Plant growth promoting agent and method for growing plant using the same

Abstract

To provide a plant-derived plant growth promoting agent with superior plant growth-promoting effects.SOLUTION: Provided is a plant growth promoting agent containing an Alpinia plant extract, the plant growth promoting agent comprising a first component, a second component, and water. The first component is at least one component selected from the group consisting of p-cymene and linalool, and the second component is either 1,8-cineole alone or a mixture of 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol. The plant growth promoting agent satisfies all of the following relational expressions (1) through (5): expression (1): A≥0.069×B; expression (2): A≤65×B; expression (3): A≥0.36×C; expression (4): A≤5.5×(B+C); and expression (5): A≥0.0001. In the expressions (1) through (5), A denotes the weight ratio (in ppm) of the first component relative to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; B denotes the weight ratio (in ppm) of 1,8-cineole relative to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; and C denotes the weight ratio (in ppm) of α-terpineol relative to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant growth aid and a plant growth method using the plant growth aid. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for plant-derived plant growth aids that have a low environmental impact, and plant growth aids containing biomass are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, in order to obtain the plant growth aids, it is necessary to cultivate the plants themselves, and a large amount of plant-derived material is required to obtain a sufficient plant growth effect. While plants of the genus Alpinia (such as shell ginger) are used in cosmetics, much of the plant's juice, such as leaves and stems, is discarded, and there is a need to find a way to effectively utilize these discarded parts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6498853 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6741263 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a plant-derived plant growth aid that has an excellent plant growth effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present inventors have conducted extensive research to solve the above problems and have arrived at the present invention. That is, the present invention provides a plant growth aid containing an extract of an Alpinia plant, the plant growth aid containing a first component, a second component, and water, the first component being at least one component selected from the group consisting of p-cymene and linalool, the second component being 1,8-cineole alone or a mixture of 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol, and satisfying all of the following relationship formulas (1) to (5): Relationship (1): A ≥ 0.069 × B Relational formula (2): A≦65×B Relationship (3): A ≥ 0.36 × C Relational formula (4): A≦5.5×(B+C) Relational formula (5): A≧0.0001 [In the relational expressions (1) to (5), A is the ratio (ppm) of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; B is the weight ratio (ppm) of 1,8-cineole to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; and C is the weight ratio (ppm) of α-terpineol to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water.] [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The plant growth adjuvant of the present invention is derived from a plant and has an excellent plant growth effect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The plant growth aid of the present invention is a plant growth aid containing an extract of an Alpinia plant, wherein the extract of an Alpinia plant contains a first component, a second component, and water, wherein the first component is at least one component selected from the group consisting of p-cymene and linalool, and the second component is 1,8-cineole alone or a mixture of 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol, and the plant growth aid satisfies all of the following relationship formulas (1) to (5): Relationship (1): A ≥ 0.069 × B Relational formula (2): A≦65×B Relationship (3): A ≥ 0.36 × C Relational formula (4): A≦5.5×(B+C) Relational formula (5): A≧0.0001

[0008] In the plant growth aid, the second component essentially contains 1,8-cineole, and may or may not contain α-terpineol.

[0009] In the relational expressions (1) to (5), A is the ratio (ppm) of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water. The ratio of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water is preferably 5 ppm or less, more preferably 1 ppm or less, particularly preferably 0.1 ppm or less, particularly preferably 0.05 ppm or less, and most preferably 0.01 ppm or less. Furthermore, the ratio of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water is preferably 0.0005 ppm or more. Furthermore, B is the weight ratio (ppm) of 1,8-cineole relative to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water. The weight ratio of 1,8-cineole relative to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water is preferably 40 ppm or less. Furthermore, C is the weight ratio (ppm) of α-terpineol relative to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water. The weight ratio of α-terpineol relative to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water is preferably 16 ppm or less. When the second component is 1,8-cineole alone, the value of C is 0 ppm.

[0010] Preferred Alpinia plants include shell ginger (Shima shell ginger, Tairin shell ginger, Daito shell ginger, Urai shell ginger, Tonka shell ginger, etc.), bear's orchid, blue bear's orchid, Japanese ginger, Chikurinka, Anthias grandiflora, galangal, and hybrids thereof, as well as closely related species. The extracts of plants of the genus Alpinia may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0011] The plant growth adjuvant of the present invention can obtain an excellent plant growth adjuvant effect by satisfying the above relational expressions (1) to (5).

