Method for regulating growth of plant

Abstract

To provide a method enabling effective regulation of plant growth.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a method comprising: (A) a step for growing a plant in the presence of hematite; and (B) a step for growing the plant substantially in the absence of hematite. This method enables effective regulation of plant growth according to the purpose.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for regulating plant growth, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In the agricultural field, regulating plant growth is an important technique for improving plant productivity. Currently, various types of plant growth regulation methods and plant growth regulators are in practical use, contributing to increased crop yields and improved product quality. In regulating plant growth, non-natural organic compounds are mainly used as so-called pesticides. However, since there are cases where non-natural organic compounds are concerned about safety for humans and livestock and their impact on the environment, various researches are being conducted on improving and devising cultivation methods, using useful microorganisms, irradiating light of specific wavelengths, utilizing organic agricultural materials, etc.

[0003] Specific surface area (BET) is 70 to 200 m 2 It is known that iron oxides such as hematite (ALPHA-Fe2O3), which has an iron oxide content of 1000 mg / g, can be used as inhibitors of plant diseases (Patent Document 1). However, it was not known what effects the timing of growing a plant in the presence of hematite and in the substantial absence of hematite would have on the plant. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-167338 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An objective of the present invention is to provide a method capable of effectively regulating plant growth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of extensive research, the present inventors have found that a method including a step of growing a plant in the presence of hematite and a step of growing a plant substantially in the absence of hematite can effectively regulate plant growth according to the purpose. The present invention has been completed based on this finding.

[0007] That is, the present invention is specified by the following items. [1] A method for regulating plant growth, comprising: (A) growing the plant in the presence of hematite; and (B) growing the plant in the substantial absence of hematite. The method comprising: [2] The method for regulating plant growth described in [1] above, wherein step (B) is carried out after step (A). [3] Regulating plant growth After suppressing the growth of the plant by step (A), and promoting the growth of the plant by step (B). The method for regulating plant growth described in [2] above. [4] The method for regulating plant growth described in [2] or [3] above, wherein regulating plant growth comprises increasing the weight of the plant body. [5] The method for regulating plant growth described in [1] above, wherein step (A) is carried out after step (B). [6] The method for regulating plant growth according to [5] above, wherein regulating plant growth comprises promoting acclimatization of the plant to a growth environment. [7] The method for regulating plant growth according to [5] or [6] above, wherein regulating plant growth is one or more selected from the group consisting of promoting flowering of the plant, increasing plant width, increasing plant height, increasing root mass, and improving heat tolerance. [8] A plant growth regulator comprising hematite for use in the method according to any one of [1] to [7] above. [9] A culture soil containing hematite for use in the method according to any one of [1] to [7] above.

[10] A method for producing a plant, comprising regulating plant growth using the method according to any one of [1] to [7] above.

[0008] Further, other embodiments of the present invention can be mentioned, for example, as follows.

[11] The method for regulating plant growth described in [2] above, further comprising the step of sowing the plant in the presence of hematite prior to step (A).

[12] The method for regulating plant growth described in [3] above, wherein regulating plant growth is promoting the growth of the plant compared to a case in which step (A) is not included.

[13] The method for regulating plant growth according to any one of [2] to [4] above, wherein the plant is a plant whose leaves are edible.

[14] The method for regulating plant growth according to any one of [2] to [4] above, wherein the plant is Chinese cabbage, cabbage, Nozawana, Komatsuna, Bok choy, kale, Garland chrysanthemum, lettuce, spinach, onion, or leek.

[15] The method for regulating plant growth described in [5] above, further comprising the step of sowing the plant in the substantial absence of hematite prior to step (B).

[16] The method for regulating plant growth described in [6] above, wherein regulating plant growth is promoting acclimatization of the plant to a growth environment compared to a case in which step (A) is not included.

[17] The method for regulating plant growth according to any one of [5] to [7] above, wherein the plant is a plant cultivated for the purpose of obtaining flowers, fruits, seeds, or roots.

[18] The method for regulating the growth of a plant according to any one of [5] to [7] above, wherein the plant is a pansy, petunia, cyclamen, orchid, tulip, lily, chrysanthemum, rose, gentian, gypsophila, statice, gerbera, bellflower, alstroemeria, carnation, turnip, radish, wasabi, tomato, eggplant, potato, bell pepper, chili pepper, rice, wheat, barley, corn, burdock, carrot, lotus root, taro, konjac, Chinese yam, Chinese yam, cucumber, watermelon, pumpkin, melon, bitter melon, zucchini, soybean, pea, or strawberry.

[19] Step (A) is a step of growing a plant in a soil containing hematite, and / or Step (B) is a step of growing a plant in a culture soil substantially free of hematite; The method for regulating plant growth described in [1] above.

