Multi-stemmed Shrub Research Articles

For multi-stemmed shrubs, especially those with fine foliage, obtaining measures of leaf area or density of foliage and twigs within the crown may be both difficult and time-consuming. However, this measure may be an indication of the ornamental quality of a species. A method of photographic analysis was developed to perform repeated measures within the crown of woody shrubs. Slides of 5 species of arid land woody shrubs were analyzed by use of a Visual Image Processor system. This digital imaging technique may be applied where comparative measures over time for individual plants is useful. Comparisons were made of slides taken in the fall of 1989 and the spring and fall of 1990. The use Of slides limited handling or removal of any portion of the plants. Initial care in slide production and continuity of photographic techniques permits consistent results between measurement dates. This computerized method al lows comparative analysis of the growth and “fullness” of plant crowns.

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