Non-destructive estimation of area and variation in shape of leaf lamina in the fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis)

Expanded and mature leaves of the fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook. fil.), grown in fields, were studied to derive a predictive regression equation for use in estimating the leaf lamina area (LA) during crop growth studies. A suitable equation based on the number of leaflets in a leaf (Nt) combined with the length (Lc) and maximum width, (Wc) of only the central leaflet in 156 leaves representing diverse seasonal, cultural, and genetic backgrounds with 2–5 leaflets was LA = 0.9467 + 0.2475LcWc + 0.9724LcWcNt ( r 2 = 0.92∗∗∗ ). Variation in the different attributes of lamina reduced the percentage of the variation in LA accounted for by use of the equation. Leaf shapes varied widely depending on the number of leaflets, extent of lamina separation, type of tip, degree of lobing, as well as the flatness or waviness of lamina surface. Overall, the central leaflet was largest with other leaflets being 80, 70, 64 and 54% the size of the central leaflet.