Method and apparatus for growing plants

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cultivating at least one plant, which is rotated at least temporarily during the growth phase. The technical solution is characterized in that the plant is rotated in a non-continuous manner, wherein during the rotation phase the plant is rotated around a longitudinal axis of the plant in the main extension direction and / or around a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, during the non-rotation phase the rotation speed is at least temporarily reduced to 0 (zero) and the plant is at least temporarily arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the plant is inclined with respect to the vertical direction of the location where the plant is located and in the plane that is developed by the vertical direction and the longitudinal axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for cultivating, in particular, a plant that is rotated at least temporarily during its growth phase, wherein the rotation occurs about a longitudinal or transverse axis along the main extension direction of the plant. Background Technology

[0002] For many years, various automated plant cultivation systems have been well-known, especially in recent decades, when these systems have developed into widely used cultivation systems, mainly applied to greenhouse crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. The large-scale production of agricultural products within fully air-conditioned buildings, under conditions of strict control of external influences, is also known as "indoor agriculture."

[0003] Against this backdrop, patent document AT250728 describes a special type of greenhouse designed as a tower greenhouse, in which the plants to be cultivated move during their growth stage. The key to this technical solution lies in utilizing the building height to create a transport path for plant cultivation. The greenhouse is equipped with multiple conveyor belts arranged in a serpentine pattern to transport the plants. These conveyor belts are designed as running tracks and have upper and lower steering rollers, allowing the plants to move vertically in different directions. To ensure effective lighting, appropriate fluorescent tubes are installed between the vertically arranged conveyor belts.

[0004] Patent document US2012 / 0279122A1 describes another technical solution for automated plant cultivation. The system features a conveyor belt arranged in a serpentine pattern and partially running vertically. To redirect the conveyor belt, deflecting rollers are provided. Furthermore, dedicated containers for transporting plants are provided, containing carrier material for holding seeds or plants, and are hooked into the moving conveyor belt using dedicated hooks. These containers for holding plants extend across the entire width of the conveyor belt, and each container can hold multiple plants side-by-side.

[0005] Despite increased energy demands, well-known automated plant cultivation systems still offer several advantages over traditional field agriculture. Besides being completely unaffected by weather, the climate inside a greenhouse can be optimized and adapted to various plants throughout the entire process, ensuring stable plant growth. Furthermore, thanks to dedicated water recycling facilities, the amount of water required for plant cultivation is significantly less than that required for open-field farming. In addition, less fertilizer is needed, and pesticide-free cultivation is possible within fully air-conditioned indoor environments.

[0006] The known technical problem with fully air-conditioned, automated indoor plant cultivation systems is the high cost of adapting the equipment to different plants. When changing the plants, the varying sizes and timing of these changes at different growth stages must be taken into account. Therefore, known automated plant cultivation systems struggle to adapt to constantly changing conditions.

[0007] Nevertheless, well-known multi-level cultivation systems (i.e., so-called vertical farming systems) can increase plant yield per unit of available arable area many times over compared to typical single-level plant production. Due to limitations in technical control, current vertical farming systems can only cultivate short plants, typically less than 1 meter tall. Currently, large plants (especially high-profit medicinal plants like hemp) can only be produced relatively inefficiently in elevated systems on a single level or very few levels, with a limited total number of plants per available basic arable area. Therefore, it is not yet possible to efficiently utilize the full potential space in the vertical direction for plant production. Furthermore, producing large plants on very few elevated levels comes with numerous drawbacks. Obtaining, monitoring, and harvesting individual plants, as well as maintaining the necessary climatic conditions for cultivation, present significant challenges. Additionally, the technical problem lies in how to simply and efficiently alter plant phenotypes to increase yield, not only by increasing plant density per unit of available arable area but also by increasing the yield per plant, for example, by increasing the number of lateral branches or increasing plant biomass.

[0008] Well-known methods of altering plant phenotypes include the use of typical breeding techniques. More recently, specific gene-editing technologies have also been employed. However, these methods are time-consuming and complex, especially in hybridization, where the complex combination of bioactive substances and secondary metabolites in plant strains must be considered in addition to specific characteristics such as size and yield. Furthermore, gene-edited plants are considered genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in many countries, requiring evaluation according to GMO guidelines and undergoing a cumbersome approval process.

[0009] In addition, chemicals are sometimes used to reduce plant height and increase the number of lateral branches, but this is not ideal in many applications and may have a negative impact on plant health. It is well known that in controlled indoor cultivation systems, specific cultivation parameters, such as the use of certain artificial light wavelengths or fertilizer compositions, can affect plant size and yield.

[0010] All of these methods have been used for phenotypic adaptation, but they are not suitable for simple and efficient modification of phenotypic structures.

[0011] Furthermore, a gyroscope is a device that can influence plant growth by specifically altering the effects of gravity. By properly rotating the plant, a gyroscope can be used to counteract the effects of gravity on plant growth (geotropism) and development (gravitational morphogenesis).

[0012] A single-axis or horizontal rotary device features a turntable connected to an electric motor. This turntable is vertically arranged and rotates at approximately one revolution per minute using the motor. Simultaneously, the plant is secured to the turntable, orienting it horizontally. Due to the slow and continuous rotation, the plant experiences a gravitational force averaged over 360 degrees, which approximates a weightless environment. Conversely, if the rotary device is at an angle to the horizontal plane, the plant experiences net gravity, the magnitude of which depends on the angle of inclination. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Based on existing automated plant cultivation systems and the aforementioned technical problems, the object of this invention is to provide a plant cultivation system capable of targeted and effective influence on plant growth. This system should be able to modify plant phenotypes in a relatively simple manner. Furthermore, the technical solution proposed in this invention should be applicable to enclosed spaces and can be relatively easily integrated into automated processes from sowing to harvesting fully mature plants. In addition, it should ensure the provision of water and nutrients to the plants to be cultivated.

