Linear measurements of the leaf blade in xaraes and massai grasses for estimation of the leaf area

Abstract

Knowledge on the leaf area of foraging grasses is essential, since it’s one of the most important variables in the evaluation of plant growth. Thus, one aimed at determining equations which allow, through simple measurements of leaf length, as well as average and maximum width, to quickly and accurately estimate the actual leaf area of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraes and Panicum maximum cv. Massai. One measured with millimeter rulers the length along the main vein (L), the maximum width perpendicular to the main vein (Wmax), and the average width (Wave) of leaf blades in both species. For determining the actual leaf areas (ALA), one used the Li-Cor®, model LI 3000. Regression and correlation studies were performed between ALA and the leaf area estimated through the linear or exponential equations for choosing the best equations. For xaraes grass the equation with the best accuracy for estimating ALA was the linear 0.53+0.98 LWave and for massai grass the best options were the linear 1.30+0.92 LWave and the exponential 8.86e0.04LWmax and 10.30e0.03LWave. Estimates of the leaf area of xaraes grass and massai grass through simple measurements of leaf length and width have proved to be effective and accurate.

Keywords

• Brachiaria brizantha
• Foraging grasses
• Panicum maximum
• Pastures