Efecto del estrés ambiental en la morfología y área foliar en frijol caupí (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.).

The destructive estimation of leaf area in any plant species is a lengthy and labor-intensive process that entails significant research costs. Consequently, non-destructive mathematical models serve as an excellent alternative for in-situ leaf area estimation, especially when applicable across various environmental conditions. In this study, we assessed the impact of two stress conditions, salinity and drought, on the leaf area characteristics of each of the three leaflets in cowpea bean plants, specifically, the left lateral leaflet (FI), central leaflet (FC), and right lateral leaflet (FD). To achieve this, we digitized images of 7,722 leaflets and developed mathematical models that correlated the dimensions of length (L), width (W), and their product (LW) with the variable of interest. Principal results from model identity tests revealed that central leaflets remained unaffected by environmental conditions (P>0.01; F=1.22 ns). However, the lateral leaflets were significantly affected by the stress treatments (P<0.01; F=443.63**). In summary, the morphology of lateral leaflets was influenced by the studied stress conditions, and linear models proved to be a reliable alternative for estimating leaf area in bean plants exposed to variable climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]