Fruit and vegetable plant cultivation method, fruit and vegetable plant cultivation device and tomato plant

Abstract

The invention provides a fruit and vegetable plant cultivation method, a fruit and vegetable plant cultivation device and a tomato plant, wherein the fruit and vegetable plant is irradiated with artificial light under the light irradiation condition that the fruit setting rate reaches 80% or more.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants, a cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants and a tomato plant. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, artificial light-type plant factories that cultivate vegetables and other plants using artificial light sources such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) in a closed space have attracted much attention.

[0003] The cultivation of plants in artificial light plant factories is not affected by climate and weather, and can also solve the problem of labor shortage. Therefore, under certain conditions, plants can be cultivated all year round.

[0004] Fruit and vegetable plants such as tomatoes and melons are tall, and from the perspective of space utilization efficiency in plant factories, the distance from the top to the plant body becomes longer, and the light utilization efficiency is likely to decrease. Therefore, research is underway to implement light irradiation from the side instead of from the top (see Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-50288). Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0006] However, the present inventors have recently rediscovered that there is room for improvement in the fruit setting rate of fruit and vegetable plants cultivated by irradiating light from the side.

[0007] The problem to be solved by one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a cultivation method of fruit and vegetable plants having an excellent fruit setting rate, a cultivation device of fruit and vegetable plants, and a tomato plant.

[0008] Means for solving technical problems

[0009] The specific methods used to solve the problem are as follows.

[0010] <1> A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, comprising irradiating the fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light under light irradiation conditions that achieve a fruit setting rate of 80% or more.

[0011] <2> The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to <1> above, wherein:

[0012] The above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plant is tomato.

[0013] <3> The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to <1> or <2> above, wherein:

[0014] The artificial light is irradiated onto the fruit and vegetable plants from a direction of 0°±30° and a direction of 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of the fruit and vegetable plants.

[0015] <4> The method for growing fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of <1> to <3> above, wherein:

[0016] After the first flower bud differentiation of the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plants is confirmed until the final fruit setting is confirmed, the fruit and vegetable plants are irradiated with the above-mentioned artificial light from the direction of 0°±30° and the direction of 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plants.

[0017] <5> The method for growing fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of <1> to <4> above, wherein:

[0018] Through the irradiation of the artificial light, a light intensity distribution is generated on the fruit and vegetable plants.

[0019] <6> The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to <5> above, wherein:

[0020] The light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated to the growth point of the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plants t The light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated to the central part of the lowest leaf of the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plants b The following relationship is satisfied.

[0021] I b / I t ≤0.8

[0022] <7> The method for growing fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of <1> to <6> above, wherein:

[0023] Light intensity distribution is generated after the first flower bud differentiation of the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plants is confirmed until the final fruit setting is confirmed.

[0024] <8> A cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants, comprising:

[0025] Light sources, irradiating artificial light from the sides and top of the fruit and vegetable plants; and

[0026] The control mechanism controls the light irradiation conditions to generate a light intensity distribution when the fruit and vegetable plants are irradiated with the artificial light.

[0027] <9> The fruit and vegetable cultivation device according to <8> above, wherein:

[0028] The control mechanism controls the light irradiation conditions so that the light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated to the growth point of the fruit and vegetable plants is t The light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated to the central part of the lowest leaf of the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plants b The following relationship is satisfied.

[0029] I b / I t ≤0.8

[0030] <10> A tomato plant grown by the method for growing fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of <1> to <7> above.

[0031] Effects of the Invention

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants with excellent fruit setting rate, a cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants, and a tomato plant can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view showing an example of a cultivation system in which lighting fixtures are arranged between cultivated plants.

[0034] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 Sectional view taken along line AA.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cultivation system including a lighting fixture having a T-shaped cross section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, the mode for implementing the present invention is described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In the following embodiments, unless otherwise specified, its constituent elements (also including element steps, etc.) are not necessary. It is also the same about numerical value and its range, and does not limit the present invention.

[0037] In the present invention, a numerical range expressed by "to" includes the numerical values ​​described before and after "to" as a minimum value and a maximum value, respectively.

[0038] In the numerical ranges recorded in stages in the present invention, the upper limit or lower limit recorded in one numerical range can be replaced by the upper limit or lower limit of the numerical range recorded in other stages. In addition, in the numerical ranges recorded in the present invention, the upper limit or lower limit of the numerical range can be replaced by the value shown in the cultivation example.

[0039] In the present invention, "fruit and vegetable plants" refer to plants that produce fruits as harvested products.