[20] A plant cultivation kit containing hematite for use in the method according to any one of [1] to [7] above. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, plant growth can be effectively regulated according to purpose. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an image of sunny lettuce taken on November 22nd (33 days after sowing) during a sunny lettuce cultivation test. [Diagram 2] This is an image of sunny lettuce taken on January 6th (78 days after sowing) during a sunny lettuce cultivation test. [Diagram 3] This is an image of sunny lettuce taken on February 5th (108 days after sowing) during a sunny lettuce cultivation test. [Figure 4] This is an image of cos lettuce taken on February 27th (32 days after sowing) during a cos lettuce cultivation test. [Diagram 5] This is an image of a cross-section of cos lettuce harvested on May 10th (104 days after sowing) in a cos lettuce cultivation test. [Figure 6] This is an image of pansies (variety: cranberry) taken on December 20th (113 days after sowing) in the pansy cultivation test (2). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (Method of Regulating Plant Growth) The method of regulating plant growth of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "method of the present invention") comprises the steps of (A) growing the plant in the presence of hematite, and (B) growing the plant substantially in the absence of hematite. The method of the present invention may include steps other than steps (A) and (B) as appropriate. In addition, the method of the present invention may be used in combination with other methods.

[0012] (hematite) In the present invention, hematite (ALPHA-Fe2O3), which is a type of iron oxide, is used. Hematite may be natural or industrially produced as long as the desired effect can be obtained. Hematite can be obtained, for example, from natural ores. Also, for example, it can be obtained by heating and dehydrating goethite (ALPHA-FeOOH) (2FeOOH→Fe2O3+H2O). Since hematite is stable even when in contact with water, the effect of the present invention can be maintained for a long time. In addition, hematite is excellent in safety for humans and animals, and is also excellent in low load and safety for the environment.

[0013] For example, hematite has a specific surface area (BET) of 70m 2 / g or more, and 2 / g and hematite, 70-170m 2 / g and hematite, 70-140m 2 / g and hematite, 70-120m 2 / g and hematite, 80-110m 2 / g. Here, the specific surface area (BET) is the surface area per unit mass (m 2When hematite, which has a relatively large specific surface area (BET), is used, the active sites per unit mass become larger, allowing the catalyst to be more efficiently effective.

[0014] The size of the hematite particles is not particularly limited as long as the desired effect can be obtained, but for example, the average particle size is 10 μm or less. The shape of the hematite is not particularly limited as long as the desired effect can be obtained, but for example, it can be powder, granules, needles, spindles, spheres, etc.

[0015] In addition to hematite, examples of iron oxides that can be used include goethite (ALPHA-FeOOH), maghemite (GAMMA-Fe2O3), magnetite (Fe3O4), akganite (BETA-FeOOH), lepidocrocite (GAMMA-FeOOH), wustite (FeO), and limonite (FeOOH·nH2O). Although these iron oxides can also be used, hematite is preferred.

[0016] (in the presence of hematite) In the step (A) of the present invention, "in the presence of hematite" means a condition in which hematite is present, and the condition is not particularly limited as long as the desired effect is obtained. For example, hematite can be applied by a normal method for applying pesticides or fertilizers, and may be applied to a plant body, may be applied to a medium in which the plant is cultivated, or may be applied to a combination thereof. That is, hematite may be present in the plant body itself, may be present in a medium in which the plant is cultivated, or may be present in a combination thereof. Application to a plant body includes spraying or coating the plant body, and immersion of the plant body. Hematite may be applied to the entire plant body, or may be applied to a part of the plant body. Hematite may be applied to the entire above-ground part of the plant body, for example. Examples of parts of the plant body include leaves, stems, trunks, roots, and fruits. When hematite is applied to leaves, hematite may be applied to only one or both of the front and back surfaces of the leaves. Specific examples of application to plants include foliage spraying and root immersion. The medium in which the plant is cultivated can be appropriately selected depending on various conditions such as the type of the target plant and the cultivation method, and examples of such medium include culture soil, hydroponic culture solution, and solid medium. The medium may also include, for example, sand, soil, fiber, glass beads, resin, foam, sponge, rock wool, solidifying agents (e.g., agar, xanthan gum, etc.), water, fertilizer, pesticides, and other drugs. Application to the medium includes spraying, irrigation, and mixing to the medium. Application to the medium may be carried out so that hematite is present or reaches the rhizosphere of the plant, that is, the area where the roots extend and come into contact. It is presumed that the effect of the present invention is caused by the reaction between the active site of hematite and the secretion (substrate) of the plant. Specific examples of "in the presence of hematite" include "medium containing hematite," "culture soil containing hematite," "culture solution containing hematite," "solid medium containing hematite," "under irrigation of hematite," and / or "under spraying of hematite."

