A method for cultivating a seedling of a tomato having a good taste

Abstract

This invention discloses a cultivation method for flavorful tomato seedlings, specifically relating to the field of agricultural seedling technology. The method includes: S1, inducing low-temperature temperature fluctuation stress in high-sugar tomato seeds; S2, preparing a functional substrate using probiotic fermentation waste and loading it into trays; S3, using dynamically changing blue, red, and far-red light ratios for spectral regulation during the seedling stage; S4, implementing targeted water and fertilizer intervention in stages, including mild stress induction before transplanting; and S5, monitoring seedling morphology and physiological parameters to ensure that the leaf soluble sugar content is not less than 6.5% of dry weight and the root activity is not less than 0.35 mg / g. ‑1 ·h ‑1 This invention serves as a digital standard for judging seedling maturity before they are ready for market. Through the synergy of multiple technologies, it can directionally regulate metabolism during the seedling stage, simultaneously increasing the sugar content, acidity, and aroma complexity of the fruit. This achieves standardized production of high-quality seedlings and also has the advantage of resource recycling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of agricultural seedling technology, and more specifically, to a method for cultivating flavorful tomato seedlings. Background Technology

[0002] As an important fruit and vegetable crop, the overall taste quality of tomatoes, such as flavor, sugar-acid ratio and aroma, is increasingly becoming a core demand of consumers. At present, improving the taste of tomatoes mainly depends on the selection of superior varieties and agronomic management during the fruit growth period, such as increasing the application of potassium fertilizer and regulating water. A search revealed that Chinese patent CN116267448A discloses a cultivation process for high-sugar tomatoes. This process improves the sugar content of tomatoes through optimized seedling substrate and application of special fertilizers, among other agronomical management methods. However, such methods are essentially passive improvements that rely on late-stage supply. The technical effect focuses on increasing the single sugar content index and fails to consider the seedling stage as an active programming stage for flavor and taste formation. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve a synergistic and stable improvement in the overall taste of tomatoes, including sugar, acidity, and aroma. In addition, although the current industry's intensive tray seedling technology regulations have standardized substrate and water and fertilizer management, their core objective is to cultivate robust conventional seedlings, and they have not yet addressed physiological and metabolic regulation oriented towards taste.

[0003] Therefore, in view of the problems of neglecting the regulation of metabolism during the seedling stage and the limited means of improving taste in existing technologies, this invention provides a cultivation method for tomato seedlings with improved taste. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the present invention provides a method for cultivating flavorful tomato seedlings to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a method for cultivating flavorful tomato seedlings, comprising the following steps: S1. Seed pretreatment: Select fresh tomato varieties with a soluble solids content of not less than 8%, disinfect them, and then soak them in a low-temperature alternating stress initiation solution. S2. Substrate preparation and tray filling: Prepare a functional seedling substrate containing probiotic fermented fruit and vegetable residues, carbonized rice husks and functional additives, and fill it into the seedling trays after adjusting the moisture content. S3. Spectral-controlled seedling raising: After sowing, the seedling trays are placed in a controlled light environment, and LED light sources with different spectral ratios are used to irradiate the seedlings at different growth stages. S4. Targeted water and fertilizer intervention: During the seedling stage of one leaf and one heart, two leaves and one heart, and before transplanting, apply targeted nutrient solutions or induction solutions of different formulations in stages through irrigation or foliar spraying. S5. Digital Seedling Establishment Criteria: Monitor seedling growth physiological parameters. Seedlings that simultaneously meet the following criteria will be considered established: morphological indicators, leaf soluble sugar content not less than 6.5% of dry weight, and root activity not less than 0.35 mg / g. -1 ·h -1 At that time, the seedlings that are deemed qualified for functional taste are transplanted.

[0006] Preferably, in step S1, the low-temperature alternating stress initiating solution contains 0.03%-0.08% trehalose, 0.05-0.15 mmol / L salicylic acid and 30-80 mg / L rare earth element nitrate, wherein the rare earth element is a mixed aqueous solution of lanthanum and / or cerium; The soaking treatment was carried out alternately every 2 hours between 4℃ and 15℃, with a total duration of 10-14 hours.

