Non-destructive leaf area estimation in fruits: update and state of the art

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review on non-destructive estimation of leaf area in fruit trees. Articles published (N= 66) in scientific journals during the last 20 years (2000-2020) were analyzed. A standard systematic review was conducted, adjusted to the guidelines of the PRISMA statement. The most outstanding results indicate that the models developed to estimate the leaf area in fruit trees have been carried out mainly in developing countries. In general, these are linear models, based on the measurement of the height and width of the leaf, using a portable meter to measure leaf area. Likewise, most of the estimation models have been validated in the same study, which gives them a strong agreement between predicted and measured data. It is expected that the review presented here will constitute a reference material for technicians, professionals and researchers interested in this topic.