[0017] The application amount (amount present) of hematite is not particularly limited as long as the desired effect is obtained, and can be appropriately selected depending on the type of target plant, the cultivation method, the growth stage, the purpose of cultivation, the type and degree of environmental stress, the state of the plant, and the like. The appropriate application amount of hematite can be found without undue experimentation by referring to the examples described below and / or by trying several conditions. For example, when hematite is applied to (present in) a medium in which a plant is cultivated, the medium (e.g., culture soil, hydroponic culture solution, solid medium, etc.) contains hematite in an amount of, for example, 0.1% (w / v) or more, 0.2% (w / v) or more, 0.3% (w / v) or more, 0.5% (w / v) or more, 0.7% (w / v) or more, 1% (w / v) or more, 2% (w / v) or more, 3% (w / v) or more, 4% (w / v) or more, or 5% (w / v) or more. For example, it may contain 10% (w / v) or less, 8% (w / v) or less, 6% (w / v) or less, 5% (w / v) or less, 4% (w / v) or less, 3% (w / v) or less, 2% (w / v) or less, or a combination thereof, for example, 0.1 to 10% (w / v), 0.5 to 8% (w / v), 0.7 to 7% (w / v), 1 to 5% (w / v), 2 to 5% (w / v), 1 to 4% (w / v), 1 to 3% (w / v), etc. In addition, in calculating the content of hematite, the dry weight of hematite is used. The medium may be considered in the state in which it is normally used. For example, when a commercially available product (for example, commercially available culture soil or a mixture thereof) is used as the medium, the content may be calculated based on the indicated volume of the product.

[0018] For example, when hematite is applied to a plant (having it present in the plant itself), hematite may be applied as it is, or may be applied as a composition containing hematite. The composition may contain hematite, for example, 0.01 to 10% (w / v), 0.05 to 5% (w / v), 0.1 to 3% (w / v), 0.15 to 2% (w / v), etc. The composition may optionally contain one or more other components. The other components are not particularly limited as long as the desired effect is obtained, and examples thereof include additives such as carriers, excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, antioxidants, diluents, dispersants, adjuvants, surfactants, spreading agents, pH adjusters, colorants, ultraviolet absorbers, antistatic agents, preservatives, water, alcohol, vitamins, and minerals. The formulation of the composition may be, for example, a dust, wettable powder, emulsifiable concentrate, flowable concentrate, suspension, water-soluble powder, water-dispersible granule, tablet, granule, SE agent (Suspo Emulsion), OD agent (Oil Dispersion), EW agent (Emulsion oil in water), etc., or may be, for example, a water suspension, etc. During the step (A), the hematite may be applied once or more than once.

[0019] (In the virtual absence of hematite) In the step (B) of the present invention, "in the substantial absence of hematite" means a condition in which there is substantially no hematite present, and the condition is not particularly limited as long as the desired effect is obtained. It can also be said to be a condition other than the above-mentioned "in the presence of hematite". Specifically, for example, "medium substantially free of hematite", "culture soil substantially free of hematite", "culture solution substantially free of hematite", "solid medium substantially free of hematite", "substantially without irrigation of hematite", and / or "substantially without spraying of hematite" can be mentioned. Here, "substantially" absent hematite means that a small amount of hematite may be present, but not to an effective amount, and also includes the complete absence of hematite. "A small amount" refers to, for example, the content of hematite in a medium in which a plant is grown (e.g., culture soil, hydroponic culture solution, solid medium, etc.) being less than 0.1% (w / v), less than 0.05% (w / v), less than 0.01% (w / v), less than 0.005% (w / v), etc. In addition, since hematite is a naturally occurring substance, it may be unintentionally contained in a medium in which a plant is grown (e.g., culture soil, hydroponic culture solution, solid medium, etc.), but the amount is usually small in a general medium, even if it is contained. Therefore, when hematite is not intentionally present (not added), it can usually be said to be "substantially absent hematite". Also, when a plant is repotted from the presence of hematite (e.g., a soil containing hematite), for example, there may be some hematite attached to the roots of the plant, but most of the roots will then grow into an area that is substantially free of hematite (e.g., a soil that does not contain hematite), so that after repotting, the plant can be said to be substantially free of hematite.

[0020] (plant) The target plant in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the desired effect can be obtained, and may be herbaceous or woody. Herbaceous plants include annual plants, biennial plants, and perennial plants, and woody plants include deciduous trees and evergreen trees. For example, Brassicaceae plants, Solanaceae plants, Amaryllidaceae plants, Poaceae plants, Asteraceae plants, Umbelliferae plants, Nelumbinae plants, Araceae plants, Dioscoreaceae plants, Cucurbitaceae plants, Leguminosae plants, Amaranthaceae plants, Rosaceae plants, Euphorbiaceae plants, Musaceae plants, Purple plants, Palmaceae plants, Oleaceae plants, Cupressaceae plants, Pinaceae plants, and Fagaceae plants can be mentioned.

