Potted Ornamental Plants Research Articles

Bioregulators Can Improve Biomass Production, Photosynthetic Efficiency, and Ornamental Quality of Gazania rigens L.

Gazania rigens L. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family, widely used as bedding or ornamental potted plants. The environmental and economic sustainability of ornamental production can be enhanced using environmentally friendly bioregulators. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of key bioregulators gibberellic acid ((GA3) at 50, 100 or 150 mg L−1), humic acid ((HA) at 100, 300 or 600 mg L−1), and ascorbic acid ((AA) at 50, 100 or 200 mg L−1)), on the growth, leaf gas exchange, and ornamental quality of G. rigens. The results indicated that plants treated with foliar applications of GA3, HA, or AA exhibited higher plant fresh and dry biomass, plant height, leaf area, and leaf area ratio, root-shoot ratio, root-shoot mass fractions, and number of flowers, as well as the flowers display time. All bioregulator treatments enhanced the vegetative and floral characteristics of Gazania plants. The GA3 was the most efficient at the concentration of 100 mg L−1. The highest efficacy of HA and AA treatments was observed at the higher concentrations, 600 and 200 mg L−1, respectively. These results were associated with higher photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E) as well as stomatal conductance (gs), and water use efficiency (WUE). In conclusion, the results suggest that foliar-applied bioregulators to Gazania are promising and represent sustainable strategies to enhance growth, flowering, and flower display time of Gazania plants.

Reusing drain water to lower the emission of nutrients in the cultivation of Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis is the top-selling ornamental pot plant in the Netherlands, and the area under its production was 242 ha in 2014. Previously, production systems of Phalaenopsis (open or free to drain systems) resulted in high emission of nutrients to the ground and surface water, approximately 1500 kg N ha-1 year-1, in the Netherlands. Little is known of the response of Phalaenopsis to water reuse systems, as orchids have been exempt from recirculation obligations owing to their salt sensitivity. Regulations aimed to reduce nitrogen (N) emissions to a maximum of 150 kg ha-1 year-1 in 2018, with the ultimate goal being 0 kg ha-1 year-1, in 2027. Wageningen University and the Research Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture were commissioned by the government as well as the Phalaenopsis grower association of the Netherlands to develop a system that could achieve the current goal of a maximum of 150 kg N ha-1 year-1. A recirculation system with UV disinfection and the reuse of drain water was utilized at the experimental site in Bleiswijk. Two recirculation treatments were tested with the aim to maintain the current production and quality levels while also lowering the emissions to the standard of 2018, with the possibility of further improvements to achieve the desired standards for 2027. The aim of the first reuse treatment was to discard small amounts of drain water to keep sodium at a maximum of 1.2 mmol L-1. In the second treatment, as much drain water was reused as possible. Emissions of N were reduced to 182 and 60 kg ha-1 year-1, respectively. Plant growth parameters including leaf number, total leaf area, and number of spikes and flowers, showed no significant differences. In this experiment reuse of drain water reduced emissions considerably without any adverse effects on plant growth or disease incidence.

Preliminary nutrient diagnosis norms and optimum ranges in potted ornamental plants grown under saline conditions

Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) norms for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), chlorine (Cl) and sodium (Na) and nutrient sufficiency ranges for Aloe vera, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Lavandula multifidi, and Rosmarinus officinalis were based on two experiments. DRIS norms and nutrient ratios were computed and selected. Nutrient sufficiency ranges were developed using the data of the whole population according to the DRIS approach. The development of DRIS norms revealed that only K. blossfeldiana and R. officinalis showed limiting nutrients. The nutrient sufficiency ranges for each species expressed in mg g−1 were: A. vera (N (9–28), P (1–3), K (37–48), S (8–10), Cl (47–50), Na (17–37)), K. blossfeldiana (N (16–22), P (2–3), K (35–39), S (7–10), Cl (45–54), Na (7–19)), L. multifida (N (15–16), P (1–7), K (18–37), S (7–8), Cl (41–60), Na (21–49)), R. officinalis (N (9–23), P (2–5), K (31–48), S (7–8), Cl (36–40), Na (7–12)). The establishment of these DRIS norms will useful to manage the nutritional status of the species studied under saline conditions.

