Estimation of leaf area in wheat using linear measurements.

In order to find a rapid, reliable method for estimating leaf area in wheat, field experiments were conducted with three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars viz. Sonera, Lok-1 and Raj-1555. On the basis of correlation and regression analyses, the product of length and maximum width (LW) was found to be the best independent variable for determining the leaf area. The Y intercept had little affect on leaf area calculation and hence leaf area in wheat can be calculated by the simple equation Y = 0.75 LW. During the entire growth period leaf area and leaf dry weight was closely correlated but the logarithmic equation fitted better than the linear equation. Leaf area and total plant weight did not show any significant linear correlation.