A cultivation device and method for improving the seed germination rate of Pueraria lobata

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of kudzu seed germination technology, specifically to a cultivation device and method for improving the germination rate of kudzu seeds. The device includes a germination box containing several fixed discs. Each fixed disc has a groove on its top. Movable discs slide on both sides of the top of each fixed disc, and each movable disc has a hole corresponding to a groove. The diameter of the hole is smaller than the diameter of the groove. Several silicone rings corresponding to the holes are fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable discs. A humidity sensor is installed inside the germination box and is connected to a controller. Several control components are also installed inside the germination box. This invention automatically drives the movable discs to slide based on changes in humidity inside the box. The silicone rings rub against the kudzu seed coat to wear it down and remove inhibitory substances. While avoiding seed damage, this effectively breaks seed dormancy, improves air permeability, and thus increases the germination rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of kudzu seed germination technology, specifically to a cultivation device and method for improving the germination rate of kudzu seeds. Background Technology

[0002] Kudzu is a legume with high medicinal and ecological value. Its roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds can all be used medicinally. In traditional medicine, it is often used to relieve muscle tension and fever, and to promote the production of body fluids and quench thirst. At the same time, kudzu has a strong nitrogen-fixing ability, which plays an important role in improving soil structure and conserving water and soil. However, kudzu seeds have a low natural germination rate, which to some extent limits its large-scale planting and resource development. The germination process of kudzu seeds usually involves water absorption and swelling, enzyme activation, and the radicle breaking through the seed coat. During this period, the seeds are quite sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and oxygen. Currently, the LGZ-1500B intelligent light germination box is commonly used for the germination and cultivation of kudzu seeds. The LGZ-1500B intelligent light germination box generally consists of a box body, a light system, a temperature control system, a humidity control system, and a ventilation system. The box body provides a relatively enclosed and stable space for seed germination; the light system can simulate natural light conditions to meet the light requirements of seed germination; the temperature control system can precisely control the temperature inside the box within a suitable range for seed germination, providing a suitable temperature environment for the physiological activities of the seeds; the humidity control system regulates the humidity inside the box through methods such as spraying to maintain the humid conditions required for seed germination; and the ventilation system allows for the exchange of air inside and outside the box, ensuring a sufficient oxygen supply during seed germination. However, when using the LGZ-1500B intelligent light germination chamber to cultivate kudzu seeds, the presence of inhibitory substances on the seed coat surface hinders the absorption of water and oxygen, affecting the normal physiological and biochemical reactions within the seed and thus reducing the germination rate. Furthermore, the LGZ-1500B intelligent light germination chamber primarily focuses on controlling environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light, without addressing the characteristics of the kudzu seed coat. Even with suitable conditions within the chamber, the inhibitory substances on the seed coat surface are difficult to remove effectively, resulting in poor seed permeability and restricted physiological processes such as respiration, further reducing the germination rate of kudzu seeds.

[0003] Therefore, this invention proposes a cultivation device and method to improve the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a cultivation device and method for improving the germination rate of kudzu seeds. The device automatically drives a movable disc to slide based on changes in humidity within the container, using a silicone ring to rub the seed coat to wear it down and remove inhibitory substances. This effectively breaks seed dormancy and improves air permeability while avoiding seed damage, thereby increasing the germination rate.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A cultivation device for improving the germination rate of kudzu seeds includes a germination box, inside which are provided several fixed plates, each with several grooves on its top, and movable plates slidably fitted on both sides of the top of the fixed plates, each movable plate with several through holes corresponding to the grooves, the diameter of the through holes being smaller than the diameter of the grooves, and several silicone rings corresponding to the through holes fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable plates, a humidity sensor is provided inside the germination box, the humidity sensor is signal-connected to the controller of the germination box, and several control components are provided inside the germination box for controlling the movement of the movable plates according to changes in humidity inside the germination box.

[0006] The technical principle of the above solution is as follows: When the humidity sensor detects that the humidity in the germination box is lower than the set value (such as 60%RH), it transmits an electrical signal to the controller. The controller sends an action command to the control component, which drives the movable disk to slide horizontally on the top of the fixed disk. When the movable disk slides, the bottom silicone ring contacts the seed coat of the wild kudzu seed in the groove, generating relative friction to wear down the seed coat and remove surface inhibitory substances. When the humidity rises back to the appropriate range, the controller sends a stop signal, and the movable disk stops moving, completing one control cycle.