The influence of explants type and orientation on growth and development of Mandevilla sanderi (Hemsl.) Woodson in vitro

Mandevilla sanderi is an important commercial ornamental pot plant. Traditional vegetative propagation is limited due to the low rate, therefore there is a need to develop an alternative, more efficient method. There is an interest in development of micropropagation technology for the species, as it allows to obtain a lot of offsprings in a relatively short time. The aim of the present work was to estimate an influence of explants type and position on regeneration of Mandevilla sanderi in tissue culture. Four different types of explants (leafy shoot tips, decapitated leafy shoot tips, defoliated shoot tips, decapitated and defoliated shoot tips) were used in the experiment, which were placed on the media vertically, while defoliated shoot tips were placed horizontally or vertically upside down. The explants were cultivated on a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1 mg·dm–3 benzyladenine (BA) and 0.5 mg·dm–3 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). It was noted that both explants orientation and positioning, influenced the multiplication rate. Defoliated shoot tips placed horizontally were characterized by higher multiplication rate (6.8) in comparison to upside down vertical positioning (3.2). It was also observed that removal of shoot apex improved axillary branching, while defoliation of shoots placed in a normal position reduced multiplication rate.

Biomass accumulation in an ornamental Cactaceae (Mammillaria elongata subsp. echinaria) in response to a single 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) spray

In ornamental plants growing in pots, root restriction would be presumably related to an endogenous long-distance cytokinin signal from roots. In this context, it has been recently indicated that, in potted ornamental plants, a single 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) spray can be used to increase biomass accumulation. Although cytokinin sprays and cytokinin-containing substances have been previously used to improve growth in cacti, the physiological mechanism involved has not been elucidated. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the effect of a single BAP spray on the growth of the vegetative axillary stems of the cactus Mammillaria elongata subsp. echinaria. To achieve this general objective, M. elongata subsp. echinaria plants were sprayed with 0, 5, 50, 100 or 200 mg L-1 BAP solutions (40 plants per treatment) and grown for 210 days under greenhouse conditions. The results showed that a single BAP spray increased both fresh and dry weights, photosynthetic stem area, root length and a number of axillary stems at 90 days after the beginning of the experiment. The higher biomass accumulation was related to a higher rate of stem area expansion (RSAE), relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR) and partitioning of photoassimilates into stems. This results indicate that M. elongata subsp. echinaria biomass accumulation can be increased by a single BAP spray of 5 mg L-1, although the highest response was found with a 200 mg L-1 BAP spray.

Water Retention and Transmission Characteristics of Containerized Growing Media Amended with Differential Proportions of Compressed Coir Bricks

The hydraulic characteristics of growing media play an equally important role as do the architectural properties in the production of ornamental potted plants. The reuse of biological agri-wastes, amended with cocopeat and soil, has potential for ameliorating the hydro-physical environment in growing media substrates, affecting air–water relations. A study was undertaken to evaluate the water retention and transmission characteristics of four biological wastes as base media (farmyard manure (FYM), leaf mould (LM), rice husk ash (RHA) and composted sewage sludge (CSS)) amended with different proportions of soil : coir mixture (0 : 75, 25 : 50, 50 : 25, 75 : 0) respectively. These media mixtures were filled in 3.5 l pots. Utilization of coir <50% (per cent of pot volume) as an amendment in FYM and CSS-based media mixtures improved hydraulic characteristics of pot-growing media. The use of RHA amended with soil : coir was not suitable as a growing medium due to higher relative evaporation rate and higher rate of infiltration. Water retention in terms of maximum water-holding capacity and available water increased with coir addition, the increase being enormous with 75% coir. Infiltration rate of water in the media improved with addition of coir (0–50%), showing a steep increase (4.25–8.10 cm min –1 ) at highest (75%) proportion of coir. Drainage rate was highest in FYM and LM-based media mixtures.

LED light quality intensifies leaf pigmentation in ornamental pot plants

Light stimulates the production of anthocyanins in leaves. Assimilation light is needed in the production of red colored foliage plants during the dark winter period in order to obtain a commercially attractive product. In this study we tested whether this can be achieved by growing those plants for a limited period at the end of the production cycle in a growth chamber under specific LED (Light Emitting Diodes) light spectra. The experiment was conducted on three species: Hypoestes phyllostachya ‘decor pink’ and ‘decor red’ or polka dot plant, Guzmania lingulata ‘Theresa’ with yellow and red bracts and Cryptanthus carnosus ‘Tricolor’, also known as earth star. Different combinations of blue, red and far red light were applied and control treatments were given with and without HPS (High Pressure Sodium) lamps in the greenhouse. In all three species a minimal amount of blue light is compulsory. When only red LEDs are used in Hypoestes, leaves become curly and plants are not sufficiently compact. Without the addition of blue light the Guzmania bracts turn entirely yellow and Cryptanthus leaves are much more pale. In all cases, the use of LED was an improvement for the anthocyanin content when compared to plants that were grown without supplementary light. We demonstrated that for all three species a limited growing period under specific light spectra at the end of the production cycle can be a good way to produce attractive colored foliage plants when natural light is limited.

