scholarly journals Accelerating leaf area measurement using a volumetric approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abbas Haghshenas ◽  
Yahya Emam

Despite the advances in the techniques of indirect estimation of leaf area, the destructive measurement approaches have still remained as the reference and the most accurate methods. However, even utilizing the modern sensors and applications usually requires the laborious and time-consuming practice of unfolding and analyzing the single leaves, separately. In the present study, a volumetric approach was tested to determine the pile leaf area based on the ratio of leaf volume divided by thickness. For this purpose, the suspension technique was used for volumetry, which is based on the simple practice and calculations of the Archimedes principle. The results indicated that the wheat volumetric leaf area (VLA), had an approximately 1:1 correlation with the conventionally measured optical leaf area (OLA). Exclusion of the midrib volume from calculations, did not affect the estimation error (i.e. NRMSE less than 2.61%); however, improved the slope of the linear model by about 6%. The error of sampling for determining the mean leaf thickness of the pile, was also less than 2% throughout the season. Besides, a more practical and facilitated version of the pile volumetry was tested using a Specific Gravity Bench (SGB), which is currently available as a laboratory equipment. As an important observation, which was also expectable according to the 3D shape of the leaf (i.e. expansion in a 2D plane), it was evidenced that the variations in the OLA exactly follows the pattern of the changes in the leaf volume. Accordingly, it was suggested that the relative leaf areas of various experimental treatments may be compared directly based on the volume, and independently of leaf thickness. Furthermore, no considerable difference was observed among the OLAs measured using various image resolutions (NRMSE < 0.212%); which indicates that even the current superfast scanners with low resolutions as 200 dpi may be used for a precision optical measurement of leaf area. It is expected that utilizing the reliable and simple concept of volumetric leaf area, based on which the measurement time may be independent of the sample size, facilitate the laborious practice of leaf area measurement; and consequently, improve the precision of the field experiments.

2014 ◽  
Vol 577 ◽  
pp. 664-667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Zhao ◽  
Li Li Yang ◽  
Shi Gang Cui ◽  
Xing Li Wu ◽  
Fan Liang ◽  
...  

Modern agriculture is developing towards the direction of intelligent. We can realize the nondestructive measurement of plant leaf area by using the digital camera. In this paper, we make the same ratio between the camera’s screen and the background plate to overcome the problem of geometric distortion. Then we use two perpendicular digital cameras from the front and side to collect images respectively for curved leaf. Because there are characteristics of the image grey value mutation on the rage of the vane, we can extract the leaf by image segmentation. The leaf area can be calculated by the statistic of the pixels number according to the projection principle. Experiments show that, the error of leaf area measurement reduces from 13.51% to 5.93% by binocular vision. So this method not only can get the measurement of leaf area data, but also can effectively avoid the two-dimensional image distortion and improve the accuracy of leaf area calculation.


1998 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 446-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathieu Ngouajio ◽  
Claudel Lemieux ◽  
Jean-Jacques Fortier ◽  
Denis Careau ◽  
Gilles D. Leroux

The practical application of yield loss prediction models using relative leaf area of weeds is limited due to the lack of a quick and accurate method of leaf area estimation. Leaf cover (the vertical projection of plant canopy on the ground) can be used to approximate leaf area at early stages of plant development. An automated digital image analysis system for measuring leaf cover has been developed. The system has an operator-assisted module aimed at validating the automated functions. The objective of this research was to demonstrate the accuracy of the operator-assisted module under different weed–crop conditions. A laboratory experiment was conducted using simulated weed–crop populations. Two additional field experiments were conducted using corn in competition with: (1) common lambsquarters, barnyardgrass, or a mixture of both species, and (2) a natural weed community. In the laboratory experiment, a narrow linear relation was observed between leaf cover estimated with the operator-assisted module and leaf area measured with an optical area meter (r2> 0.98). In field experiments, the regression between corn leaf cover estimated by the operator-assisted module and corn leaf area measured with the optical area meter was not as good (r2< 0.55). The poor performance of the module was probably due to the overlapping and the architecture of corn leaves (especially unexpanded leaves). Nevertheless, the system showed high precision in estimating leaf area of both grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds (r2> 0.89). Generally, the accuracy of the estimates decreased as the growth stage became more advanced. Apart from its initial purpose as a calibration tool for the automated system, the operator-assisted module can have several potential research applications. It can be used: (1) as an alternative to destructive leaf area measurement at early stages of plant development, (2) as a tool in the study of plant competitive ability, and (3) as an objective and quantitative support to visual observations.


