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Updated: May 15, 2026

LeafJ: An ImageJ Plugin for Semi-automated Leaf Shape Measurement

LeafJ: An ImageJ Plugin for Semi-automated Leaf Shape Measurement

Published on: January 21, 2013

Multiple components are integrated to determine leaf complexity in Lotus japonicus.

Zhenhua Wang¹, Jianghua Chen, Lin Weng

¹National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China.

Journal of Integrative Plant Biology

|January 22, 2013

Summary

Researchers identified four genes controlling leaf complexity in Lotus japonicus, revealing conserved roles in plant development. These genes regulate leaflet initiation and dissection, highlighting genetic interactions in compound leaf formation.

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Area of Science:

Plant Biology
Developmental Genetics
Molecular Botany

Background:

Leaf complexity is regulated by transcription factors and phytohormones.
Lotus japonicus, a model legume, exhibits compound leaves with five leaflets.

Purpose of the Study:

To characterize mutants affecting leaf complexity in Lotus japonicus.
To identify genes controlling leaflet initiation and dissection.

Main Methods:

Mutant characterization in Lotus japonicus.
Scanning electron microscopy for leaf development analysis.
Gene expression and genetic analyses.

Main Results:

Four mutants (pfm, pfo-2, ful1, uml) showed reduced leaf complexity.
PFM/LjLFY and PFO/LjUFO control basipetal leaflet initiation.
CUC2-like genes and auxin pathways are involved in leaflet dissection and potentially cytokinin biogenesis.

Conclusions:

Multiple genes interact to control compound leaf complexity in Lotus japonicus.
Identified genes play conserved roles in plant development.
Findings provide insights into the genetic regulation of leaf morphogenesis.