Effect of paclobutrazol application on growth, flowering and inulin content of ornamentalHelianthus tuberosusL.

Paclobutrazol (PBZ) is a plant growth retardant often used in potted ornamental plants to control their height and canopy for compactness. Helianthus tuberosus L., belonging to the Asteraceae family, has the potential to be developed as an edible ornamental potted plant. It has long lasting vivid yellow flowers and contains many nutritional tubers in the underground parts. However, an obstacle for commercialization is the control of the plant height. Therefore we evaluated different PBZ application methods (media drenching and tuber soaking) and concentrations (0, 50 and 100 ppm) on growth, flowering and inulin content of H. tuberosus The results show that PBZ concentration significantly reduced all growth parameters (plant height, canopy width and total leaf area), providing more compact plants of good commercial value, representing a reduction of compactness index (cm2 cm-1) and confirming its efficiency to reduce the vertical growth. None of the PBZ application methods affected plant height, canopy width, number of flowers, percentage of flowering and inulin content, while tuber-soaking treatment gave a reduction of total leaf area and compactness index. PBZ application at 50 ppm was sufficient to reduce plant height, total leaf area and compactness index compared with normal plants. Increasing the PBZ concentration seems to increase inulin content in tubers, although it seems to decrease the number of flowers.

Micropropagation of dendrobium heterocarpum lindl.

Dendrobium heterocarpum Lindl. is an endangered species which is currently used as ornamental pot plant for its beautiful flowers. An increase in collection for trade or any other purposes may lead to a dramatic decrease in the population of this species, thus becoming rare or endangered species in the near future. In this study, effects of plant growth regulators (BA, NAA, IAA, IBA, TDZ) and natural supplements (carrot, potato, and banana extracts) on protocorm like bodies (PLBs) formation; growth and development of shoot; and root regeneration of D. heterocarpum Lindl. as well as type of substrates on acclimatization and growth of seedlings were investigated. The results showed that PLBs formation was optimal on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L BA and 1.0 mg/L NAA (7.11 PLBs/explant; PLBs formation percentage of 68.9%) or MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/L TDZ and 0.5 mg/L NAA (7.29 PLBs/explant; PLBs formation percentage of 75.53%). For subculture, MS medium supplemented 1.5 mg/L BA and 60 g/L banana extract (22.40 shoots/explant; shoot length of 2 cm) was the most suitable for shoot regeneration and growth. Additionally, root formation was the most suitable on ½ MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/L NAA (4.4 roots/shoot; root length of 3.12 cm; root formation of 95.56%). Finally, the sufficiently rooted plantlets were transferred to greenhouse for hardening. After 60 days, coconut fiber substrate was the most suitable for seedling growth and development (with survival rate of 97.78%, root number of 5 and shoot length of 3.4 cm). The results of propagation in vitro Dendrobium heterocarpum Lindl. contribute to conservation and sustainable development as well as towards the rapid multiplication of seedlings for commercial commercialization of this wild orchid species.

Utilization of paper waste as growing media for potted ornamental plants

The paper industry generates significant quantities of waste. The recycling of paper waste (PW) for peat replacement in growing media for ornamental plants cultivation was studied. Five ratios of PW–peat (0%, 10%, 30%, 50% or 100% v/v) were evaluated for marigold (Calendula officinalis L.), petunia (Petunia × hybrita L.) and matthiola (Matthiola incana L.) plants. Addition of PW increased the substrate pH and mineral content but decreased the air-filled porosity. In marigold, the use of 100% PW reduced plant height, plant diameter, fresh weight for both leaves and flowers and the total number of flowers produced compared to the control (100% peat). In matthiola, 100% PW reduced plant height, whereas the addition of PW even at 10% decreased plant diameter and fresh weight (biomass) but increased dry matter content. Petunia plants grown in 100% PW exhibited lower growth (plant height and diameter), whereas adding ≥ 50% of PW decreased plant fresh weight. The total number of flower buds and open flowers increased (more than twofold) on plants grown in 30% PW compared to the control substrate, indicating flower earliness. Plant leaf chlorophyll content (Chl a, Chl b, total Chl) decreased as the PW ratio increased. Total phenolics and antioxidant capacity as well as plant damage index and enzymes scavenging activities varied among species. Mineral content fluctuated among species with decreases of N and P in plants grown in PW mixtures while matthiola showed phytotoxicity symptoms. The present study suggests that peat can be substituted by up to 30% of PW for marigold and petunia for potting culture, but not for matthiola, as the physicochemical properties of the substrate need further improvement.