[0040] In the present invention, the "fruit setting rate" is calculated by the formula [number of fruits set / number of flower buds] × 100. In the present invention, the "number of fruits set" refers to the number of fruits set in a fruit or vegetable plant, and the "number of flower buds" refers to the number of flower buds grown in a fruit or vegetable plant. In the present invention, according to the maximum horizontal diameter L in the fruit, f Total length L with the shortest calyx (receptacle) in the fruit h The ratio (L f / L h) is above 0.2 to judge the fruit setting. If it is above 0.2, it is regarded as fruit setting.

[0041] In the present invention, "growing point" refers to the front end of the main branch or side branch (not shown) of a fruit or vegetable plant, and is also referred to as the stem top located at the front end of the stem and forming the extension of the stem and new leaves. It includes the area within 5 cm from the growing point. In the case of a fruit or vegetable plant with multiple stems, there are multiple growing points.

[0042] In the present invention, "the lowest leaves of fruit and vegetable plants" refers to the leaves of fruit and vegetable plants whose stems are closest to the roots in the axils, and "the central part of the leaf" refers to the part at 1 / 2X from the axils when the total length of the leaf is set to X.

[0043] In the present invention, "the growth direction of the stem of a fruit or vegetable plant" refers to the direction in which the growth point of the stem of a fruit or vegetable plant extends.

[0044] In the present invention, "mass" and "weight" have the same meaning.

[0045] [Methods for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants]

[0046] In the cultivation method of fruit and vegetable plants of the present invention, artificial light is irradiated to the fruit and vegetable plants under light irradiation conditions that achieve a fruit setting rate of more than 80%. By optimizing the light irradiation conditions, the fruit and vegetable plants can be effectively grown and the fruit setting rate of the cultivation method of fruit and vegetable plants can be improved. The cultivation method of fruit and vegetable plants of the present invention is particularly advantageous in that it can maintain a high light utilization efficiency and space utilization efficiency while improving the fruit setting rate.

[0047] From the perspective of increasing the fruit setting rate and improving the space utilization efficiency, the irradiation of artificial light preferably produces a light intensity distribution on the fruit and vegetable plants. The light intensity distribution can be produced by adjusting the angle of the artificial light irradiated, the number of irradiation directions of the artificial light irradiated, and the light intensity of the artificial light.

[0048] From the perspective of increasing the fruit setting rate and improving light utilization efficiency which is directly related to reducing cultivation costs, irradiation with artificial light under the above conditions is preferably carried out from the time when the first flower bud differentiation of fruit and vegetable plants is confirmed until the final fruit setting is confirmed.

[0049] During periods other than the above-mentioned periods, artificial light irradiation may be performed in a manner not to produce light intensity distribution or in a manner to produce light intensity distribution, but from the viewpoint of reducing cultivation costs, artificial light irradiation is preferably performed in a manner not to produce light intensity distribution.

[0050] From the viewpoint of increasing the fruit setting rate and improving the space utilization efficiency, it is preferred that the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated to the growth point of the fruit and vegetable plants is tThe light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated to the central part of the lowest leaf of the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plants b Satisfy the following relationship. b / I t ” is also called “light intensity ratio”.

[0051] I b / I t ≤0.8

[0052] From the viewpoint of increasing the weight of the fruit to be harvested, the light intensity ratio is preferably 0.7 or less, more preferably 0.5 or less. From the viewpoint of increasing the weight of the fruit to be harvested, the lower limit of the light intensity ratio is preferably 0.3 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more.

[0053] In addition, in the case of plants without growth points such as after core removal, the light intensity I t The light intensity of artificial light is set to the center of the uppermost leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant. In addition, when the fruit and vegetable plant has multiple stems and multiple growth points, the light intensity I t It is the light intensity of artificial light irradiated to the growth point farthest from the center of the lowest leaf of fruit and vegetable plants.

[0054] From the viewpoint of improving the fruit setting rate, the space utilization efficiency of the plant factory, the weight of the fruits to be harvested, etc., the light intensity ratio is preferably 0.4 to 0.8.

[0055] In the case where the fruit and vegetable plants have multiple stems, it is preferred that multiple growth points respectively satisfy the above-mentioned light intensity ratio conditions.

[0056] The light intensity ratio can be adjusted by changing the type of light source used, the number of light sources used, the irradiation angle of the artificial light irradiated to the fruit and vegetable plants, etc.

[0057] The light intensity is measured by placing the light receiving surface of the measuring device toward the light source. As the measuring device, for example, a photon sensor (LI-COR, LI-190R) can be used. In addition, when the light source is arranged in two or more directions of the fruit and vegetable plant, the sum of the light intensities measured by placing the measuring device toward each light source is set as the above light intensity.

[0058] From the perspective of increasing the fruit setting rate and improving light utilization efficiency to reduce cultivation costs, irradiation with artificial light under the above conditions is preferably carried out from the time when the first flower bud differentiation of fruit and vegetable plants is confirmed until the final fruit setting is confirmed.