[0014] The solution of the present invention to achieve the above-mentioned objective is a method for cultivating at least one plant according to claim 1, and an apparatus having the features described in claim 11. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the dependent claims and the accompanying drawings.

[0015] This invention relates to a method for cultivating at least one plant, which is rotated at least temporarily during its growth phase. The method is characterized by rotating the plant in a discontinuous manner, wherein during the rotation phase, the plant rotates about a longitudinal axis along its main extension direction and / or about a transverse axis perpendicular to or oblique to the longitudinal axis, and during the non-rotation phase, the rotational speed is reduced at least temporarily to zero, and the plant is arranged at least temporarily such that the plant's longitudinal axis is inclined relative to the vertical direction of the plant's location and in a plane unfolding from the vertical direction and the longitudinal axis.

[0016] The vertical direction refers to the direction of gravitational acceleration at the location, which is perpendicular to the equipotential surfaces of the Earth's gravitational field and points in the direction of the resultant force of Earth's gravity and the centrifugal force of Earth's rotation. For simplicity, we can assume that the vertical direction is from a point above the Earth's surface towards the Earth's center. Therefore, the vertical direction is perpendicular to the surface or substrate of the location where the plant is to be cultivated. The key is to make the plant rotate in a discontinuous manner, that is, to initiate the rotation phase (the plant rotates about its longitudinal axis and / or laterally or obliquely to its longitudinal axis) and the non-rotation phase (at least temporarily not rotating, thus reducing the rotational speed to 0 (zero)).

[0017] This invention enables the stimulation of phenotypic modification in cultivated plants based on rotation during their growth. The key is that the plant's growth direction deviates from the vertical direction of Earth's gravitational field; that is, gravity acts on the plant at different angles. Because the plant rotates discontinuously about its longitudinal axis along its main extension direction and / or about a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal axis, different stem sides of the plant alternately point towards Earth's gravitational field. This rotation occurs discontinuously and then ceases in a non-rotational phase, thereby inducing at least one of the following plant phenotypes compared to plant growth lacking the rotation provided by this invention: - The main upright stem reduces plant height; -Wave-shaped stems and dwarfed plant height; – The internode spacing decreases; - Increased number of intersegments; -Increased lateral branches; - Stem thickening; -Increased leaf biomass; - Increased root biomass; –Increase in flower bud primordia.

[0018] Here, the present invention utilizes the understanding that plants only respond to gravity when the gravitational stimulus persists for more than a critical time span (i.e., the so-called minimum presentation time (MPT)). For many plant organs, the MPT is 10-200 seconds. Therefore, in implementing the method of the present invention, the non-rotation phase is advantageously chosen such that at least one plant is rotated at least temporarily to elicit a geotropic response. Here, the cumulative nature of the presentation time can be taken into account, so that even if the non-rotation phase is very short, a geotropic response can still be induced if the rotational movement is repeatedly interrupted at the same location, provided that the rotation is interrupted a sufficient number of times. Unlike plant growth that is continuously statically oriented and continuously induces a geotropic response, the present invention can achieve directional and discontinuous geotropic responses in different plant regions, thereby promoting the aforementioned unexpected phenotypes.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, at least one moving plant rotates about its longitudinal axis and / or a transverse axis perpendicular to or oblique to the longitudinal axis in a discontinuous manner, at least according to the invention.

[0020] In this way, rotation and / or movement of the plant can be advantageously achieved in at least one plane. Rotational and / or linear movements in different planes can occur at least partially simultaneously, or at different times or periods of time. Generally, the radius of the circular orbit chosen for the rotational movement is irrelevant.

[0021] Particularly preferably, this movement (i.e., the plant rotating about a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal axis) can be envisioned occurring in specific sections of the conveyor path, such as at turning points or inflection points of a conveyor path that is at least partially straight (along which the conveyor belt moves). For example, it can be envisioned that during the period when the plant rotates about its longitudinal axis along its main extension direction in a discontinuous manner (i.e., at generally freely selectable time intervals) (thus generally having rotational and non-rotational phases), the plant moves along the conveyor path and rotates at least temporarily about a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal axis. Particularly preferably, this transverse axis is at least approximately perpendicular to the plant's longitudinal axis.

[0022] In a specific embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that, at least temporarily, during the growth phase of the moving plant, rotational motion occurs about a longitudinal axis along the main extension direction of the plant and / or about a transverse axis perpendicular to or oblique to the longitudinal axis, with the non-rotation phase being at least equal in duration to the rotation phase. Here, the non-rotation phase refers to the period during which the rotational speed of the rotational motion decreases to 0 (zero). Furthermore, it is conceivable that the non-rotation phase is longer than the rotation phase, for example, up to 2-4 times or even more than the rotation phase.

[0023] Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment of the invention proposes that, in at least two non-rotational stages, the first side of the main stem along the main extension direction of the plant is oriented identically relative to the vertical direction. Thus, in at least two non-rotational stages preferably separated by only one non-rotational stage, the main stem is oriented such that different sides of the main stem face the base, the ground surface, or the center of the earth.

[0024] According to a particularly suitable embodiment of the invention, a first side and a second side of the main stem along the main extension direction of the plant are arranged opposite to each other on the main stem of the plant, and rotated such that in a second non-rotation phase, which is separated by a rotation phase from the first rotation phase, the first side occupies the position of the second side in the first non-rotation phase. According to this embodiment, the opposite sides of the main stem are oriented such that the opposite sides of the main stem alternately face the base, the ground surface, or the center of the earth.

