Leaf Color Chart and Chlorophyll‐Meter‐Based Leaf Nitrogen Estimation and Their Threshold Values for Real‐Time Nitrogen Management in Cassava

Abstract

The critical leaf and the threshold values of leaf color chart (LCC) and chlorophyll meter (SPAD‐502) for cassava have been evaluated. The nitrogen (N) rates and cultivars had a significant effect on LCC score, SPAD values, and leaf N concentration of leaf 1 in most cases. Among the three leaf positions studied, the youngest fully expanded leaf (YFEL) blade (leaf 1) had significant, positive correlation of tuber yield with LCC score, SPAD value, and leaf N concentration. The regression between LCC score and leaf N concentration of leaf 1 was LCC  =  0.358 (Leaf N) + 0.78 (r²  =  0.81) and that between LCC score and SPAD value was SPAD  =  10.981 (LCC) – 3.51 (r²  =  0.82). A threshold LCC score of 2.65 and threshold SPAD value of 25 were suitable to determine the optimal timing of N top‐dressing for cassava.

Keywords:

• Cassava
• chlorophyll Meter
• LCC
• leaf color chart
• nitrogen
• SPAD

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors are grateful for the financial support from Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (KSCSTE), Government of Kerala, India, for conducting the study. We thank the Director, Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, for providing laboratory facilities to conduct the study.