including fertilization and nutrient management, irrigation practices, timing of planting and harvesting, and pest and disease control, play a significant role in influencing maize starch content. Optimizing these practices can lead to improved starch accumulation and quality, thereby enhancing the overall value of maize as a food and industrial crop. 5 Interaction Between Agronomic Practices and Environmental Factors 5.1 Climate conditions Climate conditions significantly influence the effectiveness of agronomic practices on maize protein and starch contents. For instance, climate trends have been shown to account for a substantial portion of maize yield gains, with 48% of yield increases attributed to favorable climate conditions over a decade (Rizzo et al., 2022).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODY0NQ==