Estimation of leaf area model in hooker chives (Allium hookeri) and chollang (Allium chinense) using non-destructive method

An experiment was conducted during 2011–12 on hooker chives (Allium hookeri) and chollang (Allium chinense), to find out the best method of estimation of leaf, at Horticultural Research Farm, Andro, Central Agricultural University, Manipur. In this study, a leaf area estimation model was developed using linear measurement such as laminar length and breadth individually and together with the product of length and breadth by step-wise regression analysis. Allium species are commercially used by the people of Manipur as spice crops. However, their cultivation has not been commercialized so far. In-situ leaf area estimation of these crops is important for studying the relationship between leaf area development and plant growth. The proposed leaf area (LA) estimation model of regression equation based on leaf length, Y=6.426 + 2.051×₁ having correlation of co-efficient of determination (r²=0.91) were suited for the estimation of leaf area of hooker chives, while for chollang the proposed leaf area (LA) estimation model of regression equation based on dry weight of leaf, Y=3.636+4.605X₃ having the co-efficient of determination (r² = 0.94) were most suited for the estimation of leaf area. However, dry weight of leaf method being destructive, the non-destructive method of regression equation in chollang based on leaf breadth, Y= 0.214 + 3.772X₂ having the coefficient of determination (r²=0.93) will be better suited for the estimation of leaf area estimation in chollang.