Multiple Leaf Sample Extraction System (MuLES): A tool to improve automated morphometric leaf studies

Abstract

Premise: The measurement of leaf morphometric parameters from digital images can be time-consuming or restrictive when using digital image analysis softwares. The Multiple Leaf Sample Extraction System (MuLES) is a new tool that enables highthroughput leaf shape analysis with minimal user input or prerequisites, such as coding knowledge or image modification. Methods and Results: MuLES uses contrasting pixel color values to distinguish between leaf objects and their background area, eliminating the need for color threshold-based methods or color correction cards typically required in other software methods. The leaf morphometric parameters measured by this software, especially leaf aspect ratio, were able to distinguish between large populations of different accessions for the same species in a high-throughput manner.Conclusions: MuLES provides a simple method for the rapid measurement of leaf morphometric parameters in large plant populations from digital images and demonstrates the ability of leaf aspect ratio to distinguish between closely related plant types.

Exploring the Phylogenetic Relationship among Citrus through Leaf Shape Traits: A Morphological Study on Citrus Leaves

“…Central leaflets of citrus leaves were scanned using an Epson Perfection V600 Photo Document scanner at a resolution of 300 dots per inch (dpi). After scanning, images were batch-cropped and analyzed using a custom macro-program named MuLES (multiple leaf sample extraction system) that was developed by our team [16]. MuLES automatically extracts binary masks and measures primary allometric features of each leaf.…”