[0007] The above approach has the following beneficial effects: 1. This solution breaks seed dormancy quickly through mechanical friction, which is more environmentally friendly than chemical treatment and avoids the risk of drug residues; 2. This solution utilizes the elastic properties of silicone to buffer frictional impacts, preventing damage to the seed's internal structure. Simultaneously, the silicone rings can absorb substances that inhibit seed coat shedding, preventing them from re-adhering and affecting seed respiration. 3. In this design, the groove of the fixed plate is used to position the seed, and the diameter of the through hole of the movable plate is smaller than that of the groove, ensuring that the seed will not fall out of the groove during the friction process, while the silicone ring acts precisely on the seed surface.

[0008] Furthermore, the control components all include electric cylinders, the bodies of which are embedded in the inner wall of the germination box, the electric cylinders are all connected to the controller signal, and the output shafts of the electric cylinders are all fixedly connected to the side of the corresponding movable plate away from the door of the germination box.

[0009] Beneficial effects: Based on the humidity sensor signal, the controller calculates the required moving distance and speed of the movable disc, sends pulse signals to the electronic cylinder, realizes precise displacement control of the movable disc, and ensures stable contact pressure between the silicone ring and the seed.

[0010] Furthermore, the surface of each silicone ring is provided with several silicone protrusions.

[0011] Beneficial effects: By increasing the friction between the silicone ring and the seed coat of kudzu by protrusion, the inhibitory substances on the seed coat surface are removed more efficiently, while avoiding damage to the internal structure of the seed due to excessive friction, thereby further improving seed permeability and germination rate.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner walls of the grooves are all equipped with breathable sponge layers.

[0013] Beneficial effects: The breathable sponge layer cushions the impact of friction from the silicone ring, protecting the seeds. It also absorbs substances that inhibit seed coat shedding, preventing them from re-attaching. At the same time, it maintains stable humidity around the seeds, avoiding sudden changes in humidity that could affect the seed's physiological state.

[0014] Furthermore, a temperature sensor is installed inside the germination box, and the temperature sensor is connected to the controller signal.

[0015] Beneficial effects: The germination of kudzu seeds is significantly affected by temperature. By monitoring the real-time temperature in the germination box with a temperature sensor, the operating frequency of the electronically controlled cylinder can be adjusted. Within a suitable temperature range (such as 25-30℃), the friction frequency is increased to accelerate the removal of inhibitory substances; when the temperature is unsuitable, the frequency is reduced to reduce seed energy consumption and optimize the germination environment.

[0016] Furthermore, the side wall of the germination box is equipped with several ventilation openings.

[0017] Beneficial effects: By allowing air to circulate in the germination box through the ventilation openings, the inhibitory substances caused by seed coat shedding and carbon dioxide produced by seed respiration are expelled, while fresh oxygen is added, thus optimizing the gaseous environment for seed germination.

[0018] Furthermore, air filter cotton is installed at each ventilation opening.

[0019] Beneficial effects: It filters dust, germs and other impurities from the air entering the germination box, preventing seeds from being contaminated and causing diseases. At the same time, it avoids impurities adhering to the seed surface and affecting air permeability, ensuring a clean environment for seed germination.

[0020] Furthermore, both the bottom of the movable tray and the top of the fixed tray are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0021] Beneficial effects: By utilizing the low coefficient of friction of the polytetrafluoroethylene coating, the friction between the moving disc and the fixed disc is reduced, which reduces the resistance encountered by the moving disc when it slides, making the sliding of the moving disc smoother and avoiding uneven friction caused by jamming.

[0022] Furthermore, a cultivation method for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds includes the following steps: S1: Pretreatment: Soak the kudzu seeds in clean water for 24 hours, remove the empty and shriveled seeds floating on the water surface, place the soaked seeds in the groove of the fixed plate, and set the initial temperature of the germination box to 25℃ and the humidity to 70%RH. S2: Temperature and humidity control: The humidity sensor monitors the humidity in the germination box in real time. When the humidity is below 60%RH, the controller controls the electric cylinder to drive the moving plate to slide back and forth, and the silicone ring rubs the seed skin. When the temperature is in the suitable range of 25-30℃, the operating frequency of the electric cylinder is increased. When the temperature is below 20℃ or above 30℃, the operating frequency of the electric cylinder is decreased. S3: Ventilation: Every 8-12 hours, open the ventilation openings on the side wall of the germination box and ventilate for 15-20 minutes to refresh the air inside the box; S4: Germination monitoring: After 3-5 days of seed culture, observe the germination of seeds daily. When more than 70% of the seeds show signs of germination, transfer the seeds to a seedling substrate for further cultivation.

