Non-destructive model to estimate leaf area in Epilobium species

Abstract

Leaf area (LA) is one of valuable parameters in plant physiological studies. Therefore, the use of a non-destructive, accurate and simple model to estimate LA is very important. This research aimed to develop a non-destructive model to estimate LA accurately in Epilobium species. To estimate LA, leaf length (L) and leaf width (W) of five Epilobium species were determined. Moreover, the actual leaf area, using leaf area meter was measured. Regression analysis of LA versus L, W and LW revealed several models to predict LA in Epilobium species. Out of the models, the best fitted and validated model which is recommended to estimate LA accurately in each species, was quadratic model based on two dimensions (L and W), including the E. algidum (LA = 0.1264 + 0.6562 (L×W) + 0.0366 (L×W)2), E. parviflorum (LA = – 3.144 + 1.323 (L×W) – 0.030 (L×W)2(, E. sp. (LA = 0.4236 + 0.3033 (L×W) + 0.1368 (L×W)2), E. hirsutum (LA= 2.2417 + 0.2202 (L×W) + 0.0029 (L×W)2), and E. frigidum (LA = 0.2119 + 0.4162 (L×W) + 0.1191 (L×W)2), all with R2 ≥ 0.80.