[0007] Preferably, in step S2, the functional seedling substrate, by volume ratio, consists of the following components: The substrate contains 40-45% probiotic fermented fruit and vegetable residue, 15-25% carbonized rice husk, 20-30% vermiculite, and 8-12% perlite. Additionally, 1.5-2.5 kg of slow-release functional particles are uniformly incorporated into each cubic meter of substrate. These functional particles are composed of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, propionyl brassinolide, and choline chloride in a mass ratio of 95-105:1:0.4-0.6.

[0008] Preferably, the preparation method of the probiotic fermented fruit and vegetable residue is as follows: tomato straw and fruit and vegetable processing waste are crushed and mixed, inoculated with a compound bacterial agent containing Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum, and aerobic fermentation is carried out at 45-55℃ for 12-18 days until fully decomposed.

[0009] Preferably, in step S3, the spectral modulation specifically involves: During the stage from cotyledon unfolding to the emergence of the first true leaf, a spectrum with a photon flux density ratio of blue light to red light of 0.9-1.1:1.9-2.1 was used, with 12-14 hours of light per day; From the unfolding of the second true leaf to the seedling stage, the spectrum was adjusted to supplement far-red light, in which the ratio of photon flux density of red light to far-red light gradually decreased linearly from 1.1-1.3 to 0.7-0.9.

[0010] Preferably, the targeted water and fertilizer intervention in step S4 specifically includes: During the first leaf and first bud stage, irrigation with a solution containing 40-60 mg·kg -1 A solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate and potassium silicate at a concentration of 0.04-0.06 mmol / L; During the two-leaf-one-heart stage, foliar spray with a solution containing 80-120 mg / kg -1 Chitosan oligosaccharide with 4-6 mg·kg -1A mixture of proline; At the four-leaf stage and 7-10 days before transplanting, apply a low-concentration stress-inducing solution to the roots. The conductivity of the inducing solution is 1.6-2 mS·cm. -1 Furthermore, the water supply is controlled at 65%-75% of the normal water demand during the same period.

[0011] Preferably, in step S5, image recognition technology is used to monitor seedling height, stem diameter and leaf area, a multispectral sensor is used to monitor chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv / Fm value, and root activity is determined using the triphenyltetrazolium chloride method.

[0012] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows: 1. This invention combines low-temperature temperature stress induction, dynamic spectral programming, targeted water and fertilizer intervention, and digital judgment to form a synergistic technology system for targeted regulation of plant metabolism during the seedling stage. It can simultaneously and significantly improve multiple core quality indicators of the final fruit. Compared with traditional methods, the soluble solids content of the fruit produced by this invention is greatly increased, the sugar-acid ratio is more balanced, and the types of key volatile aroma substances are significantly increased. This achieves synergistic optimization of sugar content, acidity, and flavor complexity, effectively overcoming the technical defects of existing technologies that often focus on increasing single sugar content while failing to take into account the overall flavor. 2. This invention provides a digital seedling determination standard with leaf soluble sugar content and root vitality as core quantitative indicators. This standard has a stable and reliable predictive correlation with the final high-quality performance of the fruit, enabling the production of high-quality tomato seedlings to shift from vague judgments based on experience to objective decisions based on clear physiological data. This provides a key technical foundation for the standardized seedling cultivation and quality traceability system of the tomato industry. 3. This invention follows the concept of circular agriculture. By using probiotics to ferment agricultural waste such as tomato straw to prepare functional seedling substrate, the resource utilization of waste is realized. At the same time, by using dynamic spectral regulation and targeted water and fertilizer intervention, the supply of light and fertilizer resources is made on demand and precisely. This not only improves the economic value on the output side, but also achieves resource conservation and environmental friendliness on the input side, and has good ecological benefits and sustainability. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the overall steps of the method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Example 1 This invention provides a cultivation method for flavorful tomato seedlings, aiming to cultivate tomato seedlings with high flavor potential during the seedling stage through a series of synergistic measures such as seed pretreatment, functional substrate cultivation, spectral regulation, targeted water and fertilizer intervention, and digital seedling determination.