[0023] Furthermore, in step S2, the sliding speed of the moving disc is 3-5 cm / s, the duration of each sliding is 10-15 seconds, and the sliding interval is 30-60 minutes.

[0024] Beneficial effects: By pre-treating and selecting plump kudzu seeds, and then combining this with steps such as temperature and humidity control, ventilation, and germination monitoring, the germination rate of kudzu seeds can be effectively improved. Specifically, the temperature and humidity control step regulates the friction of the moving disc against the seed coat based on humidity changes within the germination chamber, removing inhibitory substances from the seed coat surface. The frequency of the moving disc's operation can also be adjusted according to temperature, accelerating the removal of inhibitory substances at suitable temperatures and reducing seed energy consumption at unsuitable temperatures. Ventilation removes inhibitory substances and carbon dioxide from the chamber, replenishes fresh oxygen, and optimizes the gaseous environment for seed germination. Specific limitations on the sliding speed, duration, and interval of the moving disc ensure effective removal of inhibitory substances while preventing seed damage due to excessive friction, further improving seed permeability and germination rate. The entire method is standardized, highly controllable, and conducive to the large-scale cultivation of kudzu seeds. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the germination box of an embodiment of the cultivation device for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front sectional view of the germination box in an embodiment of the cultivation device for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is an appendix to an embodiment of the cultivation device for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds according to the present invention. Figure 2 Detailed drawing at point A; Figure 4This is a side sectional view of the germination box in an embodiment of the cultivation device for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds according to the present invention; Figure 5 This is an appendix to an embodiment of the cultivation device for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds according to the present invention. Figure 4 Detailed drawing at point B; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of an embodiment of the cultivation method for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds according to the present invention.

[0026] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings of the instruction manual include: 1. Germination box; 2. Fixed plate; 3. Groove; 4. Movable plate; 5. Box door; 6. Through hole; 7. Silicone ring; 8. Electric control cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method: Example 1:

[0031] As attached Figure 1As shown: A cultivation device for improving the germination rate of kudzu seeds includes a germination box 1, which is equipped with a light system. The light system is designed with reference to the LGZ-1500B intelligent light germination box 1. Since the LGZ-1500B intelligent light germination box 1 focuses on regulating the germination environment of kudzu seeds, the inhibitory substances on the seed coat cause poor seed permeability, which restricts physiological processes such as respiration inside the seed, thereby hindering the absorption of water and oxygen by the seed and affecting the germination rate of kudzu seeds. To improve the air permeability of kudzu seeds, thereby increasing their absorption of water and oxygen and ultimately improving germination rate, the following method is used: Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, the germination box 1 has several fixed plates 2 inside. Each fixed plate 2 has several grooves 3 on its top (the inner wall of each groove 3 is lined with a breathable sponge layer to buffer the friction between the seeds and the grooves 3, protecting the seeds). Movable plates 4 slide on both sides of the top of each fixed plate 2 via grooves and rails (the bottom of the movable plate 4 and the top of the fixed plate 2 are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene to reduce resistance during sliding and prevent uneven friction caused by jamming). Each movable plate 4 has several through holes 6 corresponding to the grooves 3, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the grooves 3. Several holes corresponding to the through holes 6 are adhered to the bottom of the movable plate 4. The silicone ring 7 has several silicone protrusions on its surface; the germination box 1 has several ventilation openings on its side wall (each ventilation opening is equipped with air filter cotton to filter dust, bacteria and other impurities in the air entering the germination box 1, preventing seeds from being contaminated and causing diseases); the germination box 1 is equipped with a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor, preferably SHT30 / SHT31 and DS18B20 respectively, and both the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor are connected to the controller of the germination box 1; the germination box 1 is equipped with several control components for controlling the movement of the movable plate 4 according to the humidity changes in the germination box 1. As attached Figure 4 and attached Figure 5 As shown, the control components all include electric cylinders 8, preferably Linak LA36. The bodies of the electric cylinders 8 are all embedded in the inner wall of the germination box 1. The electric cylinders 8 are all connected to the controller signal. The output shafts of the electric cylinders 8 are all fixedly connected to the side of the corresponding movable plate 4 away from the door 5 of the germination box 1 by bolts.

