Leaf Mechanical Resistance: Effect of Leaf Geometry Shapes for Maturity Classification

Abstract

The leaf mechanical resistance differs by species; leaf geometry shape, besides they are maturity-transition dependent. Despite the leaf developments being described extensively, different leaf geometry shapes and its maturity influence on its mechanical resistance is still vague. This paper discusses the statistical significance of the leaf mechanical resistance by geometry shapes for leaf maturity classification. Tensile tests were performed on ten samples from each of 20 species leaf lamina strips (5 x 50 mm) at three maturity states (young, adult, and old). The indicators used were the Tensile Strength (ST), Work-to-Tear (WT), and Specific Work-to-Tear (SWT). Statistical and classification analyses, supported by SPSS and Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis (WEKA) tools, were performed to examine the leaf mechanical resistance indicators on the maturity states predictions. All ST, WT, and SWT showed statistical significance were for the young-adult. The young-old was only significant for WT which showed the better accuracy of 0.11% - 27.14% above ST and SWT for maturity classification. However, classification accuracy was higher for WT attribute on significant leaf geometry shapes segregation, with enhancement of 33.63%. The study suggests that WT measure on significant leaf geometry shapes is a useful indicator of leaf maturity state classification.