Effect of Image Processing of a Leaf Photograph on the Calculated Fractal Dimension of Leaf Veins

Digital photography is a promised method for estimating the fractal characteristics of leaf veins. In this study, the effects of different threshold levels and image processing methods using Adobe Photoshop software on the fractal dimension values were examined from a digital photo of nectarine leaf. The results showed that the nectarine leaf vein has typical fractal characteristics and its fractal dimension increased linearly with the increasing levels of threshold. A larger value of fractal dimension was calculated from the image processed by dark strokes, and a smaller value by accented edges or desaturate. A positive relationship was found between the calculated values of fractal dimension and the black coverage in the image. Therefore, it should be cautious to choose threshold levels and image processing methods when processing a digital image for calculating the fractal characteristics of leaf veins. image processing, threshold, leaf vein, fractal dimension Department of Plant Science & Technology, Beijing Agricultural College,