2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (6) ◽  
pp. 624-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keila Rego Mendes ◽  
Ricardo Antonio Marenco

Global climate models predict changes on the length of the dry season in the Amazon which may affect tree physiology. The aims of this work were to determine the effect of the rainfall regime and fraction of sky visible (FSV) at the forest understory on leaf traits and gas exchange of ten rainforest tree species in the Central Amazon, Brazil. We also examined the relationship between specific leaf area (SLA), leaf thickness (LT), and leaf nitrogen content on photosynthetic parameters. Data were collected in January (rainy season) and August (dry season) of 2008. A diurnal pattern was observed for light saturated photosynthesis (Amax) and stomatal conductance (g s), and irrespective of species, Amax was lower in the dry season. However, no effect of the rainfall regime was observed on g s nor on the photosynthetic capacity (Apot, measured at saturating [CO2]). Apot and leaf thickness increased with FSV, the converse was true for the FSV-SLA relationship. Also, a positive relationship was observed between Apot per unit leaf area and leaf nitrogen content, and between Apot per unit mass and SLA. Although the rainfall regime only slightly affects soil moisture, photosynthetic traits seem to be responsive to rainfall-related environmental factors, which eventually lead to an effect on Amax. Finally, we report that little variation in FSV seems to affect leaf physiology (Apot) and leaf anatomy (leaf thickness).


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Li-fen Tu ◽  
Qi Peng ◽  
Chun-sheng Li ◽  
Aiqun Zhang

In order to measure the plant leaf area conveniently and quickly in an indoor laboratory and outdoor field, a set of scaffold leaf area measurement systems was designed and manufactured. A 2D in situ method for measuring plant leaf area with camera correction and background color calibration was proposed. The method integrates three subalgorithms: fast calibration and distortion correction algorithm, background color calibration algorithm, and edge error correction algorithm. At the same time, the Visual Studio 2015 and OpenCV 3.4.0 were used to develop and test the algorithm. In order to verify the measurement speed and environmental adaptability of the system, the test was carried out in the complex light disturbance outdoors, and the results were consistent with those in the room. In order to verify the measurement accuracy of the system, this method was used to measure the standard rectangular gauge block of known area and the real leaf area, respectively, and its data were compared with the data measured by Wanshen LA-S plant image analyzer. The results show that both methods have a good stability, and the algorithm proposed in this paper performs better in measurement accuracy and environmental adaptability.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-143
Author(s):  
J. V. Thaker ◽  
R. P. Kuvad ◽  
V. S. Thaker

Leaf area is an important parameter in physiology and agronomy studies. Linear models for leaf area measurement are developed for plant species as a nondestructive method. The plant Adhatoda vasica L. (a medicinal plant) was selected and the leaves of this plant were used for development of linear model for leaf area using Leaf Area Meter (LAM) software. Planimetric parameters (length, length2, width and width2) and gravimetric (dry weight and water content) parameters are considered for the development of linear model for this plant species. Single factor ANOVA and linear correlations were worked out using these parameters and leaf area. The plant was showed significant relationship with the parameters studied. The best correlation as represented by regression coefficient (R2) was used and improved R2 is worked out. It is observed that with increase in leaf area, water content is also increased and showed best correlation with the leaf area. Thus water content can be taken as a parameter for developing linear model for leaf area is concluded.


1984 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 765 ◽  
Author(s):  
RJ French ◽  
JE Schultz

Evidence is presented that water use efficiency and yield of wheat are reduced by insufficient leaf area and by inadequate content of nutrients in the top growth. Yields from field trials are compared with the potential yield, and a review is made of the limitations caused by weeds, the incidence of diseases and the harvest index. The data highlight the need for field experiments to define the evaporation and transpiration components of water use in each environment. They also indicate the need for multi-factorial treatments to overcome all yield limitations and thereby attain the potential yield.


1997 ◽  
Vol 33 (01) ◽  
pp. 65-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. T. Korva ◽  
G. A. Forbes

A technique for leaf area measurement utilizing water spray as an inexpensive substitute for electronic equipment was developed and tested with leaves of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). The leaf areas measured by the spray method were highly correlated with those measured by an electronic area meter. Measurements of leaf area obtained by the spray method were significantly more highly correlated with those obtained by the area meter than were the measurements of dry weights. The main advantages of the new method are precision, accuracy and immediate results at a low cost.


Weed Science ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (02) ◽  
pp. 354-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darren C. Barker ◽  
Stevan Z. Knezevic ◽  
Alex R. Martin ◽  
Daniel T. Walters ◽  
John L. Lindquist

Weeds that respond more to nitrogen fertilizer than crops may be more competitive under high nitrogen (N) conditions. Therefore, understanding the effects of nitrogen on crop and weed growth and competition is critical. Field experiments were conducted at two locations in 1999 and 2000 to determine the influence of varying levels of N addition on corn and velvetleaf height, leaf area, biomass accumulation, and yield. Nitrogen addition increased corn and velvetleaf height by a maximum of 15 and 68%, respectively. N addition increased corn and velvetleaf maximum leaf area index (LAI) by up to 51 and 90%. Corn and velvetleaf maximum biomass increased by up to 68 and 89% with N addition. Competition from corn had the greatest effect on velvetleaf growth, reducing its biomass by up to 90% compared with monoculture velvetleaf. Corn response to N addition was less than that of velvetleaf, indicating that velvetleaf may be most competitive at high levels of nitrogen and least competitive when nitrogen levels are low. Corn yield declined with increasing velvetleaf interference at all levels of N addition. However, corn yield loss due to velvetleaf interference was similar across N treatments except in one site–year, where yield loss increased with increasing N addition. Corn yield loss due to velvetleaf interference may increase with increasing N supply when velvetleaf emergence and early season growth are similar to that of corn.


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