A Comparative Study of Latent Fingerprint Development Via Physical Methods on Money Plant ( <i>Epipremnum aureum</i> ) Leaves

Botanical evidence refers to plant-based elements gathered and analysed during forensic investigations to establish relationships between persons, items, and crime scenes. This form of evidence can comprise a wide range of plant components and derivatives, including leaves, seeds, pollen, flowers, stems, timber, fruits, spores, and tiny plant parts. This study looks into the efficiency of a physical approach for creating latent fingerprints on the leaves of the money Plant ( Epipremnum aureum ). Considering the forensic relevance of botanical evidence, this study seeks to investigate alternate surfaces for fingerprinting analysis, namely, plant leaves, which are frequently found at the scene of crimes. The physical methods tested were black powder dusting and neon orange powder dusting. This pilot study population consisted of 30 participants from the Delhi population. Healthy money plant leaves were collected, and a finely ground black powder was prepared and applied evenly onto the leaves’ surface. Excess powder was gently removed to reveal potential fingerprints, which were then documented using a stereomicroscope. Comparative analysis was conducted using the finger mark grading scale system and SPSS Software version 27. The findings show a significant difference in the efficacy of both techniques. The mean value of black powder is higher than the mean value of fluorescent orange powder. The p value shows a higher significance in the results. Black powder, which is widely accessible, non-toxic, and easy to use, may be applied to the surfaces of money plant leaves to more effectively establish individual characteristics on plant leaves.