Leaf area estimation in seedlings of "mangaba" (Hancornia speciosa Gom.)

Abstract

Relationship studies were done between leaf area and linear measurements on leaves of "mangaba" seedlings, grown in two kinds of nursery conditions: in an open field nursery (100% of natural light) and in an woven nylon covered lathhouse (50% of natural light). Two seedlings from each nursery were picked at random to be evaluated at 5 week intervals, for 40 weeks. Petioleless leaves were numbered and their length (C) and maximum width (L) were measured with a milimetrical ruler. Individual leaf area (AF) were measured in an area meter Hayashi Denko, Model AAM-7. Relationships were analyzed through regressions. Lighting differences between nurseries did not affect any evaluated leaf traits. Therefore, only one equation for each leaf trait was determined to estimate leaf area: AF = 0,66 + 0,11 C + 0,32 C², AF = 1,44 -1,74 L + 1,97 L² and AF = 0,76 C x L. The linear equation AF = 0,76 C x L provided the best fit (R²=0,989) for estimating rapidly and precisely foliar areas in mangaba seedlings.