Abstract

The objective of this work was to determine a mathematical equation using linear measures that allows estimating a leaf area of the specie Plectranthus barbatus Andrews, a plant with medicinal properties popularly known as garden boldo. For this was performed a direct measurement of the leaf blade considering the length (L) along the midrib and the maximum width (W) perpendicular to the midrib of 500 leaves of different specimens and the observed foliar area (OLA), which were obtained by digitized images. A regression study with linear, quadratic, potential and exponential models was performed using a random sample of 400 from the evaluated leaves using OLA as a function of L, W or LW and then obtaining the estimated leaf area (ELA) of each model. From the remaining 100 leaves a validation of the tested models was performed using ELA as a function of OLA in a simple linear regression. From the residues between ELA and OLA the root-square-mean error and Willmot index (d) was obtained and the normality was verified. The parameters used for validation were: statistically linear and angular coefficient equal to zero and one respectively; coefficient of determination closest to the unit; RQME closer to zero; d index closest to the unit; normal distribution of residues. The equation that best represents the estimated leaf area of the garden boldo is ELA = 0.1389 + 0.6779 (LW).

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