MEDICIONES LINEALES EN LA HOJA PARA LA ESTIMACIÓN NO DESTRUCTIVA DEL ÁREA FOLIAR EN ALBAHACA (Ocimun basilicum L.)

We obtained statistical models for estimating and predicting leaf area (AF) based on leaf length (L) and width (A) of basil (Ocimun basilicum) under desert climatic conditions, irrigation regime, and organic management in the meridional area of the peninsula of Baja California, Mexico. We took 500 randomized leaf samples (n=500) at three ages (young, intermediate, mature), from one hectare. The measurements obtained were correlated to generate simple linear (leaf area as a function of length and width) and multiple linear (as a function of length by width) regression equations. Leaf area positively correlated with leaf length (r=0.89) and width (r=0.97) and with width by length (r=0.97). All calculated equations significantly explained (P<0.0001) AF (variation amplitude among models with R2=0.70-0.93). These results show the feasibility of estimating AF in a predictive and reliable way from easily obtained measurements without destruction of the plant; additionally, high R2values do not necessarily indicate a good model fit for this purpose. As a whole, the best model was the multiple linear one that included length by width (R2=0.93).