Effect of diesel generator exhaust pollutants on growth of <i>Vinca rosea</i> and <i>Ruellia tuberosa</i>

Abstract

The effects of exhaust pollutants of generator on root and shoot length, root and shoot weight, number of leaflets and leaf area, leaf and total plant dry weight of Vinca rosea and Ruellia tuberosa were studied. The treatment of exhaust pollutants produced significant effects on root, shoot growth, number of leaflet and leaf area of V. rosea and R. tuberosa as compared to control. The exhaust emission treatment decreased seedling dry weight of V. rosea and R. tuberosa. The data showed that the exhaust emission significantly decreased the number of leaflet and leaf area for both species viz. V. rosea and R. tuberosa as compared to control. A significant decrease in the seedling growth performances of V. rosea and R. tuberosa resulted in decrease in seedling dry weight and showed that the exhaust treatment affects the seedling dry weight performance as compared to control treatment. It was found that the treatment of exhaust emission from a portable powered generator fueled negatively affected the seedling growth of V. rosea as compared to R. tuberosa. The findings may be helpful for plantation in polluted area.

Key words: Biomass, diesel generator, exhausts emission, leaf area, pollutant, seedling growth, Ruellia tuberosa, Vinca rosea,