ISHS Acta Horticulturae 674: III International Symposium on Applications of Modelling as an Innovative Technology in the Agri-Food Chain; MODEL-IT
METHODS TO ESTIMATE AND CALCULATE LETTUCE GROWTH |
| Authors: | E. Dayan, E. Presnov, L.D. Albright |
| Keywords: | Microclimate control, growth curve, curve fitting, models, Lactuca sativa L. |
| Abstract:
Because of the relatively high portion of dry matter accumulated within the leaves of the lettuce plant, the accuracy and sensitivity of a lettuce growth model may be improved by accurate and detailed morphological and physiological characteristics of each leaf growth. This work demonstrates how the required characteristics for such detailed calculations were determined according to observations in a controlled commercial greenhouse. The unfolding of each lettuce leaf was described by using a series of flap patterns, each composed of a triangle and an ellipse. This method enables an accurate presentation of the morphological changes within each leaf and tracks plant growth by sequential measurements of each leaf length, width, and distance between the leaf base and the location of the maximal leaf width. The quantification of the leaves’ morphological changes can also be used for drawing information about the initiation and maturity states of each leaf life cycle. Longer observation periods than reported here are required to obtain information regarding the upper leaves of lettuce plants. | |
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