[0012] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the plant growth adjuvant effect, it is preferable that the plant growth adjuvant of the present invention satisfies the following relational formula (6). Relational formula (6): A≦5×C

[0013] Furthermore, in the plant growth adjuvant of the present invention, when the second component is a mixed component of 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol, it is preferable that the following relational formula (7) is satisfied from the viewpoint of the plant growth adjuvant effect. Relational formula (7): 30 ≧ B / C Furthermore, in the plant growth adjuvant of the present invention, when the second component is a mixed component of 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol, it is preferable that the following relational formula (8) is satisfied from the viewpoint of the plant growth adjuvant effect. Relational formula (8): 0.001≦B / C

[0014] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the plant growth adjuvant effect, it is preferable that the plant growth adjuvant of the present invention satisfies the following relational formula (9). Relational formula (9): A≦49×B

[0015] In the plant growth adjuvant of the present invention, examples of a method for adjusting the composition so as to satisfy the above-mentioned relational expressions (1) to (9) include the following methods. (1) Mix multiple Alpinia plant extracts with known concentrations and adjust the mixture so that the relationship formula is satisfied. (2) The first component, the second component, and / or a diluent described below are added to an Alpinia plant extract of known concentration to adjust the concentration so as to satisfy the relationship.

[0016] The plant growth aid of the present invention may further contain an additive, and may include at least one selected from the group including (but not limited to) preservatives, cleaning agents, antifreeze agents, hydrotropes, stabilizers, antioxidants, acidifying agents, chelating agents, complexing agents, pigments, rheology modifiers, antifoaming agents, drift prevention agents, organic solvents, thickeners, and combinations thereof.

[0017] The antioxidant may comprise at least one selected from the group including, but not limited to, potassium pyrosulfite, butylhydroxytoluene, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-, octadecyl ester, phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-,1,1′,1″-phosphite ester.

[0018] The stabilizer may comprise at least one selected from the group including, but not limited to, urea, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl and propylcellulose, and further sodium carboxymethylcellulose, gelatin, casein, starch, gum arabic, hydroxyethyl starch, and sodium alginate.

[0019] The preservative may comprise at least one selected from the group including, but not limited to, 2-phenoxyethanol and 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one.

[0020] From the viewpoint of the plant growth support effect, the total weight ratio of the first component, the second component and water contained in the plant growth support of the present invention is preferably 90% by weight or more, more preferably 95% by weight or more, and particularly preferably 97% by weight or more, based on the weight of the plant growth support.

[0021] From the viewpoint of the plant growth support effect, the total weight ratio of the first component and 1,8-cineole contained in the plant growth support agent of the present invention is preferably 0.0001 ppm or more, more preferably 0.0005 ppm or more, and particularly preferably 0.001 ppm or more, based on the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water. From the viewpoint of the plant growth support effect, the total weight ratio of the first component and 1,8-cineole contained in the plant growth support agent of the present invention is preferably 30 ppm or less, more preferably 5 ppm or less, particularly preferably 0.5 ppm or less, particularly preferably 0.2 ppm or less, and most preferably 0.05 ppm or less, based on the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water. The total weight ratio of the additives in the plant growth supplement of the present invention is preferably 500 to 500,000 ppm based on the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water.

[0022] The weight proportion of potassium pyrosulfite in the plant growth aid of the present invention is preferably 500 to 300,000 ppm based on the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water.

[0023] The plant growth adjuvant of the present invention can be produced by the following method, which includes a step of obtaining an extract from a plant of the genus Alpinia. Stems and leaves of Alpinia plants (such as shell ginger) are placed in a roller-type crusher and extracted by pressing at 15 to 35°C without adding water to obtain a squeezed liquid. It is preferable to remove solids contained in the obtained squeezed juice using a strainer such as a 50 mesh strainer. The obtained squeezed juice is diluted with the diluent water as required, and the additives as required are added to prepare a plant growth aid. The plant growth adjuvant obtained by the above method may be concentrated by removing water and the like using an evaporator. The obtained plant growth adjuvant is preferably stored at -80 to 4°C.