[0059] During periods other than the above-mentioned periods, artificial light irradiation may be performed at a light intensity ratio exceeding 0.8 or at a light intensity ratio below 0.8, but from the perspective of reducing cultivation costs, artificial light irradiation is preferably performed at a light intensity ratio exceeding 0.8.

[0060] It is preferred to irradiate the fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light from a direction of 0°±30° and a direction of 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of the fruit and vegetable plants, and it is more preferred to irradiate the fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light from a direction of 0°±20° and a direction of 90°±20°.

[0061] As described above, by irradiating fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light, an appropriate light intensity distribution is generated in the irradiated fruit and vegetable plants, which can increase the fruit setting rate. In addition, the plant height of the fruit and vegetable plants can be adjusted, which can improve the space utilization efficiency of the plant factory.

[0062] From the perspective of increasing the fruit setting rate and improving light utilization efficiency to reduce cultivation costs, irradiation with artificial light under the above conditions is preferably carried out from the time when the first flower bud differentiation of fruit and vegetable plants is confirmed until the final fruit setting is confirmed.

[0063] When the fruit and vegetable plants have multiple stems, it is preferred to irradiate the plants with the artificial light in multiple growth directions respectively.

[0064] During periods other than the above-mentioned periods, artificial light irradiation may be performed from one of the directions of 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of fruit and vegetable plants, or from both the directions of 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of fruit and vegetable plants. However, from the viewpoint of reducing cultivation costs, artificial light irradiation is preferably performed from one of the directions of 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of fruit and vegetable plants, and artificial light irradiation is preferably performed from the direction of 0°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of fruit and vegetable plants.

[0065] When artificial light is irradiated from the side and top of the fruit and vegetable plants, the light intensity of the artificial light is adjusted so that the light intensity distribution is generated. In the cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants, any method can be adopted as the cultivation system used in the growth of fruit and vegetable plants, and the configuration relationship between the light source and the fruit and vegetable plants when irradiating artificial light can also be appropriately selected. As a cultivation system, for example, Figure 1 to Figure 3 The method shown.

[0066] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view showing an example of a cultivation system in which LED light sources are arranged between plants.

[0067] exist Figure 1In the cultivation system 10 shown, equal-area partitioned areas are provided on both sides of the lighting device 7a having the LED light source 3, and a cultivated plant 1 of a fruit and vegetable plant is arranged every other partition. The plurality of cultivated plants 1 are kept at a certain distance so that the leaves of adjacent plants do not overlap each other. Each partition is covered with a reflective sheet 5a on the top and side surfaces.

[0068] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 Sectional view taken along line AA.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, cultivated plants 1 are arranged on both sides separated by lighting fixtures 7a, and the top and side surfaces of cultivated plants 1 are covered by reflective sheets 5a. The light irradiated from the lighting fixture 7a directly irradiates the fruit and vegetable plants from one side in the side direction, and is further reflected by the reflective sheet 5a and irradiates from the other side in the side direction of the fruit and vegetable plants. Furthermore, the light irradiated from the lighting fixture 7a toward the top surface is reflected by the reflective sheet 5a on the top surface, and then reflected again by the reflective sheet on the side surface, and further irradiates from the side direction of the fruit and vegetable plants. In this way, by covering the surroundings of the cultivated plants with reflective sheets and the like, the light utilization efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, as Figure 1 As shown, by configuring lighting fixtures, the workability of passing through the passage is also improved.

[0070] In addition, a plurality of LED light sources 3 are mounted on the lighting fixture 7 a .

[0071] Figure 2 The cultivation system shown may be in the form of a support table (preferably a cultivation rack) provided with a support body (polyurethane sponge, etc.) for supporting the roots of the cultivated plants, or may be in the form of a support table (preferably a cultivation rack) provided with a cultivation panel having a plurality of holes for fixing the support body, and the support body for supporting the roots of the cultivated plants is fixed to each hole of the cultivation panel for cultivation. The use of the support table is preferred from the viewpoint of cultivation management and operability such as axillary bud pinching, leaf picking, and harvesting of fruit and vegetable plants such as tomatoes during cultivation.

[0072] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A variation of . Figure 3 This means that a lighting fixture 7b having a T-shaped cross section is installed instead of Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a cultivation system including a reflective sheet on the top surface and a lighting fixture 7a.

[0073] exist Figure 3 In the cultivation system 20 shown, the LED light source 3 is also arranged on the top surface, so that the irradiation light is directly irradiated from the side direction and the top surface of the fruit and vegetable plants. The side surface is covered by the reflective sheet 5b. In this way, the light intensity of the growth point can be ensured.

