Growing Conditions Alter the Relationship Between SPAD-501 Values and Apple Leaf Chlorophyll

Abstract

The relationship between SPAD-501 meter readings (SPAD) and total chlorophyll content (TCHL) was evaluated for `Delicious' apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) leaves grown in various environments. Regression models were developed between SPAD and TCHL for each of six separate experiments and were evaluated for statistical coincidence. SPAD was linearly related in a positive manner to TCHL in five of the six experiments; however, models differed between experiments, particularly between field- and greenhouse-grown trees. Thus, the relationship between SPAD and TCHL must be determined for each experiment.