New bioplastics could help plants “self-fertilize” and grow healthier roots in pots made of the materials, Iowa State University horticulturists found in a new study. They also are biodegradable. The study looked at numerous options for bioplastic derived from chemicals. They also included byproducts that result from the production of corn, soybeans and ethanol. The study, funded by a $1.94 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture, concluded that pots derived from bioplastic cost between 2 and 11 cents more per unit to manufacture than pots made from conventional petroleum plastics. Read the full news release.