Sensitivity of potted ornamental peppers to ethylene

Many environmental factors affect the post-production shelf life of potted ornamental plants. Exposure to ethylene can reduce the quality of many species, inducing flower, fruit and leaf abscission and senescence. The present study identified ethylene-resistant pepper genotypes during post-production shelf life testing. Potted plants of eleven pepper cultivars were transferred o a 90-L sealed container when they had 30% of ripe fruits and treated with 10 μL L-1 of ethylene for 48 hours. Number of leaves and fruits were counted at the beginning of ethylene exposure and after 48, 96 and 144 hours. The experimental design was completely randomized, with five replicates of individual pots. The cultivars showed varied rates of foliar and fruit abscission. ‘Peloteira’ showed higher resistance to ethylene, with foliar abscission of 19%, after 144 hours. For fruit abscission, the cultivars ‘Peloteira’, ‘Jalapeño’, ‘Stromboli ornamental’, ‘Malagueta’ and ‘Rocoto Vermelha’ presented a lower percentage of leaf drop, varying between 9 and 34%, after 144 hours of exposure to ethylene. This study showed that ornamental peppers have high genetic diversity regarding ethylene sensitivity.

Improving Physical Properties of Plant Growing Medias Using Perlite

The most widely used growing media in the production of potted ornamental plants is peat. However, the studies for alternative solutions are being conducted due to the reasons such as restricted peat sources, high cost, destruction of natural environment due to peat production and variability in the quality of produced peat. In the relevant literature, there are two basic ideas on which the studies have focused on. The first one is the development of new growing media using organic-origin wastes, the second one is the preparation of the mixtures in which organic and inorganic materials are used as a component of growingmediums. In this study which was prepared in parallel with the relevant main ideas in the literature, the effects of perlite utilization on the physical properties of indigenous peat, and on those of the growing media obtained from hazelnut cinder, which is among agricultural organic materials in our country and has considerable potential to be the most important alternative of peat, were investigated. For this purpose, the physical properties of the growingmedias, prepared by mixing perlite with raw peat and hazelnut husk, at various ratios (10,15,20,25%), were investigated, and the results obtained were compared with sphagnum peat, and with desired properties for ideal growingmedias, in the literature. When the results obtained from the study were examined, it was seen that as well as the highest values were observed in the mixtures using 25% perlite, the perlite addition increased the porosity of raw peat by 68.25% and air capacity by 30.03%, and that the hazelnut husk decreased air capacity, higher than the ideal values, by 47.19%,thus approximating it its ideal value range. With increasing perlite ratio in the mixtures, the organic substance contents and water holding capacities of the growingmedias decreased as their pH values increased. However, in applications using 25% Perlite, the shrinkage rates of raw peat and hazelnut husk were found as 17.05% and 6.41% respectively, and the water resuction times of those were found as 1.52 and 1.21 minutes, respectively. Based on these results, it can be said that the most important contribution of perlite utilization for raw peat and hazelnut husk is to decrease shrinkage rates and water resuction times, and that this improvement will avail in preventing the damages that occur in plant roots due to drying and shrinking of the growing media, and in decreasing the irrigation frequency.

Epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in agricultural areas.

A prevailing opinion is that the strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that infects both plants and humans are two separate species. This study strongly disputes that notion until the modern molecular technology proves otherwise. This paper examines a spectrum of strains occurring in nature, their habitats, dissemination, their relationship to clinical strains, and the environmental conditions that favor their colonization of plants. The isolates were obtained from clinical specimens, plants, soil, and water. The identity of these strains was confirmed using pyocin typing and biochemical assays. The data reveal that agricultural soils, potted ornamental plants, hoses, fountains, and faucets frequently harbored P. aeruginosa. However, it was not commonly found in semi-arid areas, suggesting that moisture and high humidity is necessary for colonization and survival. Though found in soil, P. aeruginosa was seldom isolated on edible plant parts. The pathogenicity of various strains on plants was tested by inoculating vegetables, lettuce slices (Lactuca sativa L. "Great Lakes"), celery stalks (Apium graveolens L. var. Dulce], potato tuber slices (Solanum tuberosum L. "Whiterose"), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. Mill), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), rutabaga (Brassica campestris L.), and carrot (Daucus carota L. var sativa). There was considerable variation in the strains' ability to cause rot, but no difference was observed between clinical isolates and others from agricultural fields, water, and soil. Two of the clinical isolates from burn patients, P. aeruginosa PA13 and PA14, exhibited the greatest virulence in causing rot in all the plants that were tested, especially on cucumber, lettuce, potato, and tomato. The study discusses how closely the epidemiology of P. aeruginosa relates to many plant pathogens, and the ability of human isolates to colonize plants and food material under favorable conditions. The biochemical and phenotypic similarity among strains from the clinical and agricultural material is strongly indicative that they are the same species and that plants and soil are natural reservoirs for P. aeruginosa.