[0025] In another embodiment, a pair of plant stems (i.e., two stems branching from opposite positions on the main stem along the main extension direction of the plant) are oriented vertically along their main extension direction in different non-rotation stages. For example, it can be envisioned that in the first non-rotation stage, the first stem of the pair of plant stems is arranged vertically, preferably drooping towards the base, while in the second non-rotation stage, the second stem of the pair of plant stems is arranged vertically, preferably drooping towards the base. Thus, the plant stems arranged opposite each other on the main stem and branching from the main stem are arranged alternately vertically.

[0026] It is also advantageous to envision that the discontinuously rotating plants are arranged, at least temporarily, such that their longitudinal axis along the main extension direction forms an angle α with the vertical direction, wherein this angle α satisfies: -90° < α < 90°. According to this embodiment, when angle α = 0°, the plant's longitudinal axis is horizontal, i.e., at least approximately parallel to the base or ground; when angle α satisfies -90° < α < 0°, the plant tip is tilted towards the ground; when angle α satisfies 0 < α < 90°, the plant tip is tilted upwards. The key to this invention is that, in the non-rotational phase, the longitudinal axis of the plant to be cultivated is at least temporarily tilted relative to the vertical direction in a plane extending from the vertical direction and the longitudinal axis, thereby making the longitudinal axis not perpendicular to the base or ground surface.

[0027] In another specific embodiment of the method of the present invention, during the non-rotation phase, the plants are arranged at least temporarily with their longitudinal axis along the main extension direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. This means that the longitudinal axis is arranged horizontally, and thus at least approximately parallel to the substrate or ground surface.

[0028] Furthermore, a specific improvement to the method of the present invention proposes that the non-rotational phase last at least partially for 10-200 seconds. The advantage of this time span is that it can effectively generate geotropism in plants.

[0029] The general form of the above method, or at least one of the specific improvements described above, is particularly suitable for cultivating medicinal plants, edible plants, forage plants, ornamental plants, and / or woody plants. Preferably, the method of the present invention is used to cultivate at least temporarily several such plants simultaneously.

[0030] The method of the present invention, or at least one of the above-described specific improvements, is particularly suitable for cultivating one or more species belonging to the Cannabisaceae family (…). Cannabaceae ) medicinal plants.

[0031] In addition to the method, the present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the method of the invention and / or improvements thereof, the apparatus comprising: at least one fastening device for releasably fastening a plant to be cultivated, and a drive unit for initiating movement of the fastening device, wherein the drive unit is at least indirectly connected to the fastening device. According to a specific improvement of the apparatus, the fastening device and / or drive unit is configured to cause the plant to be cultivated to move in at least two planes, wherein these planes are neither identical nor arranged parallel to each other.

[0032] Generally, it can be envisioned that the fastening device used to secure the plant to be cultivated is linearly movable and / or rotatable.

[0033] According to the specific design scheme, a nutrient medium supply device is also provided to supply nutrient medium to the plants to be cultivated. Here, the nutrient medium supply device has elements suitable for receiving, storing, transporting and applying the required nutrient medium, that is, applying nutrient medium to plants that rotate at least discontinuously about the plant's longitudinal axis and / or about a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal axis.

[0034] Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide a light source to at least temporarily irradiate the plants to be cultivated with photons. According to this embodiment, sunlight or at least one lighting unit is provided as the light source to selectively irradiate the plants. Shading elements can be provided to selectively darken the plants, or irradiation can be selectively switched on and off to, for example, define a diurnal rhythm.

[0035] Another embodiment of the device of the present invention proposes to employ an air conditioning unit in order to adjust the atmosphere of the plant to be cultivated and / or the environment around the plant as needed, especially to cool and / or dehumidify it relative to the environment.

[0036] It is also conceivable that the invention is based on the discontinuous rotation of the plant to be cultivated about its longitudinal axis along its main extension direction and / or about a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to that longitudinal axis, wherein the device for promoting plant growth (especially for automated plant cultivation) is combined with a conveyor belt (for at least partially transporting the plant) that can move along a transport path. The plant transported in this way is preferably at least temporarily exposed to light and supplied with nutrients and water during its movement along the transport path, and during its transport along the transport path, it moves at least approximately horizontally in at least a first segment and at least approximately vertically in at least a second segment. During this alternating horizontal and vertical movement, the plant also rotates discontinuously about its longitudinal axis and / or about a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to that longitudinal axis. This embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the plant is at least temporarily fixed relative to the conveyor belt during transport, such that the plant roots extend at least partially into the area below the lower side of the conveyor belt, while the plant leaves and / or fruits extend at least partially into the area above the upper side (opposite to the lower side) of the conveyor belt. A nutrient medium supply device is arranged below the conveyor belt, allowing for aeroponic nutrient medium supply to the plant fixed on the conveyor belt (especially to the roots below the conveyor belt). With the aid of the conveyor belt, the plant to be cultivated can rotate about a transverse axis perpendicular to the plant's longitudinal axis within a turning point area about a horizontal axis of rotation. In principle, a combination of both is also conceivable, thereby enabling the plant to rotate discontinuously about its longitudinal axis on the conveyor belt. However, a rotator is particularly suitable for enabling the plant to rotate discontinuously about its longitudinal axis.

[0037] In this context, a key feature of the invention is that the plant is fixed to a conveyor belt during its growth stage, moves continuously in one direction, and rotates discontinuously about its longitudinal axis and / or about a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to that longitudinal axis. Preferably, the plant is transported at least temporarily along a light source. It is also conceivable that a nutrient medium supply device (especially one with nozzles) is located at a distance from the underside of the conveyor belt, ensuring aerobic nutrient medium supply to the plant in that area. Furthermore, the root region is preferably continuously supplied with nutrients during movement. In this embodiment, the conveying path is specifically arranged with path segments at least approximately perpendicular in the vertical direction, with turning points between these path segments, so that the plant not only rotates discontinuously about its longitudinal axis and / or about a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to that longitudinal axis, but also, particularly, rotates about a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal axis at this time within the turning point region, wherein the plant's longitudinal axis is preferably arranged perpendicular to the transverse axis.

