Epsilon Open Archive

Abstract

Ornamental flower producers call for a more sustainable solution for growing small plants, where fossil based ‘glued plugs’ are currently used. We produced biobased and biodegradable plugs of similar strength as current fossil based ‘glued plugs’. The intention was to use these plugs for growing ornamental plants, such as geraniums and pansies, in greenhouses for later transplanting to larger pots. Strong or so called glued plugs are a prerequisite for successful transplanting of some plants since these species do not grow strong roots. Unfortunately, our strong biobased and biodegradable plugs negatively influenced the root growth of the ornamental plants, and thus are not yet an alternative for ornamental flower production. More work is needed before a commercially interesting sustainable plug is available with enough strength that allows plant root growth for the ornamental flower production industry.