Can leaf area in rice be defined by a mathematical model?

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to define an empirical model to calculate the leaf area in rice from linear leaf measure in genotypes used by farmers in Brazil. Through the leaf dimensions it is possible to identify the final crop yield from the LAI. Therefore, the leaves shape is closely related to the production of photoassimilates that will be converted into grain yield. Field experiments were carried out in four counties of Rio Grande do Sul with twelve-three varieties of rice in four growing seasons. We measured the length and width of leaves to construct the model. The relationship between leaf area and linear dimensions was shaped using a linear model for each genotype, and general model grouping all genotypes. The model accuracy was measure following statistics: Root Mean Square Error, BIAS, modified index of agreement and coefficient r. The non-destructive method for individual leaves was appropriate for estimating the leaf area in rice. Moreover, the general equation was estimated and can be used for all modern genotypes of rice in Brazil.