[0024] Plants to which the plant growth aid of the present invention is applied are preferably plants having leaves. Among the plants for which the plant growth aid of the present invention can be used, the following are preferred. Solanaceae: Solanum (eggplant, tomato, potato, etc.), Capsicum (bell pepper, etc.), etc. Leguminosae: Glycine max (soybean, etc.) Asparagaceae: Asparagus genus (asparagus, etc.) Amaryllidaceae: Allium (onions, chives, garlic, etc.) Cucurbitaceae: Cucumis (cucumbers, melons, etc.), Cucurbita (pumpkins, etc.), Melon (watermelon, etc.), Balsam (bitter melon, etc.), etc. Brassicaceae: Brassica (Chinese cabbage, bok choy, cabbage, broccoli, komatsuna, etc.), Radish (Japanese radish, radish, etc.), Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana, etc.), Watercress (watercress, etc.), etc. Asteraceae: Chrysanthemum (chrysanthemums, etc.), Lactuca (lettuce, etc.), Aster (aster), Calendula (calendula, etc.), Artemisia (mugwort, etc.), etc. Orchidaceae Convolvulaceae: Ipomoea (sweet potato, etc.) Polygonaceae: Fagopyrum (buckwheat, tartary buckwheat, etc.) Poaceae: Oryza (rice, etc.) Apiaceae: Ophiopogon (celery, parsley, etc.) Rosaceae: Rosa (roses, etc.), Fragaria (strawberries, etc.), etc. Vitaceae More preferred among these plants are Cucurbitaceae (especially preferred are cucumber and watermelon), Brassicaceae (watercress and radish), Asteraceae (especially preferred is mugwort), Nymphaceae (especially preferred is tartary buckwheat), and Rosaceae (especially preferred is strawberry).

[0025] Next, a method for growing plants using the plant growth adjuvant of the present invention will be described. The method for growing plants is one embodiment of the present invention. The plant growth supplement of the present invention is particularly preferably used during the seedling raising period. When the plant growth supplement is used during the seedling raising period, a seedling raising sheet material described below may be used as needed. A seedling raising sheet having a seedling raising sheet material and a seedling raising sheet base material may also be used. The seedling raising sheet can be used by placing it on the surface of the soil or underground. The seedling raising sheet material can be used by placing it on the surface of the soil or underground or by mixing it with the soil. A plant growing method using a plant growth supplement and a seedling raising sheet material and / or a seedling raising sheet during the seedling raising period is one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The plant growing method of the present invention is preferably used as a plant seedling raising method. The plants are preferably the above-mentioned plants.

[0026] Seedling cultivation includes sowing seeds, allowing them to germinate, and greening, and may also include hardening after greening. In the present invention, the plant growth supplement is preferably applied (preferably sprayed) to the leaves of the seedlings during the greening period. When hardening is performed, the plant growth supplement may be applied to the leaves during the greening and / or hardening period, and is preferably applied to the leaves during the greening period. Examples of preferred embodiments of the plant growth method of the present invention when used during the seedling cultivation period include the following. Seeds are sown in the soil on which the seedling raising sheet material and / or seedling raising sheet has been placed, allowed to germinate, and greened, and a plant growth supplement is applied to the leaves of the seedlings during the greening period. The plant growth supplement may be applied to the leaves (preferably as a foliar spray) on either the front or back side of the leaf, or on both sides of the leaf. The seedling raising sheet material and / or seedling raising sheet can be placed in a seedling box or the like, and it is preferable to place soil (bed soil) on top of the seedling raising sheet material and / or seedling raising sheet and then sow the seeds. The seeds are preferably those of the above-mentioned plants. Before sowing, preliminary seed treatment (seed selection, soaking, and germination) may be performed. The bed soil and conditions for sowing, germination, greening, and hardening may be selected or adjusted according to the type of plant. After hardening, the seedlings are preferably transplanted into paddy fields or fields.

[0027] The following description will be given taking as an example a case where rice seeds are used as seeds for seedling cultivation. Usually, seedlings planted by a rice transplanter are grown in a bed called a seedling bed, and the following seedling raising process is preferable, for example.

