Short Communication:The developmentt of a leaf tensilmeter for in situ measurement of leaf tensile strength.

Abstract

The development of a portable leaf tensilmeter for the in situ measurement of leaf tensile strength is described. Tensile strength is determined by the distortion of strain gauges on modified stripping pliers which are used to break leaf blades. The output is displayed via an analogue chip through a liquid crystal display.

Keywords: botany; breaking tension; equipment; leaf blade; leaves; palatability; south africa; strain gauge; tensile strength; tensilmeter