[0016] This embodiment details a method for cultivating flavorful tomato seedlings, specifically including the following steps: S1, Seed Pretreatment Select seeds of cherry tomato varieties with a soluble solids content of not less than 8%, and disinfect them by soaking them in 55℃ warm water for 20 minutes, then take them out and drain them. Preparation of low-temperature alternating stress initiation solution: This initiation solution is a mixed aqueous solution containing 0.05% trehalose, 0.1 mmol / L salicylic acid and 50 mg / L lanthanum nitrate. The sterilized seeds are completely immersed in the initiation solution and placed in a programmable temperature-controlled incubator for treatment. The treatment conditions are set as follows: the temperature is automatically alternating between 4℃ and 15℃ every 2 hours, and the total treatment time is 12 hours. After the treatment, the seeds are rinsed with clean water 2-3 times and placed on filter paper to dry until there is no visible water on the surface. S2, Matrix Preparation and Packing First, prepare probiotic fermented fruit and vegetable residue: Mix tomato straw and apple processing waste, fruit peel and core in a 1:1 mass ratio and crush them. Inoculate with a compound microbial agent composed of Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum. Carry out aerobic fermentation at 50℃ for 15 days until the material is completely decomposed and odorless, and obtain decomposed organic matter. Then, prepare the functional seedling substrate: take 42% of the above-mentioned probiotic fermented fruit and vegetable residue, 20% of carbonized rice husk, 25% of vermiculite and 10% of perlite by volume ratio, mix them thoroughly, and then evenly add 2 kg of slow-release functional granules to each cubic meter of the above mixed substrate. The functional granules are made by mixing potassium dihydrogen phosphate, propionyl brassinolide and choline chloride in a mass ratio of 100:1:0.5 and then granulating them. Adjust the moisture content of the prepared substrate to about 68%, then fill it into a 105-cell plastic seedling tray, gently compact it, and prepare for sowing. S3, Spectral-Regulated Seedling Raising Sow one pretreated seed per hole, cover with a thin layer of substrate, and place in a controlled-light plant culture chamber; The spectral control scheme is as follows: From sowing until the cotyledons unfold and the first true leaves begin to emerge, LED light sources are used to provide illumination. The photon flux density ratio of the blue light band (450nm) to the red light band (660nm) is set at 1:2. The daily light cycle is 12 hours, and the light intensity is maintained at 150 μmol·m⁻¹. -2 ·s-1 Daytime temperature controlled at 24℃, nighttime temperature at 18℃; Once the second true leaf of the seedling unfolds, it enters the seedling cultivation stage. During this stage, the light source is adjusted, and far-red light at 730nm is added to the existing red and blue light. The initial ratio of photon flux density of red light to far-red light is set to 1.2. Subsequently, over approximately 14 days (12-16 days), the ratio is gradually reduced to 0.8 linearly through the control system. During this stage, other environmental conditions remain unchanged. S4, Targeted Water and Fertilizer Intervention Precise water and fertilizer management is carried out through the irrigation system at different growth stages of seedlings: During the "one leaf, one bud" stage: Irrigate each seedling at the root zone with a solution containing 50 mg·kg⁻¹ using drip irrigation. -1 A solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate and 0.05 mmol / L potassium silicate is prepared until the matrix is ​​thoroughly moistened. During the two-leaf-one-heart stage: foliar spraying is performed using a fine mist nozzle, with the spray solution containing 100 mg·kg⁻¹. -1 Chitosan oligosaccharide and 5 mg·kg -1 The mixed aqueous solution of proline should be prepared such that fine droplets are evenly distributed on both sides of the leaf. Ten days before the seedlings reach the four-leaf stage and are scheduled for transplanting: induce mild stress by irrigating the roots with a low-concentration nutrient solution with a conductivity of 1.8 mS·cm. -1 It is rich in potassium, calcium and trace elements, and the water supply for each stage is strictly controlled to 70% of the normal water requirement for that stage (the amount of water required to make the substrate moisture content reach 80% of the maximum water holding capacity). S5. Digital seedling maturity assessment and nursery release Seedling maturity assessment is conducted when the seedlings have four leaves and one bud. Morphological monitoring: The top-mounted camera captures images of the seedlings, and the images are automatically analyzed by an image recognition algorithm to confirm that the seedling height, stem diameter, internode length, and leaf area all meet the standard for robust seedlings. For example, the stem diameter is >2.5mm and the internodes are short and thick. Physiological parameter monitoring: Multispectral sensors were used to monitor functional leaves and obtain the chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv / Fm value to ensure that the plant's photosynthetic physiological state is healthy, with Fv / Fm > 0.78; Key taste potential indicators were determined: Functional leaves of seedlings were randomly sampled, and their soluble sugar content was determined using the anthrone colorimetric method, yielding a value of 6.8% of dry weight. Simultaneously, seedling roots were sampled, and the root reducing strength was determined using the triphenyltetrazolium chloride method, yielding a value of 0.38 mg·g⁻¹. -1 ·h -1 ; The monitoring results above indicate that this batch of seedlings simultaneously meets the following criteria: morphological indicators, leaf soluble sugar content ≥6.5%, and root activity ≥0.35 mg·g.-1 ·h -1 All requirements of