[0028] 1) Preparatory measures for seeds 1-1) Seed rice sorting: After disinfection, the floating rice is removed by salt water sorting, washed with water, and then dried. 1-2) Soaking: Soak the seeds in water for 5 days to ensure that the seeds absorb water evenly. During this time, the water is changed daily and oxygen is supplied by draining it. 1-3) Germination: After supplying oxygen, soak the seeds in 32°C hot water for 10 hours to make them dove-breasted.

[0029] 2) Adjusting the soil Select soil with a crumb structure that is well-drained and breathable, and adjust the pH to 5. Add base fertilizer.

[0030] 3) Soil filling Add bed soil to the seedbed and compact it to make it flat.

[0031] 4) Seeding Spread the seeds evenly on the seedbed and water to allow the seeds to settle. Fix any unevenness in the winding.

[0032] 5) Covering with soil Add soil to a thickness of 5 mm and level it to create a flat surface.

[0033] 6) Uniform emergence using seedling trays Leave at 32°C for 2 days and grow the coleoptiles to about 1.2 cm in length.

[0034] 7) Preliminary greening After oxygen supply and watering, the seedlings are exposed to sunlight in a nursery bed and kept at 25°C for one day and then at 20°C for one day.

[0035] 8) Greening The plants are placed in a greenhouse at 30°C during the day and 12°C at night for 8 days, and are thoroughly watered several times a day until 2.5 leaves are developed.

[0036] 9) Hardening The seedlings are grown for 10 days at a temperature of 20°C during the day and 10°C at night, gradually growing to 3.5 leaf stage seedlings that are adapted to natural conditions.

[0037] The seedling raising sheet is preferably placed inside the seedling raising bed before "3) adding soil." The location and method of placement may be arbitrary, but it is preferable to place it at the bottom.

[0038] The plant growth aid is more preferably applied during the "8) greening" period, but may also be applied during the "9) hardening" period.

[0039] <Seedling raising sheet material> The seedling raising sheet material preferably contains a water-absorbent polymer material and may contain fertilizer as needed. Furthermore, the seedling raising sheet material preferably contains a filler.

[0040] The water-absorbent polymer material may be a water-absorbent resin or the like, and is not particularly limited, but is preferably a hydrophilic cross-linked polymer containing a carboxyl group, more preferably polyacrylic acid (salt). In addition, it is not limited to a form in which the total amount (100% by weight) is a polymer. The term "polyacrylic acid (salt)" refers to a polymer whose main repeating unit is acrylic acid (salt). Specifically, it refers to a polymer containing, as a monomer excluding crosslinking agents, preferably 50 to 100 mol %, more preferably 70 to 100 mol %, even more preferably 90 to 100 mol %, and particularly preferably substantially 100 mol % of acrylic acid (salt). The salt as the polymer is preferably an alkali metal salt, an alkaline earth metal salt, or an ammonium salt. Among these, monovalent salts and alkali metal salts are preferred, with potassium salt and sodium salt being particularly preferred. The shape of the polyacrylic acid (salt) is not particularly limited, and it is preferably in the form of particles or powder.

[0041] The water absorption capacity of the water-absorbent polymer material for ion-exchanged water at 25°C is usually 80 to 1000 times, preferably 90 to 670 times, more preferably 120 to 530 times, and even more preferably 130 to 480 times. If the water absorption capacity is less than 80 times, the water retention ability of the water retention agent will be low, and it will be necessary to use a large amount, which may increase costs or require frequent water replenishment. A higher water absorption capacity is preferable because only a small amount will be used, but a water-absorbent polymer material with a water absorption capacity of more than 1000 times has the problem of low water permeability and poor vegetation. The water absorption capacity is measured by the following method.

[0042] [Method for measuring the water absorption capacity of ion-exchanged water] A sample of water-absorbent polymer material weighing L (g) is placed in a nylon mesh bag (250 mesh), and the bag is immersed in excess ion-exchanged water. After 60 minutes of immersion, the bag is lifted into the air and left to drain for 15 minutes, after which the weight M (g) is measured and the water absorption ratio is calculated using the formula below. The same procedure as above is carried out using only the mesh bag, and the weight N (g) of this bag is subtracted as a blank. Absorption capacity of ion-exchanged water = (MN) / L

[0043] When 100 parts by weight of ion-exchanged water at 25°C is absorbed by 1 part by weight of the water-absorbent polymer material, the pH value of the absorbent body is preferably 4.5 to 7.5, more preferably 5.0 to 7.0, from the viewpoint of vegetation. The pH value is measured by the following method.

