Allometric models for non-destructive leaf area measurement of Stevia: An in depth and complete analysis

Resumo

Leaf area measurement is pivotal for plant physiologists. Hence, accurate measurement of their leaf area is incredibly relevant in agronomic terms. The horticultural plant species Stevia rebaudiana is a sugar-free plant species that is now vital to the global production of sugar-free foods. Here, we estimated S. rebaudiana leaf area using a nondestructive methodology comprising allometric equations. Leaf area was determined through leaf length (L), leaf width (W), and/or their product (LW). One thousand leaves were sampled from four distinct S. rebaudiana genotypes for model construction. Linear or power models were generated, and the best equation was selected using a statistical criterion. The statistical criteria indicated that the linear models best suited all genotypes tested, included a function of LW, exhibited increased stability, and precisely estimated coefficients. ANOVA reveled that both generalized and combined equations were feasible. Nevertheless, grouping all genotypes into a single model was contra indicated as the genotype leaf architectures were very dissimilar.