Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity Characteristics of Rice Grain Quality and Its Response to Nitrogen Management
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Optimizing nitrogen (N) management is crucial for high-quality rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. However, how N affects grain quality at different positions within a panicle remains unclear. This study evaluated the effects of different N application regimes on the milling, appearance, eating, and nutritional quality of grains at varying panicle positions. We used a japonica cultivar Wuyunjing 31 in a controlled pot experiment with three N treatments: N32:0 (early heavy N), N16:16 (split application with late N topdressing), and N16:0 (low-N control). Results showed that late N topdressing (N16:16) significantly improved head rice yield across all grain positions, which was linked to higher storage protein accumulation (especially glutelin) and larger length-to-width ratio. Conversely, late N application deteriorated appearance quality by increasing the chalky grain rate and chalkiness. This negative effect was most pronounced in superior grains on upper and middle branches. Furthermore, the N16:16 treatment consistently decreased amylose content while increasing albumin, prolamin, and glutelin levels, demonstrating a clear trade-off between carbon (C) and N sinks. We speculated that these intra-panicle differences result from increased competition for carbon resources between starch and protein synthesis pathways. Overall, precision N management should account for spatial differences in grain development to effectively balance rice yield and quality.
Source: Agronomy
Authors: Yanling Zhao, Haibo Yu, Chuan Ni, Yan Wang, Huiting Guo, Xincheng Zhang
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Funder: Government of Jiangsu Province
OpenAlex ID: W7154179778
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