[0044] [Method for measuring pH value] One part by weight of water-absorbent polymer material is added to 100 parts by weight of 25°C ion-exchanged water, and left in a thermostatic chamber at 25°C for 8 hours to swell the water-absorbent polymer material, producing a water-absorbent body. A thermometer is used to confirm that the temperature of the water-absorbent body is 25°C, and a pH meter is inserted into the water-absorbent body. After confirming that the pH value has almost stabilized, the value is read. Note that if the water-absorption capacity of the water-absorbent polymer material is low, the water-absorbent body of the water-absorbent polymer material and the ion-exchanged water will separate into two phases, so after stirring to homogenize, the pH meter is inserted and the value is measured. If the two phases separate again immediately after stirring and homogenization, the pH meter is inserted while stirring and the value is measured.

[0045] Examples of fertilizers include ordinary fertilizers such as nitrogenous fertilizers, phosphate fertilizers, potassium fertilizers, organic fertilizers, compound fertilizers, lime fertilizers, silicate fertilizers, magnesium fertilizers, manganese fertilizers, boron fertilizers, and trace element compound fertilizers, as well as other special fertilizers (slow-release fertilizers, etc.). These fertilizer components are in liquid or solid form such as powder, and can be present in the seedling raising sheet material or seedling raising sheet by adding them to the water-absorbent polymer material or by incorporating them into the water that is poured into the water-absorbent polymer material.

[0046] The amount of fertilizer to be added can be determined arbitrarily, taking into consideration the type of crop to be cultivated and the type of fertilizer to be used, etc. 2 In the case of a seedling raising sheet material, the amount is, for example, 1 to 500 g, preferably 3 to 300 g per unit area (m 2 It is preferable to mix fertilizer into the seedling-raising sheet material so that the amount of fertilizer used per 100g of seedlings falls within the above range.

[0047] The filler is preferably a powdery, particulate, fibrous or cotton-like filler. The filler is preferably one that has adequate breathability so as not to inhibit seed germination and growth, one that does not adversely affect the soil when attached to the ground, and / or one that is easily decomposed on the surface or inside the soil, and examples thereof include inorganic porous materials such as perlite, vermiculite, and rock fiber, as well as wood chips, rice husks, buckwheat, rice bran, cotton, straw, peat, wool, sawdust, pulp, and paper waste.

[0048] The amount of filler added is determined based on the unit area (m2) of the seedling sheet to ensure breathability and thickness. 2 In the case of a seedling raising sheet material, the amount is preferably 1 to 500 g, more preferably 3 to 300 g per unit area (m 2 It is preferable to blend the filler into the seedling-raising sheet material so that the amount of filler used per 100g of seedling sheet falls within the above range.

[0049] <Seedling raising sheet> The seedling raising sheet comprises the seedling raising sheet material and a seedling raising sheet base material. The seedling raising sheet base material may be a sheet.

[0050] The sheet may be, for example, a water-permeable sheet, a water-disintegrating sheet, or a water-soluble sheet, and may be a combination of two or more of these sheets superimposed on one another. The sheet is preferably one that has a thickness of 0.01 to 9 mm, more preferably 0.02 to 3 mm, after being formed into a seedling raising sheet. The weight of the sheet is determined, for example, based on the unit area (m ) of the seedling raising sheet in order to ensure the shape retention and thickness of the seedling raising sheet. 2 The amount is preferably 5 to 300 g, more preferably 10 to 100 g per 1 serving.

[0051] Examples of water-permeable sheets include cellulose fiber woven and knitted fabrics (cloths) and nonwoven fabrics, paper, water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol fiber woven and knitted fabrics and films, and paperboard. Among these, those with a water-permeability of 5 minutes or less according to the water-absorption rate method A specified in JIS L 1096 are preferred. Furthermore, water-permeable sheets preferably have adequate breathability so as not to inhibit seed germination and growth. Furthermore, when the water-permeable sheet is attached to the ground, it is preferably easily decomposed on the soil surface or inside. From this viewpoint, the water-permeable sheet is preferably made of cellulosic paper or nonwoven fabric.

