| Abstract: |
Leaf senescence involves progressive structural and biochemical changes that are difficult to quantify using traditional, destructive techniques. This study explores the combined use of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) characterization and spectral chlorophyll index (SCI) measurement to non-invasively monitor leaf microstructural and pigment alterations throughout the senescence process. OCT imaging was employed to assess changes in leaf internal architecture, including layer thickness, mesophyll integrity, and scattering patterns. SCI values were obtained through reflectance-based spectral analysis and fluorescence spectroscopic methods to estimate chlorophyll degradation with enhanced sensitivity. Results showed a consistent decline in SCI values corresponding with OCT-detected structural deterioration, such as reduced tissue cohesion and increased scattering heterogeneity. Strong correlations between OCT parameters and chlorophyll index trends indicate that microstructural breakdown closely parallels pigment loss during aging. The integration of OCT imaging with spectral and fluorescence-based chlorophyll metrics offers a robust, real-time, and non-destructive approach for evaluating leaf senescence, with potential applications in plant physiology research, crop monitoring, and precision agriculture. |