[0038] In another specific embodiment of the invention, the conveyor belt at least partially comprises a carrier material in which the plant is at least temporarily fixed during transport along the conveyor path. Preferably, the carrier material is selected to ensure good retention of the seeds or plants, and the material can also transport and at least temporarily store water and / or nutrient media. The plant rotates discontinuously about its longitudinal axis and / or about a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal axis, preferably at least partially using the carrier material.

[0039] If, in addition to rotating discontinuously about its longitudinal axis and / or about its transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal axis, the plant is also conveyed at least partially in a near-vertical direction by means of specialized equipment, then according to a particular improvement of the invention, the plant can move continuously along and / or toward a natural or artificial light source during its growth stage, and particularly preferably, illumination is provided once the plant moves vertically. Advantageously, aerosols and water are simultaneously supplied to the root region arranged below the conveyor belt. During the vertical movement of the plant, aerosols are preferably supplied to the roots at least temporarily. In this context, it is conceivable that an upper turning point is provided between two vertically oriented sections of the conveyor path, such that the plant moves vertically upward with the conveyor belt, and then vertically downward after passing the turning point. At this turning point, advantageously, in addition to rotating discontinuously about its longitudinal axis, the plant also rotates additionally about a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal axis. Particularly advantageously, the plant is arranged with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt.

[0040] Generally, it is conceivable to use natural light and / or artificial light generated by lighting units, such as those with at least fluorescent tubes and / or LEDs, for illumination. The advantage of using lighting units is that illumination can be targeted, particularly adapted to the plant species and / or growth needs, and can occur as needed. According to a specific improvement of the invention, illumination of the plants occurs only in certain areas of the transport path, particularly in selected areas where the plants move vertically, more preferably half of the overall vertical area, thereby mimicking circadian rhythms. Advantageously, vertically arranged LED panels or other lighting systems can be used to achieve illumination.

[0041] The specific improvement plan also proposes that the illumination unit be designed to illuminate the plant within a targeted selected area of ​​the transport path. Advantageously, illumination is provided during the period when the plant moves upwards in a continuous or discontinuous manner along the vertically arranged transport path segment, in addition to rotating discontinuously about a longitudinal axis along the plant's main extension direction and / or about a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to that longitudinal axis. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the plant is at least temporarily deprived of illumination after passing a turning point, especially once it begins to move downwards in a vertical direction.

[0042] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the plants (especially the roots below the conveyor belt) fixed to the conveyor belt are supplied with aeroponic nutrient medium as soon as they move vertically. If the conveyor path has a turning point between two at least approximately vertically oriented conveyor path sections in the lower region, it is conceivable that the plants (especially the roots below the conveyor belt) move at least partially through the immersion tank, thereby supplying hydroponic nutrients to the plants (especially the roots) in that region. On a conveyor path constructed in a serpentine or meandering shape according to this specific embodiment (with vertically oriented path sections), nutrients and water are continuously supplied to the plants in this way between the upper and lower turning points or turning zones. For aeroponic irrigation of the plant roots, a nutrient medium spraying system is preferably used.

[0043] With the help of an automated plant cultivation system implemented in accordance with regulations, preferably, the roots can be continuously irrigated by aeroponics under the conveyor belt, while the plant carrier material can be hydroponically immersed in the area of ​​the lower turning point when the conveyor belt passes through the valley floor stage.

[0044] By securing plants to a conveyor belt, which then rotate discontinuously around its longitudinal axis and / or a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to that axis, persistent or at least long-term continuous aeroponic irrigation can be achieved without accidentally wetting the plant leaves. This reliably prevents leaf diseases. A sensor system monitors the ambient atmosphere, particularly the temperature and humidity of the vertical conveyor path section below the conveyor belt, and a central control unit appropriately regulates these values ​​to reliably prevent excessive humidity in that area.

[0045] Furthermore, as an alternative or supplement to the above embodiments, it is advantageously conceivable that the automated plant cultivation equipment can be adapted to the size requirements of each plant by changing the spacing between the anchor points of each plant on the conveyor belt and the arrangement points of the elements used to rotate the plant specifically and as needed around its longitudinal axis and / or around its transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal axis. For this purpose, mechanical elements are preferably provided, which ensure that the spacing between the anchor points, and consequently the spacing between the rotating elements arranged in that area, can be adjusted as needed. For example, it is conceivable that as the plant transport time increases and the accompanying plant growth occurs, the spacing between the anchor points may be further increased, where it is conceivable to set stop points at different locations. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveyor belt has juxtaposed rigid sheets or plates, which can be made of different materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Such sheets or plates enable easy anchoring of plants while also possessing high flexibility, thereby guiding the conveyor belt past the guide rollers.

[0046] By adapting the transport path or conveyor belt to the ever-changing size of the plants, the facility can meet their growing space requirements while minimizing the use of materials and energy. In this way, the facility can operate particularly effectively from both an economic and ecological perspective; for example, irrigation and light inputs during the seedling stage can be significantly reduced.

