Three‐band model for noninvasive estimation of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanin contents in higher plant leaves

TLDR

Leaf pigment content reflects plant physiological status, and reflectance measurements provide a rapid, nondestructive way to estimate it. The study introduces a three‑band model to remotely estimate total chlorophyll, carotenoid, and anthocyanin contents in leaves of various tree and crop species. The model’s spectral bands were tuned to each pigment and leaf optical properties, achieving accurate estimations that explain over 91%, 70%, and 93% of variation in chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins, respectively. The technique demonstrates strong potential for noninvasive monitoring of vegetation physiological status and environmental impacts.

Abstract

Leaf pigment content and composition provide important information about plant physiological status. Reflectance measurements offer a rapid, nondestructive technique to estimate pigment content. This paper describes a recently developed three‐band conceptual model capable of remotely estimating total of chlorophylls, carotenoids and anthocyanins contents in leaves from many tree and crop species. We tuned the spectral regions used in the model in accord with pigment of interest and the optical characteristics of the leaves studied, and showed that the developed technique allowed accurate estimation of total chlorophylls, carotenoids and anthocyanins, explaining more than 91%, 70% and 93% of pigment variation, respectively. This new technique shows a great potential for noninvasive tracking of the physiological status of vegetation and the impact of environmental changes.