Abstract
We conducted this study to test the feasibility of the technique using the Earth Resources Technology Satellite (LANDSAT-2) multispectral scanner (MSS) data, collected on June 2, 1977, to distinguish silverleaf sunflowers (Helianthus argophyllus Torr. and Gray) from other plant species and for estimating the hectarage percent of its infestation. Sunflowers gave high mean digital counts in all four LANDSAT MSS bands that were manifested as a "pinkish" image response on the LANDSAT color composite imagery. Photo- and LANDSAT-estimated hectare percentages for silverleaf sunflower within a 23,467-ha study area were 9.1 and 9.5%, respectively. The geographic occurrence of sunflower areas on the line-printer recognition map was in good agreement with their known aerial photographic locations. Thus, we believe that the technique using LANDSAT MSS data might be used to estimate silverleaf sunflower infestation.
Date of this Version
1981