A simple, reliable, and inexpensive solution for contact color measurement in small plant samples

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Correct color measurement by contact-type color measuring devices requires that the sample surface fully covers the head of the device, so their use on small samples remains a challenge. Here, we propose to use cardboard adaptors on the two aperture masks (3 and 8 mm diameter measuring area) of a broadly used portable spectrophotometer. Adaptors in black and white to reduce the measuring area by 50% and 70% were applied in this study. Representatives of the family Campanulaceae have been used to test the methodology, given the occurrence of small leaves. Our results show that, following colorimetric criteria, the only setting providing indistinguishable colors according to the perception of the human eye is the use of a 50%-reducing adaptor on the 3-mm aperture. In addition, statistical analysis suggests the use of the white adaptor. Our contribution offers a sound measurement technique to gather ecological information from the color of leaves, petals, and other small samples.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2348
JournalSensors
Volume20
Issue number8
Number of pages19
ISSN1424-8220
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

    Research areas

  • Campanulaceae, CIELAB color system, Color characterization, Nondestructive assessment, Reflectance colorimetry, Templates

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