Can leaf area in rice be defined by a mathematical model?

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to define an empirical model to calculate the leaf area in rice from linear leaf measure in genotypes used by farmers in Brazil. Through the leaf dimensions it is possible to identify the final crop yield from the LAI. Therefore, the leaves shape is closely related to the production of photoassimilates that will be converted into grain yield. Field experiments were carried out in four counties of Rio Grande do Sul with twelve-three varieties of rice in four growing seasons. We measured the length and width of leaves to construct the model. The relationship b...