[0047] Another specific design of the invention proposes that the conveyor path or the conveyor belt moving along the conveyor path moves on a closed circular or elliptical track. Therein, two vertical sections and two horizontal sections connecting the vertical sections are provided in the turning point area. By changing the length of the vertical sections of the conveyor belt, this plant cultivation facility can be at least nearly arbitrarily heightened. For cultivation of plants in motion, a built-in aerosol culture supply is preferably provided. This plant cultivation facility is particularly suitable for cultivating herbs, leafy vegetables, fruit vegetables (including legumes), forage plants, ornamental plants, woody plants, and / or medicinal plants, especially plants belonging to the Cannabisaceae family. As the plants move along the closed circular or elliptical conveyor path, they also rotate discontinuously about their longitudinal axis and / or a horizontal axis perpendicular to or oblique to the longitudinal axis, so that during the non-rotation phase, the plants are at least partially oriented so that their longitudinal axis does not align vertically.

[0048] Harvesting may be advantageous in the area below the turning point, especially by using automated harvesters to harvest plants or fruits.

[0049] Regarding the fixing of plants onto or within a conveyor belt, it is conceivable in principle that seeds and / or seedlings are fixed directly or indirectly via carrier material within or on the conveyor belt. The key to this invention lies in providing elements that enable the plant to rotate discontinuously about its longitudinal axis and / or about a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to that longitudinal axis.

[0050] According to an alternative implementation, the conveyor belt is equipped with suitable plant containers that can hold plants and are secured to the circulating conveyor belt by means of fasteners. In this context, for example, it can be envisioned that the conveyor belt has at least one conveyor chain, into which the hooks (acting as fasteners) of the plant containers are engaged as plants are to be transported along the conveyor path. If plant containers that can be attached to the conveyor belt are used accordingly, it is preferable to remove the plant containers from the conveyor belt or conveyor chain during harvesting, clean them after harvesting, and finally return them to the loading facility. After loading seeds or seedlings, the appropriate plant containers are hooked into them at the beginning of the conveyor belt or conveyor's journey.

[0051] This invention enables plant cultivation in which the plant phenotype is modified during cultivation solely by altering the orientation of the plant (especially its main stem) relative to the Earth's gravitational field. Here, during cultivation, the initial orientation of the main stem, extending along the plant's longitudinal axis, relative to the base (and thus relative to the Earth's gravitational field) is changed at least once by causing discontinuous rotation of the plant, such that the time interval between rotational movements (i.e., the non-rotation phase) is longer than the longest rotational movement time within the rotational phase. Changing the orientation of the plant's main stem relative to the Earth's gravitational field can induce different sides of the main stem to face the base; this change can be achieved by rotating the plant about its longitudinal axis along its main extension direction and / or about a transverse axis perpendicular or oblique to that longitudinal axis.

[0052] When rotating about the plant's horizontal axis, it is preferable that the opposite sides of the main stem of the plant alternately orient towards the base. When rotating about the plant's longitudinal axis and / or about the plant's horizontal axis perpendicular to or oblique to the longitudinal axis, the orientation of one side or region of the main stem towards the base can be advantageously adjusted according to the rotation angle used, wherein the preferred rotation angle during the rotation phase is 180°, so that the technical features can be triggered with a minimum number of rotations. During the cultivation period between rotation phases, i.e., during the non-rotation phase, the longitudinal axis of the plant to be cultivated is not parallel to the vertical direction, and therefore its orientation is different from the direction of the Earth's gravity vector. According to this embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the plant to be cultivated forms a non-zero angle with the gravity vector, and the longitudinal axis of the plant to be cultivated is inclined relative to the gravity vector.

[0053] Surprisingly, when using this invention, it has been observed that changing the orientation of the plant's longitudinal axis relative to the gravity vector, whereby, after plant movement, at least partially different areas of the main stem face the base, achieves, compared to other cultivation methods, dwarfing of plant height, reduced internode spacing, increased number of internodes, increased lateral branches, thicker stems, increased leaf biomass, increased root biomass, and / or increased flower bud primordia. These unexpected technical effects all contribute to increasing plant yield per unit area or unit volume of cultivation. Furthermore, this technical effect is achieved purely physically, i.e., by at least partially or completely or partially or completely or partially or completely or partially or completely or partially or completely or partially or completely or partially or completely or completely or completely or completely or completely, without the need for breeding methods or chemical substances. In addition, the method of this invention can be combined with specific cultivation parameters, such as certain artificial light wavelength ranges or fertilizer compositions.

[0054] Based on this invention, plants with specific phenotypes can be bred simply and quickly, which is of great significance for commercial plant production (especially in the field of vertical farming). This invention opens up a feasible solution for the efficient production of large plants that are currently unsuitable or fundamentally unsuitable for vertical farming. Furthermore, this invention provides feasible solutions for targeted adaptation to standard plant phenotypes, thereby improving plant quality and yield. This invention is particularly applicable to the cultivation or production of fast-growing and highly profitable medicinal plants, such as medicinal cannabis, under standard conditions. Additionally, this invention can be advantageously applied to the cultivation or production of edible or ornamental plants.

[0055] It can be envisioned that the method of the present invention is based on rotating the plant appropriately in a discontinuous manner around its longitudinal and / or transverse axes, which can be implemented in both large plant cultivation facilities equipped with conveyor belts or other conveying devices and facilities used in research and development, such as facilities implemented in the form of rotary devices. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments, but this description does not limit the overall concept of the invention. In the figures: Figure 1 The diagram illustrates feasible schemes for different rotations and orientations when plants arranged at an angle relative to the vertical direction rotate around their horizontal axis in Earth's gravitational field.

[0057] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates various feasible options for rotation and orientation when plants arranged at an angle relative to the vertical direction rotate around their longitudinal axis in Earth's gravitational field.

[0058] Figure 3 The average plant height of the fiber hemp varieties “Kompolti” and “Futura 75” is shown as a comparison.

[0059] Figure 4 The average number of internodes is shown as a comparison between the fiber hemp varieties “Kompolti” and “Futura 75”.