[0017] Example 2 The main difference between this example and Example 1 is the adjustment of some technical parameters, which are as follows: S1. Seed pretreatment: 0.04% trehalose, 0.08 mmol / L salicylic acid and 60 mg / L cerium nitrate are used in the priming solution, and the total duration of temperature alternation is 13 h; S2. Substrate preparation and potting: 43% probiotic fermentation residue, 18% carbonized rice husk, 28% vermiculite, 11% perlite, and the slow-release functional particles are compounded according to the mass ratio of 102:1:0.55; S3. Spectral regulation for seedling raising: Starting from the second true leaf stage, the ratio of red light to far-red light linearly decreases from 1.25 to 0.85; S4. Targeted water and fertilizer intervention: The concentration of potassium silicate in the irrigation solution at the one-leaf and one-heart stage is 0.045 mmol / L, and the water supply induced by stress before planting is 68% of the normal water demand; S5. Digital seedling determination: After measurement, the soluble sugar content in the seedling leaves is 6.7% of the dry weight, and the root activity is 0.36 mg·g -1 ·h -1 , and it is determined to be qualified.

[0018] Example 3 The main difference between this example and Example 1 is the adjustment of some technical parameters, which are as follows: S1. Seed pretreatment: 0.08% trehalose, 0.15 mmol / L salicylic acid and 30 mg / L cerium nitrate are used in the priming solution, and the total duration of temperature alternation is 10 h; S2. Substrate preparation and potting: 45% probiotic fermentation residue, 25% carbonized rice husk, 20% vermiculite, 10% perlite, and the slow-release functional particles are compounded according to the mass ratio of 105:1:0.6; S3. Spectral regulation for seedling raising: The ratio of blue light to red light photon flux density at the cotyledon stage is 1.1:1.9; S4. Targeted water and fertilizer intervention: The spraying solution at the two-leaf and one-heart stage contains 80 mg·kg -1 of chitosan oligosaccharide and 6 mg·kg -1 of proline, and the value of the stress induction solution before planting is 2 mS·cm -1 ; S5. Digital seedling determination: After measurement, the soluble sugar content in the seedling leaves is 6.5% of the dry weight, and the root activity is 0.4 mg·g -1 ·h -1 , and it is determined to be qualified.

