Method for improving sugar content and marketable fruit rate of tomato based on dynamic regulation of root zone volume

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of method for improving tomato sugar content and commodity fruit rate based on root zone volume dynamic control, belong to the field of crop cultivation, comprising: setting root zone volume adjustable substrate cultivation tank, a plurality of opposite vertical slots are respectively arranged in the cultivation tank body, the vertical slot is vertical groove, two vertical inserts are inserted in each pair of vertical slot, two vertical inserts are set in each pair of vertical slot as partition, and adjacent two partitions form a planting ditch, and every adjacent two planting ditches are spaced apart according to the spacing of a partition;Soil or cultivation substrate is put into the cultivation tank body, plants are planted into partition according to the set plant spacing, the volume of plant root system planting area is changed by adjusting the position of a pair of vertical slot according to the growth stage of plant, and root zone volume control and irrigation dynamic control are realized;While carrying out root zone volume control and irrigation dynamic control, continuous head replacement pruning is simultaneously carried out, and yield and commodity fruit rate are further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of crop cultivation, specifically relating to a method for improving the sugar content and marketable fruit rate of tomatoes based on dynamic regulation of root zone volume. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, consumer demand for tomato quality has shifted from the traditional focus on "storability and transportability" to "taste and flavor," leading to a steady increase in the market share of specialty varieties such as cherry tomatoes, strawberry tomatoes, and fruit tomatoes. In quality tomato production, water-controlled cultivation is the simplest and most widely used quality control technique, which, combined with functional fertilizers, contributes to the production of high-quality, flavorful tomatoes.

[0003] While water-controlled cultivation improves the quality and taste of tomatoes, it also has problems such as a significant decrease in yield, especially a low rate of marketable fruit. At the same time, the large soil area and strong buffering capacity make precise water control difficult to achieve, which has become a bottleneck restricting the large-scale promotion of high-quality tomatoes and the achievement of uniform and stable yield and quality.

[0004] In summary, the current production of high-quality tomatoes faces challenges such as difficulty in quality control, significant yield decline, and poor taste uniformity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method for improving tomato sugar content and marketable fruit rate based on dynamic control of root zone volume, thereby solving the problems of high quality control difficulty, large yield decline, and poor taste uniformity in the current production of high-quality tomatoes.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention discloses a method for improving tomato sugar content and marketable fruit rate based on dynamic control of root zone volume, including...

[0008] Step A: Set up a substrate cultivation trough with adjustable root zone volume. The substrate cultivation trough with adjustable root zone volume includes a cultivation trough body. Several opposing slots are respectively set in the cultivation trough body. The opposing slots are vertical grooves. Two opposing plates are inserted into each pair of opposing slots. Two opposing plates are set in each pair of opposing slots as partitions. Adjacent partitions form a planting trench. Each pair of adjacent planting trenches are separated by a partition.

[0009] Step B: Place soil or cultivation substrate into the cultivation trough, plant the plants into the partition according to the set spacing, and adjust the position of a pair of vertical slots according to the plant growth stage to change the volume of the plant root planting area, thereby realizing the control of root area volume and dynamic control of irrigation.

[0010] Step C: While regulating root zone volume and dynamically controlling irrigation, continuously pruning and topping are carried out simultaneously to further improve yield and marketable fruit rate.

[0011] Preferably, the length of one of the partitions is 5-15cm.

[0012] In step B, the period from the emergence of 2 green-ripe fruit clusters after transplanting is considered the early stage, the period from the color change of 2 fruit clusters to the green-ripe stage of 5 fruit clusters is considered the middle stage, and the period from the color change of 5 fruit clusters to the time of pulling up the vines is considered the late stage.

[0013] In the initial stage, the volume of the plant root planting area is limited to a partition;

[0014] In the mid-stage, the partition on one side of the plant is removed, one partition is merged with one of the adjacent partitions to increase the root zone volume, and mild to moderate deficit irrigation is regulated.

[0015] In the later stages, the partition on the other side of the plant is removed, and one partition is merged with another adjacent partition to further increase the root zone volume, while moderate to severe irrigation deficit is regulated.

[0016] Preferably, the plant spacing is set to 30-40cm.

