Estimation of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) leaf area by a non-destructive method

The aim of this study was to develop mathematical models estimate the leaf area common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in irrigated and non-irrigated water regimes from linear dimensions. An experiment carried out a completely randomized design with 3×2 factorial arrangement (three cultivars: Triunfo, Garapiá FC 104; two regimes: non-irrigated) 25 replicates each. A total 523 trifoliates were collected throughout crop cycle. length (L, cm) width (W, central leaflet trifoliate measured their product (LW) (cm²) calculated. Then, these determined by digital photography methods using ImageJ® software, discs. number samples required define which method is most accurate be used as real generating equations bean. relationship between photographs dimensions W LW) fitted linear, quadratic power models. Subsequently, predictive capacity assessed root mean square error (cm2 trifoliate-1), absolute index agreement Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Sample size varied cultivars, evaluation methods. It more appropriate use provided for comparison purposes measurements, general equation LA = 1.092L1.945 can tested without accuracy losses.