[0060] Figure 5 The phenotypic comparison of fiber hemp varieties “Kompolti” and “Futura 75” with and without alternating tilt relative to the vertical direction is shown.

[0061] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a facility for automated plant cultivation using an elliptical transport path when the plants to be cultivated rotate in a discontinuous manner is shown.

[0062] Figure 7The diagram shows a comparison of the average plant height of the fiber hemp varieties "Kompolti" and "Futura 75" under constant and variable orientation of the plant stem relative to the Earth's gravity field during a 36-day cultivation period.

[0063] Figure 8 The diagram shows a comparison of the average number of internodes on the stem side of the fiber hemp varieties "Kompolti" and "Futura 75" under constant and variable orientation conditions relative to the Earth's gravity field after a 36-day cultivation period.

[0064] Figure 9 The phenotypes of fiber hemp plants under constant and variable orientation of stem sides relative to the Earth's gravitational field were shown after a 36-day cultivation period under the same indoor climate conditions.

[0065] Figure 10 The study shows a comparison of the average plant height, green biomass (fresh weight), root biomass (fresh weight), and number of lateral branches of the fiber hemp variety "Kompolti" after 21 days of aeroponic cultivation under constant and variable orientation of the plant stem relative to the Earth's gravity field.

[0066] Figure 11 The diagram shows a comparison of the average plant height and stem diameter of the cannabis variety "Finola" after 21 days of aeroponic cultivation under constant and variable orientation conditions relative to the Earth's gravity field.

[0067] Figure 12 The image shows a line graph and photograph comparing the average plant height of seed pea varieties “Astronaute” and “Ostinato” under constant and variable orientation of the stem relative to the Earth’s gravity field after about 6 weeks of aeroponic cultivation.

[0068] Detailed Implementation Plan Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrates feasible schemes for different rotations and orientations of a plant 8 to be cultivated, arranged at an angle relative to the vertical direction 27 in the Earth's gravitational field. Here, the vertical direction 27 is perpendicular to the base 30 or the ground surface of the area where the plant 8 is located. The schematic diagram illustrates a method for rotating the plant 8 in a discontinuous manner, where the plant is tilted relative to the vertical direction 27 at least during the non-rotation phase, which can advantageously induce specific phenotypic modifications.

[0069] Changing the orientation of the plant's main stem (especially the longitudinal axis 28 of plant 8 along the main extension direction) relative to the Earth's gravitational field can be selectively achieved by rotating plant 8 around its transverse axis 29, which is perpendicular to or oblique to the longitudinal axis (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown) or by rotating the plant about the longitudinal axis 28 along the main extension direction (as shown). Figure 2 (As shown).

[0070] The key is that, between the two non-rotational phases, due to the rotation that occurs during this period, different plant stem sides 31 maintain a distorted orientation relative to the Earth's gravitational field, wherein different lateral or side regions of the main stem 32 and the plant stems 32 arranged on the corresponding sides 31 are oriented toward the base 30.

[0071] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the plant 8 to be cultivated rotates about its transverse axis 29, which is perpendicular to its longitudinal axis 28. The angle at which the plant is tilted relative to the vertical direction 27 varies according to figures a) to f). In this regard, it is also generally conceivable that the transverse axis 29 is inclined towards the longitudinal axis 28. Here, the lateral sections of the opposing plant stem sides 31 or main stem 32 alternately face the base.

[0072] In comparison, Figure 2 An embodiment of the method of the present invention is shown in which the plant to be cultivated 8 is rotated about its longitudinal axis 28 along the main extension direction of the plant during a rotation phase between two non-rotation phases, and the angle at which the plant is tilted relative to the vertical direction 27 is different according to sub-figures a) to f).

[0073] In this embodiment, the orientation of the corresponding lateral zone of the plant stem 31 or the main stem 33 depends on the corresponding rotation angle of the plant 8 during the rotation phase.

[0074] This illustration shows the effective angular range for inducing specific phenotypic modifications, where angle α satisfies: -90° < α < 90°. Within this angular range, gravity acts at least approximately laterally on plant 8 and its stem along the gravity vector. When α = 0° is chosen, the lateral gravitational effect is maximum, at which point the longitudinal axis 28 of the plant 8 is oriented perpendicular to the vertical direction in the plane unfolded by the longitudinal axis 28 and the vertical direction 27, as shown in the figure. Figure 1 c) Figure 1 d) Figure 2 c) and Figure 2 As shown in d).

[0075] Figure 3 This figure shows a graphical representation of the average plant height of fiber hemp varieties “Kompolti” and “Futura 75” after a 36-day cultivation period, under conditions of no change in stem orientation relative to the base or ground surface, while other cultivation conditions remained the same. Due to the change in plant orientation relative to the vertical direction of gravity, the plant height of Kompolti decreased by 21.92%, and that of Futura 75 decreased by 25.22%. Error bars represent standard deviations (±1 SD).

[0076] Figure 4This figure shows a graphical representation of the average number of internodes in fiber hemp varieties “Kompolti” and “Futura 75” after a 36-day cultivation period, under conditions of no change in stem orientation relative to the base or ground surface, while other cultivation conditions remained the same. Due to the change in orientation of the cultivated plants relative to the vertical direction of gravity, the number of internodes increased by 25.41% in Kompolti and by 20% in Futura 75. Error bars represent standard deviations (±1 SD).