[0021] Examples of Brassicaceae plants include Chinese cabbage, cabbage, rapeseed, broccoli, turnip, cauliflower, mizuna, nozawana, komatsuna, bok choy, kale, radish, and wasabi. Examples of Solanaceae plants include tomato, eggplant, potato, bell pepper, chili pepper, and tobacco. Examples of Amaryllidaceae plants include leeks, onions, Chinese chives, garlic, and scallions. Examples of Gramineae plants include rice, wheat, barley, and corn. Examples of Asteraceae plants include chrysanthemum, garland chrysanthemum, burdock, lettuce, and mugwort. Examples of Umbelliferae plants include carrots, celery, mitsuba, coriander, parsley, Japanese parsley, and angelica tree. Examples of Nelumbinae plants include lotus root. Examples of Araceae plants include taro and konjac. Examples of plants in the Dioscoreaceae family include Chinese yam and Chinese yam. Examples of plants in the Cucurbitaceae family include cucumber, watermelon, pumpkin, melon, bitter melon, zucchini, etc. Examples of plants in the Fabaceae family include soybean, pea, gum arabic, and licorice. Examples of plants in the Amaranthaceae family include spinach and the like. Examples of plants in the Rosaceae family include rose, strawberry, apple, pear, plum, and peach. Examples of plants in the Euphorbiaceae family include rubber tree and the like. Examples of plants in the Musaceae family include banana and the like. Examples of plants in the Purple family include purple and the like. Examples of plants in the Palm family include oil palm and the like. Examples of plants in the Oleaceae family include olive and the like. Examples of plants in the Cupressaceae family include cedar, Japanese cypress, and Japanese cypress. Examples of plants in the Pinaceae family include red pine, larch, and fir. Examples of plants in the Fagaceae family include beech, oak, and Castanopsis sieboldii.

[0022] (Regulates plant growth) In the present invention, "regulating plant growth" refers to affecting the growth of all or a part of a plant body, and is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of improving the growth rate of a plant, increasing the weight of a plant body (e.g., above-ground parts, leaves, stems, trunks, roots, fruits, seeds, or the sum of two or more thereof), increasing the weight of an edible part of a plant, increasing the harvest (yield) of a plant, promoting acclimation of a plant to a growing environment, promoting flowering, promoting fruit setting, increasing the number of flowers, increasing the number of fruits or seeds, accelerating the flowering time, accelerating the fruit setting time, increasing the plant width, increasing the plant height, promoting tillering, increasing the amount of roots, improving the (environmental) stress resistance of a plant (e.g., improving cold resistance, improving heat resistance, improving drought resistance, improving salt tolerance, etc.), improving the quality of a plant, and the like.

[0023] (Growing plants) In the present invention, the conditions for "growing a plant" are not particularly limited as long as the desired effect can be obtained, and can be appropriately selected according to the type of plant, the cultivation method, the growth stage, the purpose of cultivation, the type and degree of environmental stress, the state of the plant, and the like. For example, the plant can be grown in the same manner as a normal method for cultivating the plant, except that the plant is grown in the presence of hematite and in the substantial absence of hematite. Examples of the cultivation method for the plant include soil cultivation, nutrient solution cultivation, and nutrient solution soil cultivation. Examples of the nutrient solution cultivation include hydroponics and solid medium cultivation. Examples of the hydroponics include the nutrient film technique (NFT) and the deep flow technique (DFT).

[0024] The timing and period for carrying out step (A) and step (B) can be appropriately selected depending on the type of plant, the cultivation method, the growth stage, the purpose of cultivation, the type and degree of environmental stress, the state of the plant, etc. Appropriate conditions for these can be found without undue experimentation by referring to the examples described later and / or by trying several conditions. The period for carrying out step (A) and step (B) may be, for example, independently 1 day or more, 1 week or more, 2 weeks or more, 3 weeks or more, 4 weeks or more, 5 weeks or more, 6 weeks or more, 7 weeks or more, 8 weeks or more, 3 months or more, 4 months or more, 5 months or more, or 6 months or more, and may be, for example, 6 months or less, 5 months or less, 4 months or less, 3 months or less, 8 weeks or less, 7 weeks or less, 6 weeks or less, 5 weeks or less, 4 weeks or less, 3 weeks or less, 2 weeks or less, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0025] In the method of the present invention, the order of performing step (A) and step (B) can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. However, the method of the present invention can be divided into a first method and a second method described below depending on the order of performing step (A) and step (B). That is, the method of the present invention includes the first method and the second method.

[0026] (First method) The first method of the present invention is a method for regulating plant growth, which comprises (A) a step of growing the plant in the presence of hematite, followed by (B) a step of growing the plant substantially in the absence of hematite. As long as step (A) is performed before step (B) and step (B) is performed after step (A), other steps may be appropriately included before, after, or between them. For example, the method may comprise a step of sowing a plant before step (A), preferably a step of sowing a plant in the presence of hematite from the viewpoint of work efficiency.