Mycorrhizal inoculation on compost substrate affects nutritional balance, water uptake and photosynthetic efficiency in Cistus albidus plants submitted to water stress

The use of composted manure as alternative substrate can be suitable to produce ornamental potted plants. However, under water stress this substrate can result an additional stress for plants due to its physicochemical properties. In these conditions, mycorrhizae application can improve water and nutrients efficiency. The experiment was carried out in a growth chamber with a first phase (I) in which both inoculated and non-inoculated Cistus albidus L. plants at two substrates (commercial and mixtures of composted manure) were well irrigated and a second phase (II) in which the plants were submitted to water stress. Glomus iranicum (Blaszk., Kovacs & Balazs) var. tenuihypharum sp. nova was well established in cistus roots, but water stress hindered mycorrhizal proliferation in compost, which resulted in plants with smaller leaf and root biomass. The plants in compost had the highest Cl, K, Na, P and Zn contents in leaf; mycorrhizae reduced the Na and increased phosphorus, especially when the substrate was well-watered. Water stress decreased leaf water potential (Ψl), and mycorrhizae induced higher Ψl values in both substrates. Compost induced leaf osmotic adjustment, lower gas exchange and photochemical quenching parameters (Fv/Fm, Y(II)) values. Mycorrhizal plants had higher Y(II) and qP values than non-inoculated plants. Compost decreased relative chlorophyll content in both phases, but in inoculated plants these values increased under water stress. C. albidus plants growing in compost maintain a good nutritional balance and efficient osmotic regulation. Under water stress, plants suffer more stress than plants in commercial substrate, as reflected by the lipid peroxidation and Pn values.

Response of Weeping Lantana (Lantana montevidensis) to Compost-Based Growing Media and Electrical Conductivity Level in Soilless Culture: First Evidence.

The most common substrate for potted ornamental plants is prepared with Sphagnum peat; however, the cost and declining availability of high-quality peat, due to environmental constraints, make it necessary to investigate for alternative organic materials. The present study aimed to determine the effects of partial compost replacement with peat and the optimum electrical conductivity (EC) level of the nutrient solution in potted weeping lantana [L. montevidensis (Spreng.) Briq.] under a recirculating soilless system. Three compost-based substrates were prepared by mixing peat (Pe) with sewage sludge-based compost (Co.) at a rate of 0% (Pe90Co0Pu10, control), 30% (Pe60Co30Pu10), or 60% (Pe30Co60Pu10), respectively. The soilless recirculated closed system was equipped with two different EC levels (high and low) of nutrient solution. Growing media main characteristics and plant bio-morphometric parameters were evaluated. Our first evidence clearly demonstrates that the replacement of peat with compost at doses of 30% and 60% gave the poorest results for plant diameter, shoots, leaves, flowers, and fresh and dry mass, probably indicating that the physical characteristics of the compost based substrates may be the major factor governing plant growth rate. Compost media pH and EC values, too, showed negative effects on plant growth. Considering the effect of EC level, all morphological traits were significantly improved by high EC compared to low EC in weeping lantana. Thus, based on first evidence, further research is needed on organic materials for the establishment of ecological substrates with optimal physicochemical characteristics for the growth of weeping lantana.

