Counting dandelion blooms in field plots using an image processing program

Digital image analysis provides researchers a method to accurately and efficiently analyze turfgrass parameters including cover, color, disease severity, more. Opportunities for processing images has increased due the free open-source nature of many new programs. We developed macro (set macroinstructions) within software ImageJ that is able count number quantify percent coverage dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg.) blooms in field plot images, which allows collection objective data on broadleaf weeds. A particle function was used distinguish from other yellow objects (e.g. chlorotic leaves) based their size circularity. also explored use binary watershed segmentation separate groupings into individual could be counted. To verify accuracy macro, we analyzed 164 with regressed against visual counts bloom. The resulting linear regression (visual vs. macro) had slope 1.034 an R2 value 0.9795. This rapid accurate determining plots using analysis.