[0027] In the first method of the present invention, regulating the growth of a plant may be suppressing the growth of the plant in step (A) and then promoting the growth of the plant in step (B). More specifically, it may be promoting the growth of the plant compared to a case not including step (A). In the first method of the present invention, promoting the growth of a plant may be, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of improving the growth rate of the plant, increasing the weight of the plant body, increasing the weight of the edible part of the plant, and increasing the yield of the plant.

[0028] Considering that the first method of the present invention ultimately promotes plant growth, the temporary suppression of plant growth by step (A) is not necessarily disadvantageous, and may even be beneficial in itself. For example, when step (A) is performed during the seedling raising stage, the growth of the seedlings is suppressed, and compact seedlings can be obtained. A compact seedling can improve the efficiency of seedling transportation, reduce transportation costs, facilitate irrigation management, reduce seedling tangles and planting damage, and improve the efficiency of work such as transplanting seedlings. In addition, a seedling growth rate that is gently suppressed does not limit the timing of work such as transplanting seedlings. For example, in general, if the timing of seedling transplant work is delayed due to bad weather, the seedlings may grow elongated, the seedlings may fall over, or the quality of the seedlings may deteriorate, but according to the first method of the present invention, such a situation can be easily prevented. Thus, the first method of the present invention is an excellent method that brings about various plant growth regulating effects.

[0029] In the first method of the present invention, for example, it is preferable that step (A) is performed during the seedling period from the time of sowing and the seedling period, and step (B) is performed during the period from the time of planting (replanting) to the time of harvesting. For example, step (A) may be performed from the time of sowing and step (B) may be performed from the time of planting (replanting). In this case, for example, a plant is sowed in a culture soil containing hematite, grown, and then planted (replanted) in a culture soil substantially not containing hematite and grown.

[0030] The plant for which the first method of the present invention is performed can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose for which the plant is cultivated. For example, plants cultivated for the purpose of obtaining leaves or stems, specifically plants whose leaves or stems are used for ornamental purposes and plants (vegetables, etc.) whose leaves or stems are edible are preferred, and examples thereof include Chinese cabbage, cabbage, Nozawana, Komatsuna, Bok choy, kale, Garland chrysanthemum, lettuce, spinach, onion, and leek.

[0031] (Second Method) The second method of the present invention is a method for regulating plant growth, which includes a step (B) of growing the plant substantially in the absence of hematite, followed by a step (A) of growing the plant in the presence of hematite. As long as step (B) is performed before step (A) and step (A) is performed after step (A), other steps may be appropriately included before, after, or between them. For example, a step of sowing a plant may be included before step (B), preferably a step of sowing a plant substantially in the absence of hematite from the viewpoint of work efficiency.

[0032] In the second method of the present invention, regulating the growth of a plant may be promoting acclimation of the plant to the growth environment. More specifically, it may be promoting acclimation of the plant to the growth environment compared to a case not including step (A). The acclimation may be acclimation to (environmental) stress such as temperature stress, chemical stress, light stress, drought stress, pH stress, salt stress, hypoxia stress, physical stress, etc.

[0033] In the second method of the present invention, regulating plant growth may be, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of promoting flowering, promoting fruiting, increasing the number of flowers, increasing the number of fruits or seeds, accelerating flowering, accelerating fruiting, increasing plant width, increasing plant height, promoting tillering, increasing root mass, increasing plant body weight, increasing edible plant weight, increasing plant yield, and improving plant (environmental) stress resistance (e.g., improving cold resistance, improving heat resistance, improving drought resistance, improving salt resistance, etc.), and is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of promoting plant flowering, increasing plant width, increasing plant height, increasing root mass, and improving heat resistance. Thus, the second method of the present invention is an excellent method that brings about various plant growth regulation effects.

[0034] In the second method of the present invention, for example, it is preferable that step (B) is performed during the seedling period from the time of sowing and the seedling period, and step (A) is performed during the period from the time of planting (replanting) to the time of harvesting. For example, step (B) may be performed from the time of sowing and step (A) may be performed from the time of planting (replanting). In this case, for example, a plant is sowed in a culture soil that does not substantially contain hematite, grown, and then planted (replanted) in a culture soil that contains hematite and grown.

[0035] The plant for which the second method of the present invention is performed can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose of cultivating the plant. For example, plants cultivated for the purpose of obtaining flowers, fruits, seeds or roots, such as ornamental plants, vegetables and cereals, specifically plants whose flowers are used for ornamental purposes and plants whose flowers, fruits, seeds or roots are edible, are preferred. Examples of such plants include pansies, petunias, cyclamen, orchids, tulips, lilies, chrysanthemums, roses, gentians, gypsophila, statice, gerberas, bellflowers, alstroemeria, carnations, turnips, radishes, wasabi, tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, bell peppers, chili peppers, rice, wheat, barley, corn, burdock, carrots, lotus roots, taro, konjac, Chinese yam, Chinese yam, cucumbers, watermelons, pumpkins, melons, bitter melons, zucchinis, soybeans, peas and strawberries.

