The Effectiveness of Eight English Ivy Cultivars in Removing the Indoor Air Pollutant Formaldehyde and Their Responses to Formaldehyde Stress

The removal capacities of eight cultivars of Hedera helix in formaldehyde with different concentrations were investigated. At the same time, the leaf SPAD value, plasma membrane permeability, MDA content and POD activity were measured to assess those cultivars´ responses to formaldehyde stress. The results showed that the capacity of different cultivars in removing formaldehyde and their resistance to formaldehyde stress were different. ´Lady Key´ had the highest ability in absorbing formaldehyde, followed by ´Wonder´, ´Pittsburg´ and ´White Wonder´. And the removal ability of ´Ester´, ´Ivalance´, ´Havid Kolibri´ and ´Evergreen´ were relatively lower. The leaf SPAD values, relative conductivity and MDA content of eight varieties of H. helix were all increased with the formaldehyde concentration. Although, the changes of POD activity increased at the beginning and then decreased.