[0019] Comparative Example 1: Traditional conventional seedling raising methods This comparative example adopts the most common conventional technical solution currently used in production, as follows: S1. Seed treatment: Disinfect seeds by soaking them in 55℃ warm water for 20 minutes, without any stress-induced treatment; S2. Substrate: Commercially available ordinary peat seedling substrate is used, which consists of peat, vermiculite and perlite, without any functional additives. S3. Lighting: Use ordinary greenhouse natural light, without any artificial spectral supplementation or control; S4. Water and Fertilizer Management: Use a universal balanced nutrient solution for irrigation throughout the entire process, with an electrical conductivity of approximately 1.2 mS·cm. -1 No phased targeted interventions were carried out; S5. Seedling Standards: Seedlings are judged solely based on human experience and morphological indicators such as plant height, stem diameter, and leaf color.

[0020] Comparative Example 2: Lack of core stress-inducing steps This comparative example aims to verify the necessity of the stress induction step in this invention. Except for omitting the initiation solution treatment in step S1 and the pre-planting stress induction in step S4, the remaining steps are as consistent as possible with those in Example 1: Seed treatment: After disinfection with warm water, soak in clean water for 12 hours; Stress induction: Before transplanting, irrigate with nutrient solution of normal concentration, with a water supply of 100%, without any water or nutrient stress; Other steps: substrate, spectrum, and other water and fertilizer management are the same as in Example 1.

[0021] Comparative Example 3: Only conventional spectral supplementation was performed. This comparative example aims to verify the unique role of dynamic spectral programming in this invention, replacing the spectrum with fixed supplemental lighting: Spectral control: A fixed white LED light source with a spectrum close to sunlight is used for supplemental lighting throughout the seedling period, with 12 hours of light per day. No dynamic adjustment of the blue-red light ratio or far-red light is performed. Other steps: Seed treatment, substrate, water and fertilizer management are the same as in Example 1.

[0022] To quantify the effectiveness of this invention, the seedlings cultivated in Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-3 were planted in the same greenhouse under the same environmental conditions and subjected to identical post-harvest field management. After the fruit matured, a systematic quality test was conducted, and the test methods are as follows: 1. Soluble sugar content of leaves: The anthrone colorimetric method was used to determine the content. Fresh functional leaves were taken, blanched at 105℃, dried at 80℃ to constant weight, ground into powder, extracted and measured. The results are expressed as a percentage of dry weight. 2. Root activity: Determined using the triphenyltetrazolium chloride reduction method. Fresh root tip samples were reacted in triphenyltetrazolium chloride buffer at 37°C in the dark, followed by extraction of red formazan with methanol. The results were measured colorimetrically at a wavelength of 485 nm. The results were expressed as the reducing strength of triphenyltetrazolium chloride (mg·g). -1 ·h -1 )express; 3. Soluble solids content of fruit: The juice content of ripe fruit was measured using a digital handheld refractometer; 4. Fruit sugar-acid ratio: The contents of glucose, fructose, citric acid, and malic acid were determined by high performance liquid chromatography, and the ratio of total sugar to total acid was calculated. 5. Volatile aroma compounds: Headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for analysis. The types of substances were identified by searching the spectral library, and the number of independent aroma components detected was used as the basis for the analysis. 6. Morphological indicators: Plant height and stem diameter were measured using vernier calipers, and leaf area was determined using image analysis.

[0023] The final test table is as follows:

[0024] Note: The data in the table are the average of three repeated measurements.

[0025] The above test results show that: 1. The tomato seedlings cultivated by the method of the present invention in Examples 1-3 have significantly higher leaf soluble sugar content and root activity than all comparative examples. Furthermore, the soluble solids content, sugar-acid ratio, and number of aroma compounds in the final fruit are also comprehensively and significantly improved. For example, compared with the closest prior art comparative example 1, Example 1 improved the number of aroma compounds in the fruit by 62.5%, proving that the present invention produces unexpected technical effects through the combination of specific technical means. 2. The effects of Comparative Examples 2 and 3 are significantly inferior to those of the present invention. This indicates that the initiation of low temperature variable temperature stress and dynamic spectral regulation are indispensable key steps of the present invention. Their combination with specific functional matrices and targeted water and fertilizer constitutes a non-obvious complete technical solution. 3. The digital seedling standard established in this invention: leaf soluble sugar content ≥ 6.5%, root activity ≥ 0.35 mg·g -1 ·h -1 The results were verified in the examples, showing that the standard has a stable and predictable correlation with the high quality of the final fruit, enabling the production of high-quality tomato seedlings to move from experience-based judgment to quantitative and precise management.

