Soybean Canopy Cover Measured with Canopeo Compared with Light Interception

Abstract

Canopy cover is a useful way of monitoring crop productivity, but it can be time-consuming to measure using light interception. The objective of this research was to evaluate soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] canopy cover measured with Canopeo, a new mobile device application, compared with the light interception method. Data were collected from a soybean planting date by relative maturity study established at three locations. Canopy cover was measured every other week throughout the growing season using pictures and videos analyzed by Canopeo and was compared with light interception measurements using a line quantum sensor. There was a linear relationship between canopy cover measured with pictures (R2 = 0.94) and videos (R2 = 0.92) in Canopeo and light interception. These results suggest Canopeo can be used to take pictures or videos to determine canopy cover as a viable alternative to measuring canopy cover in soybean. Dep. approaches, are discussed. 2011 Future Medicine Ltd.