Relationship Between Leaf Area and Dry Matter in Winter Wheat1

Abstract

AbstractModels of plant growth and plant water use often require leaf‐area measurements, a potentially time‐consuming and costly process. The objective of this study was to determine if by establishing a relationship between leaf area and dry matter in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell), that dry matter can be substituted for leaf area. Four cultivars of winter wheat were seeded on Dooley sandy loam and Williams loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, Typic Argiborolls) in northeastern Montana in three divergent growing seasons. Leaf area and dry matter determinations, from random 30‐cm row plant samples cut at ground level, were made weekly throughout the season. Leaf area and leaf dry matter were closely correlated (r2= 0.951). Leaf area vs. plant dry matter also was closely correlated (r2 = 0.948) through the fifth growth stage (leaf sheaths strongly erect, tillering complete). Thus it appears that in studies and modeling efforts where leaf area indices are needed, at least for winter wheat, leaf dry matter may be substituted for leaf area index.