[0077] Figure 5 The images show a phenotypic comparison of the fiber hemp varieties “Kompolti” and “Futura 75” after a 36-day cultivation period, under conditions of no change in the orientation of the plant stem lateral relative to the Earth's gravitational field while other cultivation conditions remain the same. Here, figures a) and b) show the fiber hemp variety “Kompolti”: figure a) shows the plant's longitudinal axis 28 remaining unchanged relative to the vertical direction 27, and figure b) shows the change in the orientation of the plant stem lateral relative to the base 30 during cultivation. Additionally, figures c) and d) show the cultivation of the fiber hemp variety “Futura 75”: figure c) shows the plant stem lateral with no change in orientation relative to the base, and figure d) shows the plant stem lateral with a change in orientation relative to the base 30. The plant stem lateral orientation relative to the base changes (i.e., in successive non-rotational stages, different lateral zones of the main stem 32 or plant stem lateral 31 face the base), resulting in dwarfing of plant height, increase in the number of internodes, decrease in internode distance, increase in lateral branches, increase in leaf biomass, thickening of stem, and increase in flower bud primordia.

[0078] Figure 6 A specific cultivation system is shown in which plants 8 are fixed on a conveyor belt 2 and transported in a discontinuous manner on a closed elliptical track. Movement on a circular track is also conceivable. Optionally, one or more such facilities can be operated simultaneously. The key point is that the plants 8 to be cultivated move in a discontinuous manner, thereby according to… Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, during the rotation phase, plant 8 rotates around horizontal axis 29.

[0079] Figure 6 The facility shown can also be flexibly configured. According to the embodiment shown in this figure, the discontinuously rotating plants are fixed on the conveyor belt, allowing their roots to freely extend into the area below the conveyor belt. Here, a nutrient medium supply unit 9a is used to supply the plants with aeroponic nutrient medium. Alternatively or supplementarily, a hydroponic nutrient medium supply unit 9b can also be considered. Furthermore, a lighting unit 10 is provided outside the facility, which can illuminate the plants (especially the leaves) as needed.

[0080] The advantage of the facility shown is that even large plants can rotate without obstruction, and for this purpose, they can be turned at the upper and lower turning points.

[0081] Generally speaking, the method of the present invention can be adopted. Figure 6 The facility shown can be used to achieve this, regardless of whether the above-described implementation scheme is adopted. For example, it can be envisioned that the plant 8 is fixed on the conveyor belt 2 and only the plant is started to rotate discontinuously about its horizontal axis 29, or alternatively or supplementarily the plant is started to rotate about its vertical axis 28.

[0082] This plant cultivation facility is particularly suitable for growing medicinal plants, forage plants, ornamental plants, and / or woody plants. It is especially suitable for cultivating cannabis medicinal plants using the methods of this invention.

[0083] Similarly, this facility can also be used to cultivate edible plants, such as herbs, leafy vegetables, and / or fruit vegetables, including legumes, using the methods of this invention. Harvesting may be advantageous in the area at the lower turning point, particularly with the aid of automated harvesters.

[0084] List of reference numerals ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 ) 1. Teleportation Path 2 Conveyor Belt 3. Reception Section 4. Upward turning point 5. Downward turning line 6. Vertical path segment 7 Horizontal path sections 8. Plants 9 Nutrient Supply Units 9a Aerosol Cultivation Supply Unit 9b Hydroponic culture supply unit 10 lighting units 11. Shading Stage 12 Loading Units 13 Harvesting Units 14 Cleaning and Disinfection Unit 15. Teleportation Chain 16 Conveyor Belts 17. Flexible connectors 18. Carrier Materials 19. Area below the conveyor belt 20 Area above the conveyor belt 21 Adjustment Unit 22 Electric motors 23 Worm Gear Transmission Mechanism 24 nozzles 25 Nutrient Media Tanks 26 Central Control Unit 27. Vertical direction 28 Vertical axis 29 Horizontal axis 30 base 31. Side of plant stem 32 main stems 33. Plant stem Figures 7 to 10 The experiment shows cultivation experiments of fiber hemp varieties “Kompolti” and “Future75” under constant and variable orientation conditions of the plant stem side relative to the Earth’s gravity field, where variable orientation is achieved by rotating around the plant’s horizontal axis.

[0085] Figure 7 This figure shows a comparison of the average plant height of fiber hemp varieties “Kompolti” and “Futura 75” under constant and variable orientation of the plant stem relative to the Earth's gravitational field during a 36-day cultivation period. After 36 days of comparative hydroponics under the same indoor climatic conditions, the variable orientation of the plant stem relative to the Earth's gravitational field resulted in a 21.92% reduction in plant height for fiber hemp variety “Kompolti” (top figure) and a 25.22% reduction in plant height for fiber hemp variety “Futura 75” (bottom figure). Error bars represent standard deviations (±1 SD).

[0086] Figure 8 This figure shows a comparison of the average number of internodes in the stems of the fiber hemp varieties "Kompolti" and "Futura 75" under constant and variable orientation relative to the Earth's gravitational field after a 36-day cultivation period. Under the same indoor climatic conditions, after 36 days of controlled hydroponics, the variable orientation of the stem relative to the Earth's gravitational field resulted in a 25.41% increase in the number of internodes in the fiber hemp variety "Kompolti" and a 20% increase in the number of internodes in the fiber hemp variety "Futura 75" (see figure below). Error bars represent standard deviations (±1 SD).

[0087] Figure 9 This study illustrates the phenotypes of hemp plants under constant and variable orientation relative to the Earth's gravitational field after a 36-day cultivation period under the same indoor climatic conditions. The phenotypes include that of the hemp variety "Kompolti" under constant (A) and variable (B) orientations, and that of the hemp variety "Futura 75" under constant (C) and variable (D) orientations. Variable orientation of the plant stem relative to the Earth's gravitational field resulted in shorter main stems, increased internodes (accompanied by decreased internode spacing), increased lateral branches, increased leaf biomass, thicker stems, and increased flower bud primordia.

