Which type of plants are most critically affected by temperature of the cartons and crates during shipment?

Bedding plants are most critically affected by the temperature of the cartons and crates during shipment because they are typically sensitive to temperature extremes. These plants are young and often in a fragile state, making them vulnerable to environmental conditions that can impact their viability and health. Proper temperature control during shipment is crucial to prevent stress, wilting, or even death of the plants, which may ultimately affect their growth and development once they reach the final destination.

In contrast, while ball and burlapped plants, bulbs, and containerized plants also have certain sensitivities to temperature changes, bedding plants are particularly susceptible due to their tender nature and the typically smaller sizes of the plants. If the temperatures during transport are not maintained within optimal ranges, the consequences are more immediate and severe for bedding plants than for the other types.