2014 ASHS Annual Conference

July 27 - August 01, 2014

The horticulture industry relies heavily on plastic-derived products such as nursery pots, trays, flats, chemical containers, greenhouse covers, and irrigation tubing for its production efforts. While the widespread use of plastic has led to many production efficiencies, it is also the source of an estimated 350 million pounds of plastic waste annually. Though recycling in general is on the rise in the United States, only about 1% of horticulture plastics are recycled. This waste has generated significant interest from consumer and commercial markets for more sustainable production alternatives. Biocontainers have emerged as potential substitutes for standard plastic containers. Research has shown that plants marketed in biodegradable containers increase buyer interest – more so than most other efforts to increase production sustainability. Biocontainers can be plantable or compostable with plantable containers offering the additional benefit of reduced installation time. However, there are many unanswered questions regarding whether biocontainers are able be integrated into existing commercial production systems effectively. This workshop will highlight the latest biocontainer research findings, including: plant performance during production; irrigation requirements; appropriateness for long-term crop production, container durability during production and shipping; and container biodegradability and plant establishment in the landscape. These presentations discuss current research-based information on the use of biocontainers during commercial production (including greenhouse, above ground nursery, and pot-in-pot nursery production) and landscape performance of plants produced in plantable containers.All of these applied trials are used to guide holistic economic and carbon footprint accountings of biocontainer use.  This information is applicable to growers, extension personnel, educators, and landscapers.