[0036] (Plant growth regulator) The plant growth regulator of the present invention is a plant growth regulator specified for use in the method of the present invention. According to the method of the present invention, as described above, the growth of various plants can be effectively regulated using hematite. Therefore, a plant growth regulator specified for use in the method of the present invention is provided. The plant growth regulator of the present invention must contain hematite, but may or may not contain one or more other components. The other components are not particularly limited as long as the desired effect is obtained, and examples thereof include additives such as carriers, excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, antioxidants, diluents, dispersants, adjuvants, surfactants, spreading agents, pH adjusters, colorants, ultraviolet absorbers, antistatic agents, preservatives, water, alcohol, vitamins, and minerals. The formulation of the composition may be, for example, a dust, wettable powder, emulsifiable concentrate, flowable concentrate, suspension, water-soluble agent, water-dispersible granule, tablet, granule, SE agent (Suspo Emulsion), OD agent (Oil Dispersion), EW agent (Emulsion oil in water), etc., or may be, for example, a water suspension, etc. The plant growth regulator may contain hematite in an amount of, for example, 0.01 to 10% (w / v), 0.05 to 5% (w / v), 0.1 to 3% (w / v), 0.15 to 2% (w / v), etc.

[0037] (cultivating soil) The culture soil of the present invention is a culture soil specified for use in the method of the present invention. The culture soil of the present invention must contain hematite, but may optionally contain one or more other components. The other components are not particularly limited as long as the desired effect is obtained, and may be components normally contained in culture soil, such as red soil, Akadama soil, Kanuma soil, Arakida soil, leaf mold, Kiryu sand, river sand, sea sand, beach sand, mountain sand, perlite, vermiculite, rock wool, zeolite, slag, peat moss, coco peat, water moss, leaf mold, bark compost, rice husk, rice husk charcoal, lignite, charcoal, bran, charcoal powder, etc. Alternatively, the culture soil of the present invention may be a culture soil normally used (for example, a commercially available culture soil or a mixture thereof) to which hematite has been added and mixed. The content of hematite in the culture soil is not particularly limited as long as the desired effect is obtained, and may be, for example, 0.1% (w / v) or more, 0.2% (w / v) or more, 0.3% (w / v) or more, 0.5% (w / v) or more, 0.7% (w / v) or more, 1% (w / v) or more, 2% (w / v) or more, 3% (w / v) or more, 4% (w / v) or more, or 5% (w / v) or more, and may be, for example, 10% (w / v) or less. , 8% (w / v) or less, 6% (w / v) or less, 5% (w / v) or less, 4% (w / v) or less, 3% (w / v) or less, 2% (w / v) or less, or a combination thereof, for example, 0.1 to 10% (w / v), 0.5 to 8% (w / v), 0.7 to 7% (w / v), 1 to 5% (w / v), 2 to 5% (w / v), 1 to 4% (w / v), 1 to 3% (w / v), etc. According to the culture soil of the present invention, the method of the present invention can be carried out more easily.

[0038] (Plant cultivation kit) The plant cultivation kit of the present invention is a plant cultivation kit specified for use in the method of the present invention. The kit of the present invention must contain hematite, but may optionally contain one or more other components. The other components are not particularly limited, but may include, for example, an instruction manual on the method or procedure of use, an instruction manual on the method of the present invention, other attached documents, a medium in which the plant is cultivated (e.g., culture soil, hydroponic culture solution, solid medium, etc.), plant seeds or seedlings, fertilizer, pesticides, other drugs, containers, tools, other plant cultivation materials, etc. According to the plant cultivation kit of the present invention, the method of the present invention can be carried out more easily.

[0039] (Plant Production Method) The method for producing a plant of the present invention includes a step of regulating plant growth using the method of the present invention. In addition, other steps may be appropriately included. In addition, the method may be used in combination with other methods. According to the method of the present invention, the growth of various plants can be effectively regulated, and therefore, according to the method for producing a plant of the present invention, a plant whose growth is effectively regulated according to the purpose can be produced, and for example, the yield of the plant can be increased, the quality of the plant can be improved, and plant cultivation can be made easier and more efficient.

[0040] The present invention will be described in more detail below using examples, although the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples. EXAMPLES

[0041] [Testing by the first method] An investigation was conducted to determine the effect on the plant of a method that includes (A) a step of growing the plant in the presence of hematite, followed by (B) a step of growing the plant substantially in the absence of hematite.

