Growth and flowering response of woody and herbaceous floral crops grown in petroleum-based plastic pots and bioplastic pots containing poultry feather fibers

Abstract

Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens, Hydrangea serrata, and the Lilium hybrids, ‘Triumphator’ and ‘Mistress’ were grown in injection molded bioplastic pots (BP) containing 30% feather fibers (BP 45 pot) and in petroleum-based pots (plastic pot). Temperature in the growing medium adjacent to the pot and the light transmitted through the pot were measured. Distribution of roots at the surface of the growing medium adjacent to the pots was observed. Macro- and micro-elements in the leaf tissue were analyzed, and flowering responses were recorded. Root development of Lilium hybrids grown in BP 45 pots produced a fewer roots to hybrids grown in the plastic pot based on the visual observation. Flowering, leaf size, and nitrogen concentration were not affected by pot types. However, there was a significant increase in shoot length and nitrogen concentration in leaves of Corylopsis and Hydrangea grown in BP 45 pots. The size and color of the leaves was large and darker in Hydrangea and Corylopsis when grown in BP 45 pots. This could result from the vigorous root mass development influenced by an increase in light transmission to the growing medium through BP 45 pots and not by the release of nitrogen from the BP 45 pots. The physical strength of BP 45 pots can be maintained for one year. We conclude that BP 45 pots processed with pellets containing 30% of feather fibers can be used to grow woody and herbaceous ornamental crops.