Accurate area determination of complex leaves using digital image analysis

Abstract

A recently described computer image analysis method was modified forquantification of leaf area. These areas were compared to those estimated by alower resolution method based on planimetry. Leaves ofEucalyptus nitens (Deane & Maiden) Maiden, pinnae ofDicksonia antarctica Labill. and leaves ofAcacia dealbata Link were used for analysis, offeringsurfaces of low, intermediate and high complexity, respectively.Low-resolution planimetry was found to be a suitable method for thecalculation of leaf area of simple broadleaves. However, for surfaces ofgreater complexity, the higher resolution of image analysis gave more accurateestimates of area. Overlapping of primary pinnae in the complexA. dealbata leaf proved to be a larger source of errorthan inadequacy of resolution.