Estimation of leaf water content in cotton by means of hyperspectral indices

► All two-band combinations from 350 to 2500 nm were performed on spectral reflectance. ► Correlation coefficients between all two-band combinations and water parameters were illustrated in matrix plots. ► Proposed two-band combinations index DR1647/DR1133 was proved the optimal for EWT estimation. ► Proposed two-band combinations index DR1653/DR1687 was proved the optimal for FMC estimation. ► Predictive power of the new indices was much better than the published water indices.