[0026] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for cultivating flavorful tomato seedlings, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. Seed pretreatment: Select fresh tomato varieties with a soluble solids content of not less than 8%, disinfect them, and then soak them in a low-temperature alternating stress initiation solution. The low-temperature alternating stress initiation solution is a mixed aqueous solution containing 0.03%-0.08% trehalose, 0.05-0.15 mmol / L salicylic acid, and 30-80 mg / L rare earth element nitrates, wherein the rare earth element is lanthanum and / or cerium. The soaking treatment is carried out alternately between 4℃ and 15℃ every 2 hours, with a total duration of 10-14 hours. S2. Substrate Preparation and Packing: Prepare a functional seedling substrate containing probiotic-fermented fruit and vegetable residues, carbonized rice husks, and functional additives. After adjusting the moisture content, pack the substrate into seedling trays. The functional seedling substrate, by volume ratio, consists of the following components: 40-45% probiotic-fermented fruit and vegetable residues, 15-25% carbonized rice husks, 20-30% vermiculite, and 8-12% perlite. Additionally, 1.5-2.5 kg of slow-release functional granules are uniformly mixed into each cubic meter of substrate. These functional granules are composed of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, propionyl brassinolide, and choline chloride in a mass ratio of 95-105:1:0.4-0.

6. S3. Spectral-controlled seedling raising: After sowing, the seedling trays are placed in a controlled light environment. At different growth stages of the seedlings, LED light sources with different spectral ratios are used for irradiation. From the stage of cotyledon unfolding to the emergence of the first true leaf, a spectrum with a photon flux density ratio of blue light to red light of 0.9-1.1:1.9-2.1 is used, with 12-14 hours of light per day. From the unfolding of the second true leaf to the seedling stage, the spectrum is adjusted to supplement with far-red light, in which the photon flux density ratio of red light to far-red light gradually decreases linearly from 1.1-1.3 to 0.7-0.

9. S4. Targeted water and fertilizer intervention: During the seedling stage of one leaf and one heart, two leaves and one heart, and before transplanting, apply targeted nutrient solutions or induction solutions of different formulations in stages through irrigation or foliar spraying. S5. Digital Seedling Establishment Criteria: Monitor seedling growth physiological parameters. Seedlings that simultaneously meet the following criteria will be considered established: morphological indicators, leaf soluble sugar content not less than 6.5% of dry weight, and root activity not less than 0.35 mg / g. -1 ·h -1 At that time, the seedlings that are deemed qualified for functional taste are transplanted.

2. The cultivation method for flavorful tomato seedlings according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preparation method of the probiotic fermented fruit and vegetable residue is as follows: crush and mix tomato straw and fruit and vegetable processing waste, inoculate with a compound bacterial agent containing Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum, and carry out aerobic fermentation at 45-55℃ for 12-18 days until fully decomposed.

3. The cultivation method for flavorful tomato seedlings according to claim 1, characterized in that: The targeted water and fertilizer intervention in step S4 specifically includes: During the first leaf and first bud stage, irrigation with a solution containing 40-60 mg·kg -1 A solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate and potassium silicate at a concentration of 0.04-0.06 mmol / L; During the two-leaf-one-heart stage, foliar spray with a solution containing 80-120 mg / kg -1 Chitosan oligosaccharide with 4-6 mg·kg -1 A mixture of proline; At the four-leaf stage and 7-10 days before transplanting, apply a low-concentration stress-inducing solution to the roots. The conductivity of the inducing solution is 1.6-2 mS·cm. -1 Furthermore, the water supply is controlled at 65%-75% of the normal water demand during the same period.

4. The cultivation method for flavorful tomato seedlings according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S5, image recognition technology is used to monitor seedling height, stem diameter and leaf area, a multispectral sensor is used to monitor chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv / Fm value, and root activity is determined by the triphenyltetrazolium chloride method.

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