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Title: Morphological Analysis of Size and Shape ( MASS ): An integrative software program for morphometric analyses of leaves
Premise

Morphometric analysis is a common approach for comparing and categorizing botanical samples; however, completing a suite of analyses using existing tools may require a multi‐stage, multi‐program process. To facilitate streamlined analysis within a single program, Morphological Analysis of Size and Shape (MASS) for leaves was developed. Its utility is demonstrated using exemplar leaf samples fromAcer saccharum,Malus domestica, andLithospermum.

Methods

Exemplar samples were obtained from across a single tree (Acer saccharum), three trees in the same species (Malus domestica), and online, digitized herbarium specimens (Lithospermum).MASSwas used to complete simple geometric measurements of samples, such as length and area, as well as geometric morphological analyses including elliptical Fourier and Procrustes analyses. Principal component analysis (PCA) of data was also completed within the same program.

Results

MASSis capable of making desired measurements and analyzing traditional morphometric data as well as landmark and outline data.

Discussion

UsingMASS, differences were observed among leaves of the three studied taxa, but only inMalus domesticawere differences statistically significant or correlated with other morphological features. In the future,MASScould be applied for analysis of other two‐dimensional organs and structures.MASSis available for download athttps://github.com/gillianlynnryan/MASS.

 
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NSF-PAR ID:
10460333
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  ;  
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Applications in Plant Sciences
Volume:
7
Issue:
9
ISSN:
2168-0450
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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