[0074] The cycle of light and dark periods (hereinafter also referred to as "light and dark cycle") of artificial light irradiating fruit and vegetable plants may also be controlled.

[0075] In the present invention, the "light period" refers to the period during which the fruit and vegetable plants are irradiated by the light source, and the "dark period" refers to the period during which the fruit and vegetable plants are not irradiated by the light source.

[0076] The control of the light-dark cycle can be performed by changing the usage time of the light source.

[0077] The light source of the artificial light to be irradiated is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (light emitting diodes) and discharge lamps such as fluorescent lamps. In the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present invention, it is preferred to use LEDs.

[0078] The type of LED used may be one type, or two or more types may be used.

[0079] LEDs can emit visible light such as red, blue and green, and can also emit invisible light such as ultraviolet light (wavelength below 380nm) or infrared light (wavelength above 780nm). Among them, from the viewpoint of promoting photosynthesis of fruit and vegetable plants, LEDs that emit light in the wavelength region of 400nm to 700nm are preferred. In addition, from the perspective of improving energy efficiency and space utilization efficiency, it is important to increase the fruit yield of each plant. From this point of view, it is more preferred to use red LEDs and blue LEDs at the same time. In particular, the choice of light source wavelength during the seedling raising period of tomato cultivation will affect the increase or decrease of fruit yield, so it is preferred to use red LEDs and blue LEDs during the seedling raising period. As a result, for example, compared to the seedling raising period when white LEDs are used, an increase in production can be expected.

[0080] The cultivation temperature of fruit and vegetable plants is not particularly limited, but is preferably 23° C. to 33° C., more preferably 25° C. to 32° C. During the light season, the cultivation temperature during the light season is set within the above numerical range, so that the quality and weight of the fruits to be harvested can be improved.

[0081] Furthermore, the cultivation temperature of the fruit and vegetable plants in the dark period is preferably 15° C. to 22° C., and more preferably 16° C. to 20° C. By setting the cultivation temperature in the dark period within the above numerical range, the quality and weight of the fruits to be harvested can be improved.

[0082] In the present invention, the cultivation temperature is measured by arranging a thermometer at a position 1 cm away from the fruit and vegetable plants. As the thermometer, for example, TR-74Ui manufactured by T&D Co., Ltd. and its attached sensors can be used.

[0083] The control method of the light period temperature and the dark period temperature is not particularly limited, and can be carried out by a conventionally known method. For example, the control of the light period temperature and the dark period temperature can be carried out by monitoring the light period temperature and the dark period temperature of the environment through the above-mentioned thermometer, and conveying warm air or cold air as needed.

[0084] The relative humidity in the cultivation environment of fruit and vegetable plants is preferably 40% to 80%, more preferably 50% to 75%. By setting the relative humidity in the cultivation environment of fruit and vegetable plants within the above numerical range, the quality and weight of the fruits to be harvested can be improved.

[0085] In the present invention, the relative humidity is measured by placing a hygrometer at a distance of 1 cm from the fruit and vegetable plant. As the hygrometer, for example, TR-74Ui manufactured by T&D Co., Ltd. and its attached sensors can be used.

[0086] The method for controlling the humidity is not particularly limited, and the humidity can be controlled by a conventionally known method.

[0087] For example, the humidity condition can be controlled by monitoring the humidity of the environment with the hygrometer and using an air conditioner having a humidification function and a dehumidification function as needed.

[0088] The carbon dioxide concentration in the cultivation environment of fruit and vegetable plants is preferably 300 ppm or more, more preferably 400 ppm or more, further preferably 800 ppm or more, and particularly preferably 1,000 ppm or more. By setting the carbon dioxide concentration in the cultivation environment of fruit and vegetable plants within the above numerical range, the quality and weight of the fruit to be harvested can be further improved. The upper limit of the carbon dioxide concentration is not particularly limited and can be set to 4000 ppm or less.

[0089] In the present invention, the carbon dioxide concentration is measured by placing a carbon dioxide concentration meter at a position 1 cm away from the fruit and vegetable plants. As the carbon dioxide concentration meter, for example, an air detector 7722 manufactured by SB Environment Corporation can be used.

[0090] The method for controlling the carbon dioxide concentration is not particularly limited, and can be performed by a conventionally known method. For example, the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment can be monitored by the above-mentioned carbon dioxide concentration meter, and can be controlled using an air conditioner or the like as needed.

[0091] Fruit and vegetable plants may be cultivated by soil culture or hydroponics, but are preferably cultivated by hydroponics from the viewpoint of improving the hygiene of the cultivation environment.

[0092] When fruit and vegetable plants are cultivated by hydroponics, as a support body for supporting the roots, for example, a support stand provided with polyurethane sponge, rock wool, and a water-retaining sheet can be used.