[0052] Examples of water-disintegrating sheets include paper in which the pulp fibers of the paper are bonded together with a water-soluble or hydrophilic glue, a water-swellable polymer, or the like so that the pulp fibers disintegrate when they come into contact with water (such as "Dissolvo MDP" manufactured by Mishima Paper Co., Ltd.), and paper in which a heat-sealing agent is used in combination to add moldability (thermal adhesiveness) (such as "Dissolvo MDP-P" manufactured by Mishima Paper Co., Ltd.). These papers are characterized by their rapid disintegration upon water absorption.

[0053] Examples of water-soluble sheets include water-soluble films such as water-soluble poval film, starch film, and carrageenan film, as well as water-soluble nonwoven fabrics made from poval fiber (such as "Ecomold" and "Ecosolve" manufactured by Nippon Vilene Co., Ltd.) When compared at the same thickness, these sheets have a slower water dissolution (disintegration) rate than the above-mentioned water-disintegrable paper, but are characterized by greater sheet strength in the dry state.

[0054] As a combination of two or more of a water-permeable sheet, a water-disintegrable sheet, and a water-soluble sheet, a laminate sheet in which water-disintegrable paper is laminated with a water-soluble film can be used. Examples of laminated sheets made by bonding water-disintegrable paper and a water-soluble film include those made by bonding and laminating at least one type of water-disintegrable paper and water-soluble film (such as "Dissolvo A" manufactured by Mishima Paper Co., Ltd., which is made by bonding a poval film to the above-mentioned "Dissolvo MDP"). These laminated sheets are characterized by rapid dissolution (disintegration) in water and high film strength. This is because the thickness of the water-soluble film to be bonded can be reduced to compensate for the strength of the paper, thereby improving both the dissolution (disintegration) rate and film strength overall. Among these water-soluble or water-disintegrable sheets, water-disintegrable paper and water-soluble nonwoven fabric are preferred. Furthermore, the time required for these water-soluble or water-disintegrable sheets to disintegrate or dissolve in water is, for example, within 5 minutes, preferably within 2 minutes, and more preferably within 1 minute.

[0055] The seedling raising sheet is preferably a sheet containing a water-absorbent polymer material, and is preferably a seedling raising sheet that includes a water-absorbent polymer material and a sheet, with the water-absorbent polymer material being present on the surface or inside of at least one sheet. In the seedling sheets, further fertilizer and further filler may be present in at least one sheet.

[0056] The seedling sheet may comprise a water-absorbent polymer material, at least one sheet, and fertilizer and / or filler, and the water-absorbent polymer material and fertilizer and / or filler may be present on the surface or inside of the at least one sheet. When two or more sheets are used as the seedling raising sheet, it is sufficient that the water-absorbent polymer material is present on the surface or inside of at least one of the sheets as a whole.

[0057] Examples of seedling sheets that use two or more sheets include those with a five-layer structure consisting of a layer of sheet, a layer of filler and absorbent polymer material, a layer of sheet, a layer of fertilizer and another layer of sheet, in that order; those with two layers of sheet, a layer of absorbent polymer material, fertilizer and filler mixed together; and those with a four-layer structure consisting of layers of sheet stacked in that order.

[0058] The seedling sheet can be produced by any known method, such as immersing the sheet in a mixture of a water-absorbent polymeric material, fertilizer and filler, or applying the mixture to the surface of the sheet.

[0059] When using two sheets, in addition to the method of stacking two sheets prepared in the same manner as above, the following two methods can be used. (a) A method in which a mixture of water-absorbent polymer material, fertilizer and filler is evenly spread on one sheet, and then the other sheet is placed on top of it, followed by pressure molding such as embossing. (b) A method in which a mixture of water-absorbent polymer material, fertilizer, and filler is added to an appropriate binder (described below) and coated on one sheet, and the other sheet is then placed on top of it, processed and molded, and then dried.

