The objective of this study was to evaluate non-destructive methods of estimating total leaf area of young 'Tahiti' lime (Citrus latifolia Tan.) plants grown in the field. Information of biometrical variables of 28 young plants (0.07 to 1.44 m²) and digitized image of front area of each plant (plant silhouette) were used. These variables were correlated to the direct measurements (leaves and average leaf area counting). As a result, it was possible to estimate total plant leaf area (AFT) based upon the equation: AFT = 88.936 x DI - 1.4017 (R²=0.75), where DI stands for the trunk diameter taken 5 cm below the graft and the silhouette area in m² (IM): AFT = 2.4951 x IM (R²=0.72). The leaf area of secondary branches (AFR) can be estimated by an exponential equation with the branch diameter (DR): AFR = 0.0144e277.02 x DR (R²=0.71). These methodologies can be used for estimation of a mean value of leaf area in the orchard and should not be indicated when high accuracy is necessary for the estimative, since the absolute mean errors are large.
biometry; plant silhouette; Citrus latifolia Tan