[0017] In step C, the method of continuous pruning and topping is as follows: after the second cluster of fruit, the tip is pinched off, leaving lateral branches; after the lateral branches have two clusters of fruit, the tip is pinched off again, leaving lateral branches, and so on, in order to further improve yield and marketable fruit rate.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0019] This invention discloses a method for improving the sugar content and marketable fruit rate of tomatoes based on dynamic control of root zone volume. The method includes: setting up a substrate cultivation trough with adjustable root zone volume; several opposing slots are set within the cultivation trough body; each pair of opposing slots has two opposing plates inserted; each pair of opposing slots has two opposing plates as partitions, and adjacent partitions form a planting trench; each pair of adjacent planting trenches is spaced apart by a partition; soil or cultivation substrate is placed into the cultivation trough body; plants are planted into the partitions according to a set spacing; the position of a pair of opposing slots is adjusted according to the plant growth stage to change the volume of the plant root zone, thereby achieving dynamic control of root zone volume and irrigation; while performing root zone volume control and dynamic irrigation control, continuous topping and pruning are carried out simultaneously to further improve yield and marketable fruit rate. This invention provides a method for improving the sugar content and marketable fruit rate of tomatoes based on dynamic control of root zone volume. Through technological innovation in dynamically controlling root zone volume and combining agronomic measures, the root zone volume is dynamically adjusted according to the plant growth stage. Combined with gradient water control irrigation technology, this method improves the quality and marketable fruit rate of tomatoes and ensures the uniformity of quality. It solves the problems of difficult quality control, large yield decline, and poor taste uniformity in the current production of high-quality tomatoes. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is an internal perspective view of the substrate cultivation trough with adjustable root zone volume provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a view of the inner wall of the rear side plate of the substrate cultivation trough with adjustable root zone volume provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a plan view of the substrate cultivation trough with adjustable root zone volume provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a side view of the substrate cultivation trough with adjustable root zone volume provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of changing the volume of the plant root planting area according to the plant growth stage provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, wherein... Figure 5 (a), (b) and (c) represent the volumes of the plant root planting areas in the early, middle and late stages, respectively.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 1-Cultivation trough body, 10-Bottom plate, 100-Bottom return water trough; 11-Left side plate, 12-Right side plate, 13-Front side plate, 14-Rear side plate;

[0027] 2-Face panel, 20-Face slot. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0029] To address the challenges of quality control, significant yield decline, and poor taste uniformity in high-quality tomato production, this invention discloses a method for improving tomato sugar content and marketable fruit rate based on dynamic control of root zone volume. The method includes: setting up a substrate cultivation trough with adjustable root zone volume; several opposing slots are set within the trough body; each pair of opposing slots has two opposing vertical grooves; two opposing vertical plates are inserted into each pair of opposing slots, and two opposing vertical plates serve as partitions within each pair of opposing slots, with adjacent partitions forming a planting trench; each pair of adjacent planting trenches is spaced apart by a partition; soil or cultivation substrate is placed into the cultivation trough body; plants are planted into the partitions according to a set spacing; the position of a pair of opposing slots is adjusted according to the plant growth stage to change the volume of the plant root zone, achieving dynamic control of root zone volume and irrigation; simultaneously, continuous topping and pruning are carried out to further improve yield and marketable fruit rate. This invention provides a method for improving the sugar content and marketable fruit rate of tomatoes based on dynamic regulation of root zone volume. Through the technological innovation of dynamically regulating root zone volume and compound agronomic measures, the root zone volume is dynamically adjusted according to the plant growth stage, and combined with gradient water control irrigation technology, the quality and marketable fruit rate of tomatoes are improved and the quality uniformity is ensured.

[0030] Example 1: A substrate cultivation trough with adjustable root zone volume

[0031] Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides a substrate cultivation trough with adjustable root zone volume, and its structure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] refer to Figures 1 to 4 The root zone volume adjustable substrate cultivation trough includes a cultivation trough body 1 and several vertical insert plates 2.

[0033] The cultivation trough body 1 includes a base plate 10, which is rectangular in shape. Four side plates are arranged around the base plate 10, forming a container with an open top. Specifically, the upper opening of the cultivation trough body 1 is 20-30cm, the lower opening is 15-25cm, and the height is 20-30cm. It can be made of moldable materials such as polypropylene plastic or polystyrene foam board.

[0034] The cultivation trough body 1 has several opposing side plates with a number of vertical slots 20. The vertical slots 20 are vertical grooves, and a vertical insert plate 2 is inserted between each pair of vertical slots 20.