[0093] When cultivating fruit and vegetable plants by hydroponics, the method of supplying liquid fertilizer is not particularly limited, and examples include deep flow hydroponics in which a support is immersed in liquid fertilizer for cultivation, spray hydroponics in which liquid fertilizer is sprayed onto a support, and drip hydroponics in which liquid fertilizer is dripped onto the roots or the support.

[0094] There are no particular restrictions on the liquid fertilizer used as long as it is suitable for the cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants. For example, commercially available mixed liquid fertilizers (OAT House No. 1 manufactured by OAT Agrio Co., Ltd. and HYPONICA liquid fertilizer manufactured by Kyowa Co., LTD., etc.) can be dissolved and diluted to the desired concentration for use, or a single fertilizer can be used in combination according to known fertilizer compositions such as garden trial prescriptions and Yamazaki prescriptions.

[0095] Regarding pollination after flowering, a method suitable for the crop can be selected from conventional methods at the right time. For example, hormone treatment can be performed using the tomato color spray of Sumitomo Chemical Garden Products Inc. In addition, vibration pollination can be performed using a blower or a vibration device. In addition, insects such as bumblebees can also be used for pollination.

[0096] The concentration of liquid fertilizer can be determined by using the EC (Electrical Conductivity) value as an index. From the perspective of the quality and weight of the fruit to be harvested, the concentration of liquid fertilizer is preferably 0.5 ds / m to 8.0 ds / m, and more preferably 1.0 ds / m to 5.0 ds / m. In addition, the concentration of liquid fertilizer can be changed according to the growth of fruit and vegetable plants.

[0097] The EC value is measured at 25° C. using a conductivity meter (for example, HI98131 manufactured by Hanna Instruments).

[0098] In fruit and vegetable plants, it is preferred to remove the leaves below the fruit lobe stage that has been harvested. By removing the leaves below the fruit lobe stage that has been harvested, the cultivation efficiency can be improved.

[0099] The axillary buds of fruit and vegetable plants can be removed in time (axillary bud pinching).

[0100] The fruit and vegetable plants are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Solanaceae plants such as tomatoes, eggplants and green peppers, Cucurbitaceae plants such as melons, cucumbers, pumpkins and zucchini, Leguminosae plants such as lentils, peas and broad beans, Malvaceae plants such as okra, Gramineae plants such as corn, etc. Among the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plants, the cultivation method of the present invention is suitable for Solanaceae plants or Cucurbitaceae plants, more suitable for tomatoes or melons, and further suitable for tomatoes.

[0101] In addition, tomatoes include medium-sized tomatoes, mini tomatoes, fruit tomatoes, etc. Moreover, melons include netted melons such as green-fleshed and red-fleshed melons, and non-netted melons.

[0102] [Fruit and vegetable plant cultivation device]

[0103] The cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants of the present invention includes: a light source for irradiating artificial light from the side and top directions of the fruit and vegetable plants; and a control mechanism (hereinafter also referred to as "light intensity control mechanism") for controlling the light irradiation conditions to produce a light intensity distribution when artificial light is irradiated on the fruit and vegetable plants.

[0104] As the light source for irradiating artificial light, the above-mentioned light source can be used. Furthermore, in the cultivation device, for example, the above-mentioned cultivation system can be applied as a cultivation system including a light source.

[0105] The light intensity control mechanism controls the light irradiation conditions of the artificial light irradiating the fruit and vegetable plants so as to generate a light intensity distribution on the fruit and vegetable plants.

[0106] In one embodiment, a photon sensor for measuring light intensity is arranged at the growth point of the fruit and vegetable plant and the central part of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant, and the light intensity control mechanism obtains data of each light intensity from the photon sensor and calculates the light intensity ratio. As the light intensity ratio, the light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated to the central part of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant is preferably b The light intensity I of artificial light irradiated to the growing point of fruit and vegetable plants t The ratio satisfies the following relationship. As a result, the light intensity at the growth point of the fruit and vegetable plants and its vicinity is further improved.

[0107] I b / I t ≤0.8

[0108] Moreover, the calculated light intensity ratio I b / I t When it exceeds 0.8, the light intensity control mechanism sends a signal to the light source for adjusting the angle of the artificial light to be irradiated, the number of irradiation directions of the artificial light to be irradiated, the light intensity of the artificial light, etc., so as to adjust the light intensity ratio within the above range.

[0109] From the perspective of improving the fruit setting rate and improving the space utilization efficiency of the plant factory, the light intensity control mechanism preferably controls the light irradiation conditions so that the ratio of the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated to the central part of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant to the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated to the growth point of the fruit and vegetable plant (I b / I t ) becomes less than 0.8.

