Effects of heat, drought and their combined effects on morphological structure and physicochemical properties of rice (Oryza sativa L.) starch

High temperature (HT) and drought stress (WS) severely affect rice quality by altering the starch structure in rice. The morphological and physicochemical properties of starches isolated from two rice varieties grown under three stress treatment (HT, WS and WS + HT) during the grain filling stage were investigated. The results showed that WS increased amylose content (AC%) and the proportion of large starch granules (LSG) and made the surface of the starch granule smooth and flat. As a result, a lower relative crystallinity, surface order, swelling power, setback viscosity and gelatinization enthalpy were caused. HT decreased AC% and milled rice rate, but increased chalky rice rate, the number of LSG and the large air space and pits on the surface of the starch granules. As a result, a higher relative crystallinity, surface order, swelling power, setback viscosity and gelatinization enthalpy were caused. Similar results were observed under the treatment of WS + HT, indicating that there is a mild antagonistic effect on rice starch when the HT and WS occur simultaneously.