An aeroponic system for producing potato mini-tubers

Abstract

A soil-free aeroponic propagation system for the production of potato mini-tubers, comprising: a disinfection unit (102) configured to receive and disinfect selected potato tubers as propagation material, the disinfection unit (102) comprising a selection unit configured to select healthy potato tubers for propagation, the disinfection unit (102) further being configured to disinfect the selected tubers; a nutrient solution reservoir (104) configured to facilitate the supply of a nutrient solution to germinated seedlings, the nutrient solution reservoir (104) being configured to initially supply the seedlings with an NPK solution having a concentration of about 0.5 grams per liter;a closed greenhouse chamber (106) consisting of: a plurality of transparent polycarbonate panels (106a) forming an enclosed space which is protected from excessive sunlight during the day by the application of a folded shading film (106b) to the top; and a control panel (106c) configured to automatically maintain temperature, humidity and lighting in the greenhouse chamber (106), the control panel (106c) being connected to: a humidifier (106d) to maintain humidity within a defined range; a lighting system (106e) to provide light during the day and night; and a temperature control system (106f) comprising several air conditioners and heaters to maintain the temperature within a defined range;and an aeroponic tank system (108) located within the enclosed greenhouse chamber (106) comprising: a PVC tank (108a) consisting of an apical root chamber and the basal nutrient reservoir, connected to the nutrient solution reservoir (104); a rigid, food-grade black polyvinyl chloride film (108b) covering the PVC tank (108a) to prevent the penetration of light, the food-grade black PVC film (108b) having evenly spaced holes for receiving potato plants; a plant support unit (108c) integrated with the film (108b) covering the PVC tank (108a) to secure potato plants through the holes in the food-grade black PVC film (108b), so that the shoots remain above the surface while the roots hang freely in the apical root chamber;a water misting unit (108d) comprising a pressure pump, an inlet tube, an outlet tube, a nozzle holder tube and several atomizing nozzles for spraying fine droplets of the nutrient solution onto the hanging roots at regular intervals, wherein a support tube system is attached to the pressure pump and a programmable timer for controlling the misting cycle is connected to the pressure pump; and an aeration pump (108e) configured to supply dissolved oxygen to the nutrient solution in the base nutrient reservoir.