[0110] From the viewpoint of increasing the weight of fruits to be harvested, the light intensity control means preferably controls the light irradiation conditions so that the light intensity ratio is more preferably 0.7 or less (further preferably 0.5 or less).

[0111] From the viewpoint of increasing the weight of fruits to be harvested, the light intensity control means preferably controls the light irradiation conditions so that the light intensity ratio is preferably 0.3 or more (more preferably 0.4 or more).

[0112] In one embodiment, the light control mechanism can control the light intensity ratio by changing the number of light sources that irradiate the fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light, the irradiation angle of the artificial light irradiated to the fruit and vegetable plants, and the like.

[0113] Example

[0114] Hereinafter, the above-mentioned embodiment will be described in detail by way of examples, but the above-mentioned embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0115] <Example 1-1>

[0116] Tomato seeds (variety: Momotaro Yoke (registered trademark)) were sown on a 5 cm square polyurethane sponge (manufactured by Kyowa Co., LTD., yellow medium for fruits and vegetables) fully filled with pure water and stored in the dark at 28°C and 70% relative humidity for 3 days.

[0117] After confirming that the tomato seeds had taken root, the seeds were raised for 17 days using the deep flow hydroponic technique. As the liquid fertilizer, Hyponica liquid fertilizer manufactured by Kyowa Co., LTD. was diluted 500 times with pure water and used.

[0118] During the seedling raising period, an LED (CIVILIGHT, DPT2RB120Q33, manufactured by SHOWA DENKOK.K.) was used as a light source so that the light intensity on the upper surface of the polyurethane sponge was 250 μmol / m 2 When adjusting the light intensity, the amount of red (wavelength 660nm) and blue (wavelength 450nm) light from the LED was adjusted so that the light intensity ratio became red:blue=2:1. Other environmental conditions during seedling cultivation were set as follows.

[0119] -Environmental conditions for seedling cultivation-

[0120] Light-dark cycle: 16 hours (light period) / 8 hours (dark period)

[0121] Temperature: 27℃ (light period) / 19℃ (dark period)

[0122] Relative humidity: 70%

[0123] Carbon dioxide concentration: 1,000ppm

[0124] Plant spacing: 15cm

[0125] Ten tomato plantlets obtained by the above seedling raising were grown under the cultivation conditions shown below (hereinafter referred to as the growing process). During the growing period, single-stem pruning (axillary bud pinching and leaf picking, etc.) and induction were performed according to conventional methods, and after three inflorescences (first to third inflorescences) grew on the main branch, it was further confirmed that the three true leaves on the upper side of the third inflorescence were unfolded, and the true leaves were retained for pinching.

[0126] The tomato fruits that had set fruit up to the third inflorescence were harvested, and the cultivation was terminated.

[0127] In addition, when the number of flower buds exceeds 6, the 7th flower bud will be removed. And when the number of fruits exceeds 4, the fruits will be picked from the 5th one.

[0128] During the growth process, the number of flower buds and the number of fruits set on each plant were recorded and harvested, and the fruit set rate (%; [number of fruits set / number of flower buds]×100) and the average weight per fruit (hereinafter also referred to as “average fruit weight”) were calculated. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0129] The fruit setting rate and average fruit weight were also determined for the following Examples 1-2 to 1-5 and Comparative Examples 1-1 to 1-2, and are also shown in Table 1.

[0130] - Cultivation conditions in the growth process -

[0131] Support: Polyurethane sponge used directly in the seedling raising process

[0132] Light-dark cycle: 16 hours (light period) / 8 hours (dark period)

[0133] Relative temperature: 27℃ (light period) / 19℃ (dark period)

[0134] Humidity: 70%

[0135] ·Nutrient solution: Dilute Kyowa Co., LTD.'s "Hyponica liquid fertilizer" with pure water to 250 times the amount.

[0136] Carbon dioxide concentration: 1,000ppm

[0137] Light irradiation conditions: During the growth period, artificial light was always irradiated from the direction of 0°±20° and 90°±20° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the tomato plant. The light intensity ratio (light intensity I b / Light intensity at the growing point I t ) becomes 0.5. In addition, the light intensity in the center of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant is set to 120 μmol / m 2 / s~130μmol / m 2 / s, and set the light intensity at the growth point to 240 μmol / m 2 / s~260μmol / m 2 / s.

[0138] <Example 1-2>

[0139] Tomato plants were grown and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1-1, except that the light irradiation conditions in the growth step were changed as follows.

