Predictive Modeling of a Leaf Conceptual Midpoint Quasi-Color (CMQ) Using an Artificial Neural Network.

The color of plant leaves is moderated by the content of pigments, which can show considerable dorsiventral distribution. Two typical examples are leafy vegetables and ornamentals, wherein red and green color surfaces can be seen on the same leaf. The proof of concept is provided for predictive modeling of a leaf conceptual mid-point quasi-color (CMQ) from the content of pigments. The CMQ idea is based on the hypothesis that the content of pigments in leaves is associated with the combined color from both surfaces. The CMQ, which is calculated from CIELab color coordinates at adaxial and abaxial antipodes, is thus not an actual color, but a notion that can be used in modeling. The CMQ coordinates, predicted from the content of chlorophylls and anthocyanins by means of an artificial neural network (ANN), matched well with the CMQ coordinates empirically found on photosynthetically active leaves of lettuce (