English

English

Substrates and irrigation levels for growing desert rose in pots

ABSTRACT In the past decades, desert rose has become a very popular ornamental plant, especially among collectors, due to its exotic and sculptural forms. However, it has been grown on a commercial scale only recently, and little is known about how to best manage it as a container-grown plant, or even which potting medium (substrate) to recommend. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the interactions between potting media and irrigation levels for growing desert rose as a potted ornamental plant. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a 6 x 2 factorial arrangement with six replications, six potting media and two irrigation levels. The mixes were characterized by measuring their physical properties, specifically the density and water retention capacity (WRC), as well as chemical properties, such as the pH and electrical conductivity (EC). After 210 days, plant growth and plant water consumption were evaluated and measured. A lower dry density for the vermiculite mixes was observed in comparison to that for the sand mixes. However, WRC ranged from 428 to 528 mL L-1 among the mixes, values considered close to ideal. In general, plant growth exhibited higher increases in mixes consisting of coconut fiber + sand or vermiculite, regardless of the irrigation level. Mixes of vermiculite + coconut fiber and sand + coconut fiber can be used to grow desert rose in pots, as long as irrigation is used to maintain the moisture content of the potting medium (mix) between 60-70% and 80-90% of the WRC.

Phytoremediation of VOCs from indoor air by ornamental potted plants: A pilot study using a palm species under the controlled environment

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air have recently raised public concern due to their adverse health effects. One of hazardous VOC is Formaldehyde which can cause sensory irritation and induce nasopharyngeal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate potted plant-soil system ability in formaldehyde removal from indoor air. We applied one of common interior plant from the palm species, Chamaedorea elegans, inside a chamber under the controlled environment. Entire plant, growing media and roots contribution in formaldehyde were evaluated by continuously introduction of different concentrations of formaldehyde into the chamber (0.66–16.4 mg m−3) each over a 48-h period. Our findings showed that the plant efficiently removed formaldehyde from polluted air by 65–100%, depending on the inlet concentrations, for a long time exposure. A maximum elimination capacity of 1.47 mg/m2. h was achieved with an inlet formaldehyde concentration of 14.6 mg m−3. The removal ratio of areal part to pot soil and roots was 2.45:1 (71%: 29%). The plants could remove more formaldehyde in light rather than dark environment. Concentrations up to 16.4 mg m−3 were not high enough to affect the plants growth. However, a trivial decrease in chlorophyll content, carotenoid and water content of the treated plants was observed compared to the control plants. Thus, the palm species tested here showed high tolerance and good potential of formaldehyde removal from interior environments. Therefore, phytoremediation of VOCs from indoor air by the ornamental potted plants is an effective method which can be economically applicable in homes and offices.

Phytoremediation of Formaldehyde from Indoor Environment by Ornamental Plants: An Approach to Promote Occupants Health.

Background:Formaldehyde is a common hazardous indoor air pollutant which recently raised public concerns due to its well-known carcinogenic effects on human. The aim of this study was to investigate a potted plant-soil system ability in formaldehyde removal from a poor ventilated indoor air to promote dwellers health.Methods:For this purpose, we used one of the common interior plants from the fern species (Nephrolepis obliterata), inside a Plexiglas chamber under controlled environment. Entire plant removal efficiency and potted soil/roots contribution were determined by continuously introducing different formaldehyde vapor concentrations to the chamber (0.6–11 mg/m3) each over a 48-h period. Sampling was conducted from inlet and outlet of the chamber every morning and evening over the study period, and the average of each stage was reported.Results:The results showed that the N. obliterata plant efficiently removed formaldehyde from the polluted air by 90%–100%, depending on the inlet concentrations, in a long time exposure. The contribution of the soil and roots for formaldehyde elimination was 26%. Evaluation of the plant growing characteristics showed that the fumigation did not affect the chlorophyll content, carotenoid, and average height of the plant; however, a decrease in the plant water content was observed.Conclusions:According to the results of this study, phytoremediation of volatile organic compound-contaminated indoor air by the ornamental potted plants is an effective method which can be economically applicable in buildings. The fern species tested here had high potential to improve interior environments where formaldehyde emission is a health concern.

Behavior and postharvest evaluation criteria of Vriesea incurvata Gaudich. (Bromeliaceae) floral scapes

Genus Vriesea of the Bromeliaceae family are highly appreciated to use as ornamental plant due to their floral morphological characteristics, color and the beauty of inflorescences. V. incurvata has been commercialized as a potted ornamental plant. The morphological features of its floral scape may also indicate it for use as a cut flower. However, there are no information available to use of this bromeliad as a cut flower. The aim of this study was to determine quantitative and qualitative criteria in order to evaluate the postharvest behavior of V. incurvata floral scapes. It was observed that V. incurvata floral scapes has great potential to use as cut flower, which has an average of vase-life of 14.9 ± 1.5 days. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics such as color (L*, C*, H°), brightness, turgidity, stiffness, presence of injuries, relative fresh weight, water uptake and loss can be indicated as postharvest evaluation criteria of V. incurvata floral scapes.