EFFECT OF LEAF SIZE ON CARBON CONTENT OF MANGO AND POTATO LEAVES

Abstract

Leaf carbon content is a key indicator of plant productivity, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem functioning. Understanding the relationship between leaf size and carbon concentration provides valuable insights into plant physiological performance and biomass accumulation. The present study investigated the effect of leaf size on the carbon content of leaves in mango (Mangifera indica L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Leaves representing different size classes were collected from healthy plants and categorized into four large (L1–L4) and four small (S1–S4) groups based on their leaf area. Leaf area was measured using a standardized grid-based method, followed by oven drying and determination of carbon concentration using a CHN elemental analyzer. Dry biomass and leaf carbon stock were subsequently estimated from the measured carbon percentages. The results revealed distinct variations in carbon concentration among different leaf size classes in both species. Larger mango leaves generally exhibited higher carbon concentrations (47.4–49.1%) than smaller leaves, whereas potato leaves displayed relatively smaller variations, with carbon concentrations ranging from 38.9% to 41.9%. The findings indicate that leaf size exerts a measurable influence on carbon accumulation, although the magnitude of this relationship is species-specific. This study highlights the importance of considering leaf size in carbon assessment and biomass estimation and provides baseline information for ecological studies, carbon budgeting, and sustainable agricultural management of horticultural crops.