[0032] The specific implementation process is as follows: When cultivating wild kudzu seeds, the pre-treated and screened wild kudzu seeds are first placed in the groove 3 of the fixed plate 2. The breathable sponge layer set on the inner wall of the groove 3 will gently wrap the seeds, providing a stable placement space for the seeds and buffering the impact force during subsequent friction to avoid mechanical damage to the seeds. Then, the door 5 of the germination box 1 is closed, and the light system, temperature control system and humidity control system are started. Referring to the control logic of the lgz-1500b intelligent light germination box 1, a suitable initial germination environment is created for the wild kudzu seeds. As seeds absorb moisture from the surrounding environment during germination, the moisture content in the air inside germination chamber 1 decreases accordingly, leading to a drop in humidity. Since the optimal humidity range for kudzu seed germination is 60%-80% RH, when the humidity drops below 60% RH, the seed water absorption rate decreases significantly, and the seed coat inhibitory substances are difficult to detach naturally, hindering the radicle from breaking through the seed coat. Therefore, when the humidity sensor detects that the humidity inside germination chamber 1 is below 60% RH, it immediately sends a signal to the controller. The controller then sends an action command to the electric cylinder 8. Upon receiving the signal, the output shaft of the electric cylinder 8 begins to extend and retract, causing the movable disk 4 to slide on the slide rail at the top of the fixed disk 2. During the sliding of the disc 4, the silicone ring 7 at the bottom of the movable disc 4 comes into contact with the seed coat of the wild kudzu seed in the groove 3. At the same time, the silicone protrusions on the surface of the silicone ring 7 increase the friction with the seed coat. The friction breaks the inhibitory substances on the seed coat surface and removes them. As the movable disc 4 slides back and forth, the silicone ring 7 continuously rubs against the seed coat, wears down the seed coat and breaks the seed dormancy, promotes the physiological activities inside the seed, and improves the seed's ability to absorb water and oxygen. At the same time, the elastic properties of the silicone material can buffer the frictional impact and avoid damage to the internal structure of the seed. The design of the through hole 6 having a smaller diameter than the groove 3 ensures that the seed will not fall out of the groove 3 during the friction process and will always be within a controllable friction range. While the active disc 4 is rubbing the seeds, the temperature data inside the chamber monitored by the temperature sensor is also transmitted to the controller. When the temperature is in the suitable range of 25-30℃, the controller will increase the operating frequency of the electric cylinder 8, accelerate the sliding speed and friction frequency of the active disc 4, accelerate the removal of inhibitory substances on the seed coat surface, and further improve seed air permeability and germination rate. When the temperature is below 20℃ or above 30℃, the controller will reduce the operating frequency of the electric cylinder 8, reduce the number of times the active disc 4 slides, and prevent the seeds from consuming too much energy due to excessive friction at unsuitable temperatures, which would affect seed germination. In addition, the ventilation openings on the side wall of germination box 1 will open periodically at set time intervals. The air filter cotton at the ventilation openings will filter dust, bacteria and other impurities in the air entering germination box 1, preventing seeds from being contaminated and causing diseases. At the same time, the air circulation in the box can remove the inhibitory substances of seed coat shedding and the carbon dioxide produced by seed respiration, replenish fresh oxygen, optimize the gaseous environment for seed germination, provide sufficient oxygen supply for seed respiration, and promote the normal progress of internal physiological processes of the seed. When the humidity sensor detects that the humidity in germination box 1 has risen back to a suitable range, the controller will send a stop signal to the electric cylinder 8. The output shaft of the electric cylinder 8 will stop extending and retracting, and the movable disk 4 will also stop sliding, completing one control cycle.

