LEAF AREA ESTIMATION IN LITCHI BY MEANS OF ALLOMETRIC RELATIONSHIPS

ABSTRACT Obtaining leaf area is critical in several agronomic studies, being one of the important instruments to assess plant growth. The aim of this study was to estimate equations and select the most appropriate in determining leaf area in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.). From the linear dimensions of length (L) and maximum width (W) of leaf limb, equations were estimated using linear, quadratic, potential and exponential models. The linear regression equation using the product of the length by maximum width, given by Y = 0.2885 + 0.662 (L.W) is the one that best expresses the leaf area estimation of litchi tree.