Reflectance indices indicative for changes in water contents of chicory leaves
François, I.M.; De Proft, M.
Communications in Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences 70(2): 135-138
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1379-1176 PMID: 16366292 Document Number: 587861
Measurements of reflectance in visible and near-infrared spectral regions were made on potted chicory plants (Cichorium intybus cv. Mont Blanc) subjected to different water regimes (i.e. 0, 10, 20, 40, 80, 100, 120, 140 and 160 ml/day for 2 weeks). After 15 days of reflectance measurements, the relative water content (RWC) of plants was also determined. RWC increased with higher levels of water given to the plants, ranging from 11% water content for treatments with 0 and 10 ml/day to a maximum of 83% for treatments with 120, 140 and 160 ml/day. Spectral measurements showed a change in reflectance during progressive desiccation of the leaves. This pattern was most obvious in the plants with the lowest water supply. Existing spectral indices were tested on their prediction of the measured RWC and new indices were proposed.