Estimativa da área foliolar de plantas jovens de açaizeiro por métodos não destrutivos.

Abstract

The search for viable tools that meet the need for knowledge about native species is extremely important, and becomes even more visible in the absence of practical models that estimate the area of leaflets for Euterpe oleracea açai palm seedlings. Therefore, it is important to test models that use easily accessible variables, which are related to açai palm leaflets. This research aims to examine the hypothesis that the area of a leaflet can be estimated using simple and double-entry equations. The objective of this work is to propose models to estimate açaí palm leaf area using leaflet length and/or width measurements. Açaizeiro leaflets were evaluated to determine their length (L), width (W) and leaflet area (La). The Jackknife technique was used to compose the sample. Models were generated from the dimensions of L, W and product between L and W (L*W), independent variables. The selection of models was based on the adjusted coefficient of determination (R2aj), standard error of the estimate in percentage (Syx%), Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) and graphic criteria. In validation, a graphical analysis was performed between the estimated and observed values, and the Graybill Test, Estimated Efficiency and Average Percentage Error. Among the tested models, two models (I and II), both double-entry, stood out, with higher values of R2aj and lower values of Syx% and AIC. In the validation, these presented the combinations of greater efficiency and better performance of the relationship between estimated and observed La, by graphical analysis. The best leaflet area estimate for the açaí palm can be obtained by means of model II, considered simpler and more accurate, which can be used as an excellent tool to study the leaf development of the açaí palm.