[0140] - Cultivation conditions in the growth process -

[0141] Light irradiation conditions: Artificial light was irradiated from the direction of 0°±20° and 90°±20° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the tomato plant only during the period from the differentiation of the first flower bud to the final fruit setting (hereinafter also referred to as "period A"). The light intensity ratio (the central part of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant (tomato plant) b / Light intensity at the growing point I t ) becomes 0.5 to produce a light intensity distribution. In addition, the light intensity I of the central part of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant is b Set to 120 μmol / m 2 / s~130μmol / m 2 / s, the light intensity at the growth point I t Set to 240 μmol / m 2 / s~260μmol / m 2 / s.

[0142] During the period other than the above period (hereinafter also referred to as "period B"), the artificial light is stopped from being irradiated from the direction of 0°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the tomato plant, and the artificial light is irradiated only from the direction of 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the tomato plant. The light intensity ratio is set to 1.0. In addition, the light intensity I of the central part of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant is set to 1.0. band the light intensity I at the growing point t All were set at 120 μmol / m 2 / s~130μmol / m 2 / s.

[0143] <Example 1-3>

[0144] The cultivation and evaluation of tomato plants were carried out in the same manner as in Example 1-2 except that the light intensity ratio in period A was changed to 0.8. b Set to 120 μmol / m 2 / s~130μmol / m 2 / s, the light intensity at the growth point I t Set to 150 μmol / m 2 / s~163μmol / m 2 / s.

[0145] <Example 1-4>

[0146] As a light source during seedling cultivation, when adjusting the light intensity, the red (wavelength 660nm) and blue (wavelength 450nm) light amounts of the above-mentioned LED were adjusted to a light amount ratio of red:blue = 10:1. Otherwise, tomato plants were cultivated and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1-1.

[0147] <Example 1-5>

[0148] Tomato plants were cultivated and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1-1 except that a white LED (PGL-NE-200NWD, manufactured by RYODEN CORPORATION) was used as a light source during the seedling raising period.

[0149] <Comparative Example 1-1>

[0150] Tomato plants were grown and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1-1, except that the light irradiation conditions in the growth step were changed as follows.

[0151] - Cultivation conditions in the growth process -

[0152] Light irradiation conditions: During the growth period, artificial light was always irradiated only from the direction of 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the tomato plant stem. The light intensity ratio was set to 1.0. In addition, the light intensity I in the middle of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant was set to 1.0. b and the light intensity I at the growing point t All were set at 120 μmol / m 2 / s~130μmol / m2 / s.

[0153] <Comparative Example 1-2>

[0154] Tomato plants were grown and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1-1, except that the light irradiation conditions in the growth step were changed as follows.

[0155] - Cultivation conditions in the growth process -

[0156] Light irradiation conditions: During the growth period, artificial light was always irradiated from a direction of 0°±30° relative to the growth direction of the tomato plant stem. The light intensity ratio was set to 0.2. In addition, the light intensity I in the center of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant was set to 0.1. b Set to 48 μmol / m 2 / s~52μmol / m 2 / s, the light intensity at the growth point I t Set to 240 μmol / m 2 / s~260μmol / m 2 / s.

[0157] <Example 2-1>

[0158] Melon seeds (variety: RENON (registered trademark)) were sown on a 5 cm square polyurethane sponge (manufactured by Kyowa Co., LTD., yellow medium for fruits and vegetables) fully filled with pure water and stored in the dark at 28°C and 70% relative humidity for 3 days.

[0159] After confirming that the melon seeds had taken root, seedlings were grown for 17 days using deep flow hydroponics (hereinafter referred to as seedling growing process). As liquid fertilizer, "Hyponica liquid fertilizer" manufactured by Kyowa Co., LTD. was diluted 500 times with pure water and used.

[0160] During the seedling raising period, an LED (CIVILIGHT, DPT2RB120Q33) manufactured by SHOWA DENKO KK was used as a light source so that the light intensity on the upper surface of the polyurethane sponge was 250 μmol / m 2 The environmental conditions in the other seedling raising steps were set as follows.

[0161] -Environmental conditions during the seedling raising process-

[0162] Light-dark cycle: 16 hours (light period) / 8 hours (dark period)

[0163] Temperature: 27℃ (light period) / 19℃ (dark period)

[0164] Relative humidity: 70%

[0165] Carbon dioxide concentration: 1,000ppm

[0166] Plant spacing: 15cm

[0167] Ten melon seedlings obtained by the above seedling raising were grown under the following cultivation conditions. During the growth period, single-stem pruning (axillary bud pinching) and induction were performed according to conventional methods until fruit setting was confirmed on the main branches, and the female flowers were pollinated.

[0168] After the first fruit setting was confirmed, the flowers were removed without pollination. In addition, when multiple fruits were confirmed to have set simultaneously, the cultivation was continued for about one week while maintaining the multiple fruits, and then only the largest fruit was kept and the other small fruits were removed.

