STARCH CHARACTERISTICS AND PROTEIN CONTENT OF QUINOA (CHENOPODIUM QUINOA W.) GROWN UNDER DIFFERENT NITROGEN LEVELS IN CHILLAN

Abstract

The effect of the nitrogen fertilization was evaluated on some physico-chemical and thermic properties of starches, protein content and protein yield ha^-1 of the genotypes of quinoa Faro and UDEC10. Sodium nitrate was applied in doses of 0; 75; 150 and 225 N kg ha^-1. The average protein content varied between a 13,5 to 15,0%. It was higher for the application 225 N kg ha^-1. The average protein yield increased from 134,1 to 408,3 kg ha^-1. The degree of gelatinization, the water absorption index and the swelling power were not affected by nitrogen fertilization, while starch solubility was affected. Their average values, respectively were the following 10,3%; 2,7g; 2,9g and 7,2%. The granules of perisperm starch were organized in compact aggregates, differences among them were not observed.