Measurement of Vegetable Leaf Area Using Digital Image Processing Techniques

A novel method for measuring individual leaf area of vegetables was developed using digital image processing techniques and scanner. Meanwhile, the measured data from digital image analysis was compared with the values from grid-counting method, leaf-copy and weighing method, instrumental scanning method, etc. The results show that there are close relationships between digital image processing method and the other traditional methods. Relative low variation in measured data was the dominant advantage of image processing method. It can be concluded that digital image analysis technique is suitable to measure leaf area of vegetable in combination with “Maximum length×width”ruler method through correlation and the calibration coefficients for rape (Brassica napus L) and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk) were 0.792 and 0.818, respectively.