[0035] The vertical insert 2 serves as a partition with the same cross-sectional shape as the cultivation trough body 1, and its material is consistent with the cultivation trough. When the two vertical inserts 2 are inserted into a pair of vertical slots 20 on the two opposite side plates of the cultivation trough body 1, the space enclosed by the two adjacent vertical slots 20 and the two side plates and the bottom plate 10 serves as a plant root planting area for planting plants. The position of the pair of vertical slots 20 is adjusted according to the plant growth stage to change the volume of the plant root planting area, thereby achieving the control of the root zone volume.

[0036] To facilitate the insertion of the facade insert 2, each facade slot 20 is arranged from top to bottom along the two opposite side plates of the cultivation trough body 1 from the opening of the cultivation trough body 1.

[0037] To facilitate drainage, the upper surface of the base plate 10 is provided with several bottom water return channels 100, each bottom water return channel 100 being perpendicular to the vertical slot 20; and the bottom of each vertical slot 20 is connected to the bottom water return channels 100 on both sides of the upper surface of the base plate 10.

[0038] Specifically, the bottom return water trough 100 is a drainage groove with a T-shaped cross-section, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the interval between adjacent bottom return water tanks 100 is 0.5-1.0cm, and the height of each bottom return water tank 100 is 1.0-3.0cm and the top width is 0.2-0.5cm.

[0039] To facilitate the support of the substrate, the cultivation trough body 1 has a larger top and a smaller bottom, and each side plate of the cultivation trough body 1 is an inverted trapezoid. It should be noted that the inverted trapezoid refers to a trapezoid with the upper base larger than the lower base.

[0040] To facilitate the insertion of the vertical insertion plate 2, the vertical insertion plate 2 is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, forming an inverted trapezoid; each side plate of the cultivation trough body 1 is inclined outward at the top.

[0041] As a specific example, the four sides of the base plate 10 are respectively provided with a left side plate 11, a right side plate 12, a front side plate 13 and a rear side plate 14. The left side plate 11, the rear side plate 14, the right side plate 12 and the front side plate 13 are arranged around the base plate 10 with their upper ends inclined outward, forming the cultivation trough body 1.

[0042] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The facade slots 20 are respectively arranged in pairs on the front side plate 13 and the rear side plate 14, and several bottom water return channels 100 are arranged parallel to each other on the bottom plate 10 between the left side plate 11 and the right side plate 12.

[0043] More specifically, the spacing between adjacent facade slots 20 of the front side panel 13 and the rear side panel 14 is 5 to 10 cm, and the depth of each facade slot 20 is 0.4 to 0.8 cm and the width is 0.2 to 0.4 cm.

[0044] Example 2: A method for improving tomato sugar content and marketable fruit rate based on dynamic control of root zone volume.

[0045] Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides a method for improving the sugar content and marketable fruit rate of tomatoes based on dynamic regulation of root zone volume, comprising the following steps:

[0046] Step A: Set up a substrate cultivation trough with adjustable root zone volume. The substrate cultivation trough with adjustable root zone volume includes a cultivation trough body 1. Several opposing slots 20 are respectively set in the cultivation trough body 1. The opposing slots 20 are vertical grooves. Two opposing plates 2 are inserted into each pair of opposing slots 20. Two opposing plates 2 are set in each pair of opposing slots 20 as partitions. Adjacent partitions form a planting trench. Each pair of adjacent planting trenches are spaced apart at a distance of 5-15cm.

[0047] Specifically, the root zone volume adjustable substrate cultivation trough includes a cultivation trough body 1 and several vertical insert plates 2. The cultivation trough body 1 includes a bottom plate 10, which is rectangular in shape. Four side plates are respectively arranged around the bottom plate 10 to form a container with an open top. Several pairs of vertical slots 20 are respectively arranged on two opposite side plates in the cultivation trough body 1. The vertical slots 20 are vertical grooves, and a vertical insert plate 2 is inserted between each pair of vertical slots 20. The space enclosed by two adjacent vertical slots 20, two side plates, and the bottom plate 10 serves as a plant root planting area for planting plants. The volume of the plant root planting area is changed by adjusting the position of a pair of vertical slots 20 according to the plant growth stage, thereby realizing the control of the root zone volume.

[0048] To facilitate drainage, the partition should be kept 2-3cm away from the bottom of the planting trench.

