Assessment of Different Germplasm of Aglaonema for Pot and Removal of Prticulate Matter in Air

Abstract

The aim of the experiment is to screen twelve germplasm of Aglaonema for their suitability as pot plants and removal of particulate matter in air. The experiment was designed using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) at the greenhouse complex of the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari (Gujarat), during 2023-24. Morphological parameters were measured using various methods, including a measuring tape for plant height, a digital leaf area meter for leaf area, and manual counting for leaves and branches. Leaf color was evaluated on visual grading system and the RHS Colour Chart (2015), to assess visual appeal and characteristics and percent removal of particulate matter (PM) by the plant was measured using digital air quality index meter. Aglaonema ‘Emerald Bay’ exhibited maximum plant height (73.18 cm), leaf area (311.66 cm²), leaf length (39.28 cm), leaf width (15.26 cm), internodal length (3.43 cm) and visual leaf colour grade (4.88) and dark green leaf colour (137A) as per RHS colour chart followed by Aglaonema commutatum with the plant height (69.58 cm), leaf area (298.09cm²), leaf length (34.28 cm), leaf width (11.10 cm), internodal length (3.34 cm) and visual leaf colour grade (4.80) and dark green leaf colour  (139 A) . Maximum number of leaves were recorded in Aglaonema 'Cutlass' (43.90), while maximum number of branches per plant were observed in Aglaonema brevispathum (13.56). Aglaonema ‘Emarald Bay’ showed the                   maximum removal rate of PM1 per 24 hours (92.16%) followed by Aglaonema commutatum (85.97%). Among all the germplasms, Aglaonema 'Emarald Bay' and Aglaonema commutatum have been highly suitable as pot plant owing to its good plant height, leaf area and their efficiency in removal of PM1.