A Multivariate Analysis of Leaf Area in Jute Genotypes

Applicability of a common leaf product constant in estimating leaf areas from linear measurements of a large number of jute genotypes was not found successful because of the existence of considerable variation of leaf shapes amongst genetically diverse varieties. In view of the above, 35 varieties (consisting of two jute species and their interspecific hybrids) were grouped into distinct clusters following multivariate analysis based on six leaf characters. Separate formulae were worked out for each cluster both by factor method as well as by regression method. Leaf areas estimated in this way did not differ significantly from the true areas and therefore, this present approach for estimating leaf area in different jute genotypes seemed to be most dependable.