[0049] Step B: Place soil or cultivation substrate into the cultivation trough body 1, and plant the plants in the partition at a spacing of 30-40cm. The early stage is defined as the stage when 2 clusters of fruit are green and mature, the middle stage is defined as the stage from the stage when 2 clusters of fruit change color to the stage when 5 clusters of fruit are green and mature, and the late stage is defined as the stage from the stage when 5 clusters of fruit change color to the stage when the vines are pulled up. Adjust the position of a pair of vertical slots 20 according to the plant growth stage to change the volume of the plant root planting area, thereby realizing the control of root area volume and dynamic control of irrigation.

[0050] In the initial stage, the volume of the plant root planting area is limited to a partition, such as... Figure 5 As shown in (a). This is because the plants are small and have a small root system. Planting them in a partition and irrigating them normally allows for precise control of irrigation and water conservation.

[0051] In the mid-stage, the septum on one side of the plant is removed, and one septum is merged with one of the adjacent septa to increase the volume of the root zone, such as... Figure 5 As shown in (b), mild to moderate deficit irrigation regulation is implemented. This is because the plant has a certain amount of growth and has entered the flowering and fruiting stage. At this time, mild to moderate deficit irrigation regulation needs to be implemented. For example, the irrigation amount is reduced by 15-30%. At this time, one of the septa on one side of the plant is removed to increase the volume of the root zone, which is conducive to root growth and at the same time reduces the stress of deficit on growth.

[0052] In the later stages, the septum on the other side of the plant is removed, merging one septum with another adjacent septum to further increase the root zone volume, while simultaneously implementing moderate to severe deficit irrigation control. This is because the plant grows rapidly and sets many fruits in the later stages, so removing another septum further increases the root zone volume, while simultaneously implementing moderate to severe deficit irrigation control, such as reducing irrigation volume by 30-60%.

[0053] Step C: While regulating root zone volume and dynamically controlling irrigation, continuously pruning and topping are carried out simultaneously to further improve yield and marketable fruit rate.

[0054] The method of continuous pruning and branch replacement is as follows: after the second cluster of fruit, the tip is pinched off and lateral branches are retained; after the lateral branches have two clusters of fruit, the tip is pinched off again and lateral branches are retained, and so on, in order to further improve the yield and the rate of marketable fruit.

[0055] Example 3: Application of Tomato Substrate Cultivation

[0056] Example 3 of this invention takes tomato substrate cultivation from February to June (spring) as an example. It uses the adjustable root zone volume substrate cultivation trough from Example 1 for planting, with coconut coir and perlite configured in a 3:1 volume ratio as the cultivation substrate. This provides an application example of improving tomato sugar content and marketable fruit rate through dynamic control of root zone volume, including the following specific steps:

[0057] Step 1: Divide the planting trough into sections at 10cm intervals using partitions of the same shape as the cross-section of the planting trough.

[0058] Step 2: Pour the cultivation substrate into the planting trough compartment and install the drip irrigation tape;

[0059] Step 3: Transplant the cultivated tomato seedlings into the planting trough, with a plant spacing of 30cm. Each tomato seedling is planted in a separate compartment, and there are two compartments between every two tomato seedlings.

[0060] Step 4: In the early stage, irrigate at a rate of 1.5 liters per plant per day, 5 times a day; perform routine management such as pruning and side cutting as needed based on the growth of the tomatoes;

[0061] Step 5: After the second spike of flowers blooms, when pruning and removing side shoots, retain the lateral branches 2-3 leaves above the second spike of flowers; after the second spike of fruit reaches the green ripening stage, retain 2 leaves and pinch off the tips, and manage the retained lateral branches as the main growth stems.

[0062] Step 6: After the mid-stage, remove one partition from one side of the tomato plant to increase the root zone volume; at the same time, reduce the irrigation amount to 1.2 liters / plant / day; and carry out routine management such as pruning and plant protection in a timely manner according to the growth of the tomatoes.

[0063] Step 7: After the fifth flower spike blooms, when pruning and removing side shoots, retain the lateral branches 2-3 leaves above the fourth flower spike; after the fourth fruit spike reaches green maturity, retain 2 leaves and pinch off the tips, and manage the retained lateral branches as the main growth stems.

[0064] Step 8: After the later stage, remove one more partition from the other side of the tomato plant to increase the root zone volume; at the same time, reduce the irrigation amount to 1.0 liter / plant / day; and carry out daily management such as pruning and plant protection in a timely manner according to the growth of the tomatoes.

