A rapid method to estimate leaf area in seedlings of "cagaita" (Eugenia dysenterica D.C.)

Abstract

Relationship studies were done between leaf area and linear measurements on leaves of "cagaita" seedlings grown in two kinds of nursery conditions: in an open field nursery (100% of sunlight) and in an woven nylon covered lathhouse (50% of sunlight). From each nursery two seedlings were picked at random to be evaluated at 5 week intervals, for 35 weeks. Petioleless leaves were numbered and their length (C) and maximum width (L) were measured with a milimetrical ruler. Individual leaf areas (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 = -3.598 + 2.331 C, AF = -3.444 - 4.913 L and AF = 0.719 C x L. The equation AF = 0.719 C x L provided the best fit (RZ=0,977) for estimating rapidly and precisely foliar areas in "cagaita" seedlings.