[0042] 1-1. Cultivation test of sunny lettuce Limonide (a natural product from Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture; contains 72% goethite; sun-dried) manufactured by Nippon Limonite Co., Ltd. was calcined at 250°C to obtain hematite powder (hematite purity 78%; identified by powder X-ray analysis; BET=90.5m 2 / g; average particle size 7μm). This hematite powder was added to seedling soil (Takii Tanemaki Soil, manufactured by Takii Seeds) at 1% (w / v), 3% (w / v), 5% (w / v), or 10% (w / v). The contents of hematite powder were calculated based on the dry weight, and the contents of seedling soil were calculated based on the indicated volume of the sealed packaged product. These seedling soils were placed in cell trays, and sunny lettuce (variety name: Red Fire) was sown on October 20th, and the sunny lettuce seedlings were grown in the usual manner. The areas were referred to as the no-addition area, the 1%-addition area, the 3%-addition area, the 5%-addition area, and the 10%-addition area, respectively. When observed on November 22nd (33 days after sowing), the higher the concentration of hematite powder added, the more the seedling growth was suppressed (Figure 1). These seedlings were planted in the field on November 30th (41 days after sowing) and grown in the usual way. The soil used for planting (Takii Tanemaki Soil, manufactured by Takii Seeds) did not contain hematite. At the time of planting, some of the seedling soil was attached to the roots, but most of the roots then extended into the area of ​​the soil without hematite (i.e., in the substantial absence of hematite), so it can be said that after planting, the roots are substantially in the absence of hematite. When observed on January 6th of the following year (78 days after sowing), the growth of the sunny lettuce in the 1% addition group caught up with that of the sunny lettuce in the non-additive group (Figure 2). Furthermore, when observed on February 5th (108 days after sowing), the sunny lettuce in the 3% addition group had grown the best, and the growth of the sunny lettuce in the 1% addition group also surpassed that of the non-additive group (Figure 3).

[0043] 1-2. Cultivation test of cos lettuce The same hematite powder as above was either not added or was added at 1% (w / v), 3% (w / v), or 5% (w / v) to seedling soil (Takii Tanemaki Soil, manufactured by Takii Seeds). These seedling soils were placed in cell trays, and cos lettuce (variety name: Romalia) was sown on January 26th, and the cos lettuce seedlings were grown in the usual manner. These were called the no-addition area, the 1%-addition area, the 3%-addition area, and the 5%-addition area, respectively. When observed on February 27th (32 days after sowing), the seedling growth was generally suppressed as the concentration of hematite powder added increased (Figure 4). These seedlings were planted in the field on March 10 (43 days after sowing) and grown in the usual manner. The soil used for planting (Takii Tanemaki Soil, manufactured by Takii Seeds) did not contain hematite. At the time of planting, some of the seedling soil was attached to the roots, but most of the roots then extended into the area of ​​the soil without hematite (i.e., in the substantial absence of hematite), so it can be said that after planting, the area is substantially in the absence of hematite. The cos lettuce was harvested on May 10 (104 days after sowing), and the yield (kg / plant) was measured, and the average and standard error were calculated (n=35 per group). As a result, as shown in Table 1, the yield was significantly higher in the 1% and 3% added groups compared to the non-added group (Tukey's multiple test, p<0.05). In addition, when the cross-section of harvested cos lettuce was observed, it had a high head formation and the edible leaves were densely packed (Figure 5).

[0044] [Table 1]

[0045] 1-3. Summary From these results, it was shown that, according to the first method of the present invention, the growth of a plant is temporarily suppressed by initially growing the plant in a culture medium containing hematite, but the growth of the plant is then promoted by growing the plant in a culture medium substantially free of hematite, and the degree of growth is even better than that of a plant that has not undergone the process of growing the plant in a culture medium containing hematite. Thus, it was surprising that, even if the growth of a plant is temporarily suppressed by growing the plant in the presence of hematite, the yield can be ultimately increased by subsequently growing the plant in the substantial absence of hematite.

[0046] [Testing by the second method] An investigation was conducted to determine what effect a method of carrying out a step (B) of growing the plant substantially in the absence of hematite followed by a step (A) of growing the plant in the presence of hematite would have on the plant.

[0047] 2-1. Pansy cultivation test (1) Sowing soil (BM-2, manufactured by Berger; hereafter referred to as "soil A") consisting of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite was placed in a cell tray (200 holes, 15 mL / hole), pansies (variety name: sweet potato) were sowed on September 10, and the pansy seedlings were grown in the usual manner. No hematite was added to the soil A used at this time. These seedlings were planted on September 30 (20 days after sowing) in 3.5-inch pots (500 mL capacity) filled with soil (hereafter referred to as "soil B") that was purchased by requesting Sanyo Chip Industries to mix bark compost, red soil, red ball soil, and rice husk charcoal at a ratio of 4:2:3:1 (volume ratio), and grown in the usual manner. The culture soil used for planting (culture soil B) was mixed with the same hematite powder as used in the first method, either without addition, or with 1% (w / v) or 3% (w / v). These are called the no-addition, 1%-addition, and 3%-addition groups, respectively. On January 20th of the following year (132 days after sowing), the plant width and height were measured, the number of flowering rings was counted, and the average value and standard error were calculated (n=5 for each group). As a result, as shown in Table 2, the higher the concentration of hematite powder added, the greater the increase in the plant width of the pansies, and the promotion of flowering, i.e., the promotion of the growth of the pansies.

