Growth Stage-Specific Modeling of Chlorophyll Content in Korla Pear Leaves by Integrating Spectra and Vegetation Indices

This study, leveraging near-infrared spectroscopy technology and integrating vegetation index analysis, aims to develop a hyperspectral imaging-based non-destructive inspection technique for swift monitoring of crop chlorophyll content by rapidly predicting leaf SPAD. To this end, a high-precision spectral prediction model was first established under laboratory conditions using ex situ lyophilized Leaf samples. This model provides a core algorithmic foundation for future non-destructive field applications. A systematic study was conducted to develop prediction models for leaf SPAD values of Korla fragrant pear at different growth stages (fruit-setting period, fruit swelling period and Maturity period). This involved comparing various spectral preprocessing algorithms (AirPLS, Savitzky–Golay, Multiplicative Scatter Correction, FD, etc.) and CARS Feature Selection methods for the screening of optimal spectral feature band. Subsequently, models were constructed using BP Neural Network and Support Vector Regression algorithms. The results showed that leaf samples at different growth stages exhibited significant differences in their spectral features within the 5000–7000 cm−1 (effective features for predicting chlorophyll (SPAD)) and 7000–8000 cm−1 (moisture absorption valley) bands. The Savitzky–Golay+FD (Savitzky–Golay smoothing combined with first-order derivative (FD)) preprocessing algorithm performed optimally in feature extraction. Growth period specificity models significantly outperformed whole growth period models, with the optimal models for the fruit-setting period and fruit swelling period being FD-CARS-BP (Coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.86), and the optimal model for the Maturity period being Savitzky–Golay-FD+Savitzky–Golay-CARS-BP (Coefficient_of_determination (R2) = 0.862). Furthermore, joint modeling of characteristic spectra and vegetation indices further improved prediction performance (Coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.85, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) 2.5). This study presents a reliable method for non-destructive monitoring of chlorophyll content in Korla fragrant pears, offering significant value for nutrient management and stress early warning in precision agriculture.