The most recent report by the USDA estimated the wholesale value for bedding and garden plants at $6.5 billion. Most containers for these crops are composed of plastic, which present a considerable disposal issue for both consumers and the horticulture industry. Numerous biodegradable alternatives have been developed To learn more about the types and physical properties of biocontainers please see "Biocontainers Physical Strength and Biodegradability" in the September 2010 issue and "Biocontainers Water Requirements and Growth of Algae and Fungi on Container Walls" in the May 2011 issue of Greenhouse Management. To determine the suitability of these biocontainers as a replacement for plastic containers, a comprehensive study was undertaken at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, Louisiana State University and University of Arkansas. Researchers evaluated greenhouse and landscape growth of geranium 'Score Red', vinca 'Grape Cooler' and impatiens 'Dazzler Lilac Splash' grown in plastic and various types of biodegradable containers. The containers tested are listed in Table 1 and shown in Figure 1.
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