Determination of leaf area constant and prediction of leaf area in castor (Ricinus communis L.) by non-destructive method.

摘要

A non-destructive method for determining leaf area constant (K) and constructing prediction equations for leaf area of castor (R. communis) was developed. The parameters were measured using empirical formulae. The castor cultivars Red petiole, DCS-9, DCH-32, DCH-177 and 48-1 were used. K was determined in the cultivars by the plannimeter method. The actual leaf area obtained by the plannimeter method and the estimated leaf area were not significantly different. The prediction equations were derived from independent variables involved the determination of the square of maximum leaf length, square of maximum breadth and product of length and breadth. Results showed that the independent variable length x breadth gave the best-fitted prediction equations. To save time, only the breadth measurements were used to provide sufficiently high predictability of leaf area for all the cultivars.