An application of computer image analysis for characterization of plant type in rice cultivars.

Abstract

Using a computer image analysis, we tried to characterize the plant type of four rice cultivars, Koshihikari, Sasanishiki, Akihikari and Milyang 23. A color photograph of a plant profile of a single plant growing in a pot was taken at five stages from the maximum tillering stage to 12 days after heading. The photographic images were transferred to the image processing system. Each cultivar was visually characterized by the contour lines of leaf-density and the arrows representing leaf angles in each sub-area on a computer display. Comparison of the numerical factors associated with the plrant type showed clear intervarietal differences. The characteristics of each cultivar were not prominent at the early stages but became clearer at and after the heading time. It is considered that the computer image analysis used in the present study is useful for objectively and numerically describing a plant type which is closely connected with the light-receiving efficiency of cultivars, without any destruction of plant material.