[0088] Figure 10The images show a comparison of the average plant height, green biomass (fresh weight), root biomass (fresh weight), and number of lateral branches of the fiber hemp variety "Kompolti" after 21 days of aeroponic cultivation under constant and variable orientation of the plant stem relative to the Earth's gravitational field. The comparative cultivation was conducted under identical conditions (identical temperature and humidity, identical LED lighting modules and light duration, identical fertilizer, pH and EC values, identical aeroponic culture supply, and identical cultivation period). (A) After 21 days of comparative cultivation, variable orientation of the plant stem relative to the Earth's gravitational field resulted in a 30.61% decrease in upright stem height, a 35.56% increase in green biomass (fresh weight), a 78.11% increase in root biomass (fresh weight), and a 38.57% increase in the number of lateral branches. (B) and (C) show example images of fiber hemp plants after a 21-day cultivation period, comparing constant orientation (hemp plant on the right) and variable orientation (hemp plant on the left) of the plant stem relative to the Earth's gravitational field.

[0089] Figure 11 The experiment illustrates the cultivation of the cannabis variety "Finola" under constant and variable orientation conditions relative to the Earth's gravitational field on the stem side of the plant, where variable orientation is achieved by rotating the plant around its longitudinal axis. Figure 11 In particular, the comparison of average plant height and stem diameter of the cannabis variety "Finola" under constant and variable orientation relative to the Earth's gravitational field after 21 days of aeroponic cultivation is shown. The comparison was conducted under the same aeroponic system and identical cultivation conditions (same temperature and humidity, same LED lighting modules and light duration, same fertilizer, pH and EC values, same aeroponic fertilizer supply, and same cultivation period). After 21 days of comparative cultivation in the same system, the variable orientation of the plant stem relative to the Earth's gravitational field caused a 55.80% decrease in plant height (top figure) and a 36.18% increase in stem diameter (bottom figure). Error bars represent standard deviation (±1 SD).

[0090] Figure 12 The illustration shows the cultivation of pea plants under constant and variable orientation conditions relative to the Earth's gravitational field on the side of the plant stem (e.g., bending the stem to reduce plant height), where variable orientation is achieved by rotating the plant around its horizontal axis. Figure 12In particular, this study shows a comparison of the average plant height of seed pea varieties 'Astronaute' and 'Ostinato' under constant and variable orientation of the stem lateral lateral alignment relative to Earth's gravitational field after approximately 6 weeks of aeroponic cultivation. The comparative cultivation was conducted under identical conditions (identical temperature and humidity, identical LED lighting modules and light duration, identical fertilizer, pH and EC values, identical aeroponic fertilizer supply, and identical cultivation period). After approximately 6 weeks of comparative cultivation, variable orientation of the stem lateral alignment relative to Earth's gravitational field resulted in a 3.7-fold reduction in plant height for 'Astronaute' and a 3.8-fold reduction in plant height for 'Ostinato' (top figure). Error bars represent standard deviation (±1 SD). The reduction in plant height is based on the multiple bends in the stem, with the bend induced by the variable orientation of the stem lateral alignment relative to Earth's gravitational field (photograph).

Claims

1. A method for cultivating at least one plant, said plant engaging in movement at least temporarily during its growth phase, characterized in that, The plant is rotated in a discontinuous manner, wherein during the rotation phase, the plant rotates about a longitudinal axis along the main extension direction and / or about a transverse axis perpendicular to or oblique to the longitudinal axis, and during the non-rotation phase, the rotation speed is reduced to zero at least temporarily, and the plant is arranged at least temporarily such that the longitudinal axis of the plant is inclined relative to the vertical direction of the plant's location and in a plane in which the vertical direction unfolds with the longitudinal axis.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The non-rotational phase is at least temporarily equal in duration to the rotational phase.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In at least two non-rotational phases, the first side of the main stem along the main extension direction of the plant is oriented in the same way relative to the vertical direction.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A first side and a second side of the main stem along the main extension direction of the plant are arranged opposite to each other on the main stem of the plant, and rotated such that in a second non-rotation phase that follows a first rotation phase and is separated by a rotation phase, the first side occupies the position of the second side in the first non-rotation phase.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, During the non-rotation phase, the plant is arranged at least temporarily with its longitudinal axis at an angle α to the vertical direction, where -90° < α < 90°.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, During the non-rotation phase, the main extension direction of the plant is at least temporarily perpendicular to the vertical direction.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The non-rotational phase lasts at least 10-200 seconds.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Compared to plants that do not undergo discontinuous rotation during growth, the plants induce at least one plant phenotype, wherein the plant phenotype is selected from: dwarfing of the main upright stem, dwarfing of the wavy stem, reduced internode spacing, increased number of internodes, increased lateral branches, thickened stem, increased leaf biomass, and increased root biomass.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Cultivating medicinal plants, edible plants, forage plants, ornamental plants and / or woody plants.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Cultivation belongs to the Cannabaceae family ( Cannabaceae ) medicinal plants.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The plant is moved, at least temporarily, by a conveyor belt or a rotary device.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, During the rotation phase, the plant rotates about the plant's longitudinal axis along the main extension direction and about a transverse axis that is perpendicular to or oblique to the longitudinal axis.

13. An apparatus for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: A fastening device for releasably securing a plant to be cultivated, and a drive unit for initiating movement of the fastening device, wherein the drive unit is at least indirectly connected to the fastening device.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The fastening device moves linearly and / or rotates.

15. The device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The fastening device and / or the drive unit are designed to allow the plant to be cultivated to move on at least one plane.

16. The device according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, Provide a nutrient medium supply device to at least partially supply nutrient medium to the plants to be cultivated; provide a light source to at least temporarily illuminate the plants to be cultivated; and / or provide an air conditioning device to regulate the ambient atmosphere around the plants as needed.

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