[0065] Step 9: After the sixth spike of flowers blooms, when pruning and removing side shoots, retain the lateral branches 2-3 leaves above the sixth spike of flowers; after the sixth spike of fruit reaches the green ripening stage, retain 2 leaves and pinch off the tips, and manage the retained lateral branches as the main growth stems.

[0066] Step 10: After the 8th fruit cluster reaches the green ripening stage, pinch off the growing tip while retaining 2 leaves.

[0067] Step 11: After the 8 clusters of fruit are harvested, the vines are pulled up.

[0068] Verification experiments were conducted from February to June 2024 in a connected greenhouse at the Yujiawu base in Tongzhou. The tomato variety was "Yashu 012". A composite substrate of coconut coir and perlite was used for cultivation in planting troughs. The planting troughs were 20cm wide at the top, 15cm wide at the bottom, and 18cm high. The single-row planting length was 40 meters, and the plant spacing was 30cm. The treatment using the method disclosed in this invention was designated as the second experimental group (T2). Conventional soil cultivation served as the control group (CK). The coconut coir substrate root-limited trough cultivation treatment had a trough volume of 12L, with 2 plants planted in each trough, designated as the first experimental group (T1). Nutrient solution drip irrigation was performed using a tomato groundwater improvement formula from the Vegetable Research Institute of the Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences. The nutrient solution concentration was 2.2-2.4 mS / cm, and the pH value was 6.2-6.4. Irrigation was carried out at 1.5 liters / plant / day in the early stage, 1.2 liters / plant / day in the middle stage, and 1.0 liter / plant / day in the later stage, divided into 5 irrigations. Environmental control and plant protection management were carried out under the same environmental conditions. The effects of different technical adjustments on tomato yield and quality are shown in Table 1.

[0069] Table 1. Effects of different technical controls on tomato yield and quality.

[0070]

[0071] Through experimental comparison and data investigation, the marketable fruit rate of the fruit treated with the method disclosed in this invention was significantly higher than that of the control treatment and the fixed root restriction model, and the total yield was also significantly higher than that of the control treatment and the fixed root restriction model. According to the currently accepted standard that tomatoes with a soluble solids content of 8% or higher are high-quality tomatoes, the proportion of fruits treated with the method disclosed in this invention reaching a soluble solids content greater than 8% was 86.3%, and the proportion greater than 9% was 60.8%. The other two treatments did not reach 9% or higher, demonstrating significant effectiveness, as shown in Table 2.

[0072] Table 2. Effects of different regulatory techniques on tomato yield and marketable fruit rate.

[0073]

[0074] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for improving tomato sugar content and marketable fruit rate based on dynamic control of root zone volume, characterized in that, include Step A: Set up a substrate cultivation trough with adjustable root zone volume. The substrate cultivation trough with adjustable root zone volume includes a cultivation trough body (1). Several opposing slots (20) are set in the cultivation trough body (1). The opposing slots (20) are vertical grooves. Two opposing plates (2) are inserted into each pair of opposing slots (20). Two opposing plates (2) are set in each pair of opposing slots (20) as partitions. Two adjacent partitions form a planting trench. Each pair of adjacent planting trenches are separated by a distance of 5-15cm. Step B: Place soil or cultivation substrate into the cultivation trough body (1), plant the plants into the partition at a spacing of 30-40cm, adjust the position of a pair of vertical slots (20) according to the plant growth stage to change the volume of the plant root planting area, thereby realizing the control of root area volume and irrigation dynamic control; wherein, the green ripening stage of 2 ears of fruit after planting is taken as the early stage, the green ripening stage of 2 ears of fruit to 5 ears of fruit is taken as the middle stage, and the green ripening stage of 5 ears of fruit to the end of the planting is taken as the late stage. In the initial stage, the volume of the plant root planting area is limited to a partition; In the mid-stage, the partition on one side of the plant is removed, one partition is merged with one of the adjacent partitions to increase the root zone volume, and mild to moderate deficit irrigation is regulated. In the later stage, the partition on the other side of the plant is removed, and one partition is merged with another adjacent partition to further increase the root zone volume, while moderate to severe deficit irrigation is regulated. Step C: While regulating the root zone volume and dynamically controlling irrigation, continuous topping and pruning are carried out simultaneously to further improve yield and marketable fruit rate. The method of continuous topping and pruning is as follows: after the second fruit cluster, the tip is pinched off, leaving lateral branches; after the lateral branches have two fruit clusters, the tip is pinched off again, leaving lateral branches, and so on, in order to further improve yield and marketable fruit rate.

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