[0048] [Table 2]

[0049] 2-2. Pansy cultivation test (2) The number of pansy varieties was increased and a 5% addition area was also added, and a test (2) similar to the pansy cultivation test (1) was conducted. Culture soil A was placed in a cell tray (200 holes, 15 mL / hole), pansies (variety names: sweet potato, clear mix, lemon, cranberry) were sown on August 29, and the pansy seedlings were grown in the usual manner. No hematite was added to the culture soil A used at this time. These seedlings were planted in 3.5-inch pots (500 mL capacity) on October 7 (39 days after sowing) and grown in the usual manner. The same hematite powder used in the first method was either not added or mixed with 1% (w / v), 3% (w / v), or 5% (w / v). These are called the no-addition area, 1%-addition area, 3%-addition area, and 5%-addition area, respectively. On December 20th (113 days after sowing), the plant width and height were measured, the number of flowering rings was counted, and the average value and standard error were calculated (n=8 per plot). As a result, as shown in Table 3, in all varieties, the greater the concentration of hematite powder added, the greater the pansy plant width, plant height, and flowering, i.e., the greater the growth of the pansies (Tukey's multiple test, p<0.05). In addition, the greater the concentration of hematite powder added, the greater the amount of pansy roots (Figure 6).

[0050] [Table 3]

[0051] 2-3. Field Wasabi Cultivation Test Field wasabi (variety name: Kamo Jiko) was sown in seedling soil (Takii Tanemaki Soil, manufactured by Takii Seeds) on July 31st, and the field wasabi seedlings were grown in the usual manner. No hematite was added to the seedling soil used. These seedlings were replanted in 128-hole cell trays on August 31st (31 days after sowing) and grown in the usual manner under high temperature conditions (conditions where the average daytime temperature exceeds 25°C). The same hematite powder used in the first method was either not added or was added at 1.5% (w / v) or 2.5% (w / v) to the soil used for replanting (Takii Tanemaki Soil, manufactured by Takii Seeds). Note that these contents were calculated based on the dry weight for hematite powder and the labeled volume of the sealed packaged product for the seedling soil. These are called the non-additive area, the 1.5%-additive area, and the 2.5%-additive area, respectively. On November 1, about two months after transplanting (93 days after sowing), the number of surviving seedlings was counted and the survival rate was calculated (n=640 for each area). As a result, as shown in Table 4, the higher the concentration of hematite powder added, the higher the survival rate of field wasabi, that is, the improved heat tolerance. In response to global warming in recent years, efforts are being made to improve the heat tolerance of crops, and the second method of the present invention is a useful means.

[0052] [Table 4]

[0053] 2-4. Summary From these results, it was shown that, according to the second method of the present invention, by initially growing the plant in a culture medium that is substantially free of hematite, and then growing the plant in a culture medium that contains hematite, various useful effects are produced compared to plants that are not grown in a culture medium that contains hematite. These results are believed to be due to the hematite inducing the potential functions of the plant and promoting habituation. Therefore, according to the method of the present invention, various habituation effects can be produced in the same way, and it is expected that the method of the present invention will be a means for adapting plants to a wide range of growing environments.

[0054] It was also found that the first and second methods of the present invention each produce different plant growth regulating effects, and therefore, by appropriately selecting either the first or second method depending on the target plant and purpose, it is possible to more effectively regulate the growth of a wide range of plants.

Claims

1. 1. A method for regulating plant growth, comprising: (A) growing the plant in the presence of hematite; and (B) growing the plant substantially in the absence of hematite. The method comprising:

2. Step (A) is followed by step (B); The method for regulating plant growth according to claim 1 .

3. Regulating plant growth, After suppressing the growth of the plant by step (A), and promoting the growth of the plant by step (B). The method for regulating plant growth according to claim 2 .

4. Regulating plant growth, Increasing the weight of the plant body. The method for regulating plant growth according to claim 2 .

5. Step (A) is carried out after step (B); The method for regulating plant growth according to claim 1 .

6. Regulating plant growth, Promoting the acclimatization of the plant to the growing environment; The method for regulating plant growth according to claim 5 .

7. Regulating plant growth, One or more of the following are selected from the group consisting of promoting flowering of the plant, increasing plant width, increasing plant height, increasing root volume, and improving heat tolerance. The method for regulating plant growth according to claim 5 .

8. A plant growth regulator comprising hematite for use in the method according to claims 1 to 7.

9. A culture soil containing hematite for use in the method according to claims 1 to 7.

10. A method for producing a plant, comprising regulating plant growth using the method according to claims 1 to 7.

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