From field to food: Impact of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on mung bean starch synthesis, structure, and functional properties

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential nutrients that play a critical role in mung bean growth and grain quality. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of four N and four P fertilizer levels on the synthesis, structure, and functional properties of mung bean starch. The combined application of N and P fertilizers significantly increased starch accumulation by enhancing key enzyme activities. These treatments also caused notable structural changes, resulting in better functional properties, such as increased light transmittance, water solubility, gelatinization enthalpy, and reduced pasting temperature and chewiness, which are crucial for optimizing the quality of starch-based products. In conclusion, the combined application of N and P fertilizers boosted starch synthesis and improved the functional properties of mung bean starch by altering its consists and structure. These findings enhance our understanding of nutrient-mediated starch biosynthesis and structural regulation in legumes providing a basis for increasing the industrial and commercial value of mung bean starch.