[0169] One fruit was harvested from each plant, and the cultivation was completed.

[0170] During the growth process, the number of flower buds and the number of fruits set in the female flowers were recorded for each plant, and the harvest was performed to calculate the fruit set rate ([number of fruits set / number of flower buds]×100) and the weight of each fruit (hereinafter also recorded as “average fruit weight”), which are summarized in Table 2. For the following Comparative Example 2-1, the fruit set rate and average fruit weight were also calculated and summarized in Table 2.

[0171] - Cultivation conditions in the growth process -

[0172] Support: Polyurethane sponge used directly in the seedling raising process

[0173] Light-dark cycle: 16 hours (light period) / 8 hours (dark period)

[0174] Temperature: 27℃ (light period) / 19℃ (dark period)

[0175] Humidity: 70%

[0176] ·Nutrient solution: Dilute Kyowa Co., LTD.'s "Hyponica liquid fertilizer" with pure water to 150 times the amount.

[0177] Carbon dioxide concentration: 1,000ppm

[0178] Light irradiation: Artificial light was irradiated from the direction of 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the melon plant only during the period from the differentiation of the first flower bud to the final fruit setting (hereinafter referred to as "period A"). b / Light intensity at the growing point I t) is set to 0.5. In addition, the light intensity I of the central part of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant is set to 0.5. b Set to 120 μmol / m 2 / s~130μmol / m 2 / s, the light intensity at the growth point I t Set to 240 μmol / m 2 / s~260μmol / m 2 / s.

[0179] During the period other than the above period (hereinafter also referred to as "period B"), the artificial light is stopped from being irradiated from the direction of 0°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the melon plant, and the artificial light is irradiated only from the direction of 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the melon plant. The light intensity ratio is set to 1.0. In addition, the light intensity I of the central part of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant is set to 1.0. b Set to 120 μmol / m 2 / s~130μmol / m 2 / s, the light intensity at the growth point I t Set to 120 μmol / m 2 / s~130μmol / m 2 / s.

[0180] <Comparative Example 2-1>

[0181] Cultivation and evaluation of melon plants were performed in the same manner as in Example 2-1, except that the light irradiation conditions in the growth step were changed as follows.

[0182] - Cultivation conditions in the growth process -

[0183] Light irradiation conditions: During the growth period, artificial light was irradiated from a direction of 90°±30° with respect to the growth direction of the stem of the melon plant. The light intensity ratio was set to 1.0.

[0184] [Table 1]

[0185]

[0186] [Table 2]

[0187]

[0188] As shown in Table 1 and Table 2, the fruit and vegetable plant cultivation method of the embodiment is superior to the fruit setting rate of the fruit and vegetable plant cultivation method of the comparative example.

[0189] (Explanation of symbols)

[0190] 1- cultivated plant, 3- LED light source, 5a, 5b- reflective sheet, 7a, 7b- lighting fixture, 10, 20- cultivation system.

[0191] Regarding the invention of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-077110 filed on May 9, 2022 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-023805 filed on February 17, 2023, their entireties are incorporated into this specification by reference.

[0192] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, or technical standard were specifically and individually described as being incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, comprising irradiating the fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light under light irradiation conditions that achieve a fruit setting rate of more than 80%.

2. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1, wherein: The fruit and vegetable plant is tomato.

3. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1, wherein: The artificial light is irradiated on the fruit and vegetable plants from a direction of 0°±30° and a direction of 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of the fruit and vegetable plants.

4. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1, wherein: After the first flower bud differentiation of the fruit and vegetable plant is confirmed until the final fruit setting is confirmed, the fruit and vegetable plant is irradiated with the artificial light from a direction of 0°±30° and a direction of 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the fruit and vegetable plant.

5. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1, wherein: Through the irradiation of the artificial light, a light intensity distribution is generated on the fruit and vegetable plants.

6. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 5, wherein: The light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated to the growth point of the fruit and vegetable plant t The light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated to the central part of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant b Satisfies the following relationship, I b / I t ≤0.8。 7. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1, wherein: The light intensity distribution is generated after the first flower bud differentiation of the fruit and vegetable plant is confirmed until the final fruit setting is confirmed.

8. A cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants, comprising: a light source that radiates artificial light from the side and top of the fruit and vegetable plants; and The control mechanism controls the light irradiation conditions to produce a light intensity distribution when irradiating the fruit and vegetable plants with the artificial light.

9. The cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 8, wherein: The control mechanism controls the light irradiation conditions so that the light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated to the growth point of the fruit and vegetable plant is t The light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated to the central part of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant b Satisfies the following relationship, I b / I t ≤0.8。 10. A tomato plant cultivated by the cultivation method of fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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