[0033] Example 2:

[0034] As attached Figure 6 As shown, a cultivation method for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds includes the following steps: S1: Pretreatment: Soak the kudzu seeds in clean water for 24 hours, remove the empty and shriveled seeds floating on the water surface, place the soaked seeds in the groove 3, and set the initial temperature of the germination box 1 to 25℃ and the humidity to 70%RH. S2: Temperature and humidity control: The humidity sensor monitors the humidity inside the germination box 1 in real time. When the humidity is below 60%RH, the controller controls the electric cylinder 8 to drive the movable disk 4 to slide back and forth, and the silicone ring 7 rubs the seed skin. When the temperature is in the suitable range of 25-30℃, the operating frequency of the electric cylinder 8 is increased. When the temperature is below 20℃ or above 30℃, the operating frequency of the electric cylinder 8 is decreased. S3: Ventilation: Every 8-12 hours, open the ventilation opening on the side wall of the germination box 1 and ventilate for 15-20 minutes to refresh the air inside the box; S4: Germination monitoring: After 3-5 days of seed culture, observe the germination of seeds daily. When more than 70% of the seeds show signs of germination, transfer the seeds to a seedling substrate for further cultivation. In step S2, the sliding speed of the moving disk 4 is 3-5 cm / s, the duration of each sliding is 10-15 seconds, and the sliding interval is 30-60 minutes.

[0035] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A cultivation device for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds, comprising a germination box (1), characterized in that: The germination box (1) is equipped with several fixed plates (2), each fixed plate (2) has several grooves (3) on its top, and movable plates (4) are slidably fitted on both sides of the top of the fixed plate (2). Each movable plate (4) has several through holes (6) corresponding to the grooves (3), and the diameter of the through holes (6) is smaller than the diameter of the grooves (3). Several silicone rings (7) corresponding to the through holes (6) are fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable plate (4). The germination box (1) is equipped with a humidity sensor, which is connected to the controller of the germination box (1). The germination box (1) is equipped with several control components for controlling the movable plates (4) to move according to the humidity changes in the germination box (1).

2. The cultivation device for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that: All control components include electric cylinders (8), the bodies of which are embedded in the inner wall of the germination box (1), the electric cylinders (8) are connected to the controller signal, and the output shafts of the electric cylinders (8) are fixedly connected to the side of the corresponding movable plate (4) away from the door (5) of the germination box (1).

3. The cultivation device for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the silicone ring (7) is provided with several silicone protrusions.

4. The cultivation device for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner wall of the groove (3) is provided with a breathable sponge layer.

5. The cultivation device for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that: A temperature sensor is installed inside the germination box (1), and the temperature sensor is connected to the controller signal.

6. The cultivation device for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that: The germination box (1) has several ventilation openings on its side wall.

7. The cultivation device for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds according to claim 6, characterized in that: Air filters are installed at all ventilation openings.

8. The cultivation device for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the movable tray (4) and the top of the fixed tray (2) are both coated with polytetrafluoroethylene.

9. A cultivation method for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds, operating based on the structure of the cultivation device for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1： Pretreatment: Soak the kudzu seeds in clean water for 24 hours, remove the empty and shriveled seeds floating on the water surface, and place the soaked seeds in the groove (3) of the fixed plate (2), and set the initial temperature of the germination box (1) to 25°C and the humidity to 70%RH. S2: Temperature and humidity control: The humidity sensor monitors the humidity inside the germination box (1) in real time. When the humidity is below 60%RH, the controller controls the electric control cylinder (8) to drive the moving disk (4) to slide back and forth, and the silicone ring (7) rubs the seed skin. When the temperature is in the suitable range of 25-30℃, the operating frequency of the electric control cylinder (8) is increased. When the temperature is below 20℃ and above 30℃, the operating frequency of the electric control cylinder (8) is reduced. S3: Ventilation: Every 8-12 hours, open the ventilation opening on the side wall of the germination box (1) and ventilate for 15-20 minutes to refresh the air in the box; S4: Germination monitoring: After 3-5 days of seed culture, observe the germination of seeds daily. When more than 70% of the seeds show signs of germination, transfer the seeds to a seedling substrate for further cultivation.

10. The cultivation method for improving the germination rate of wild kudzu seeds according to claim 9, characterized in that: In step S2, the sliding speed of the moving disc (4) is 3-5 cm / s, the duration of each sliding is 10-15 seconds, and the sliding interval is 30-60 minutes.

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