[0060] Examples of binders that fix the water-absorbent polymer material, fertilizer, and filler on the seedling raising sheet include natural polymers, synthetic resins, and natural or synthetic rubbers. Examples of natural polymers include starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium alginate, guar gum, xanthan gum, bean gum, carrageenan, and gluten. Examples of synthetic resins include acrylic resins, polyurethane resins, unsaturated polyester resins, polyamide resins, and ethylene copolymer resins other than water-absorbent polymer materials. Examples of natural or synthetic rubber include natural rubber, acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, polyisobutylene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, and chloroprene rubber. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Of these, preferred are water-soluble natural polymers such as starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, and sodium alginate.

[0061] This specification describes the following inventions:

[0062] The present invention (1) is a plant growth aid containing an extract of an Alpinia plant, the plant growth aid containing a first component, a second component, and water, the first component being at least one component selected from the group consisting of p-cymene and linalool, the second component being 1,8-cineole alone or a mixture of 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol, and satisfying all of the following relationship formulas (1) to (5): Relationship (1): A ≥ 0.069 × B Relational formula (2): A≦65×B Relationship (3): A ≥ 0.36 × C Relational formula (4): A≦5.5×(B+C) Relational formula (5): A≧0.0001 [In the relational expressions (1) to (5), A is the ratio (ppm) of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; B is the weight ratio (ppm) of 1,8-cineole to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; and C is the weight ratio (ppm) of α-terpineol to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water.]

[0063] The present invention (2) is the plant growth adjuvant according to the present invention (1), which further satisfies the following relational formula (6): Relational formula (6): A≦5×C [In the relational formula (6), A is the ratio (ppm) of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; and C is the weight ratio (ppm) of α-terpineol to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water.]

[0064] The present invention (3) is the plant growth adjuvant according to the present invention (1) or (2), wherein the extract of a plant of the genus Alpinia is an extract of Shell Ginger.

[0065] The present invention (4) is a method for growing plants, which uses the plant growth adjuvant according to any one of the present inventions (1) to (3). [Example]

[0066] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following, parts represent parts by weight.

[0067] <Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7: Production of plant growth aids> The stems and leaves of Alpinia plants (Shell Ginger) of the types listed in Table 1 were placed in a roller-type crusher and extracted by pressing at 25°C without adding water to obtain a crudely squeezed juice. The solids in this crudely squeezed juice were removed using a 50-mesh strainer to obtain a squeezed juice. Water was added to the obtained squeezed juice to obtain plant growth adjuvants X1 to X12 and comparative plant growth adjuvants X'1 to X'7. The contents of p-cymene, linalool, 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol contained in each plant growth aid are shown in Table 1. The resulting plant growth aid was stored in a freezer at -20°C.

[0068] <Example 13: Production of plant growth aid> The plant growth adjuvant X1 obtained in Example 1 was concentrated 10-fold using a rotary evaporator (Tokyo Rikakikai N-1210) at a rotation speed of 120 rpm and a temperature of 40° C. under reduced pressure. The distillate obtained at this time was designated plant growth adjuvant X13. The contents of p-cymene, linalool, 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol contained in plant growth aid X13 are shown in Table 1. The resulting plant growth aid was stored in a freezer at -20°C.

[0069] [Table 1]

[0070] The contents of p-cymene, linalool, 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol contained in each plant growth aid were measured by gas chromatography under the following conditions. The standards used were 1,8-cineole (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), p-cymene (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), linalool (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.), and α-terpineol (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.).

[0071] <Measurement conditions> Instrument: 8890 / 5977B GC / MSD (Agilent Technologies) Column: DB-WAX UI (30 m, 0.25 mm, 0.25 μm) Vaporization chamber temperature: 250℃ Pressure: 100kPa Split ratio: Splitless Temperature program: After holding at 80°C for 5 minutes, the temperature was increased to 250°C at a rate of 10°C / min and held at 250°C for 10 minutes. Measurement sample injection volume: 1 μl

[0072] Using each plant growth aid, a plant growth test was carried out under the following conditions. The plants were grown in an incubator, creating an environment free from the influence of pathogenic bacteria.

[0073] <Plant growth test (tomato)> Seeds were sown using cell trays (TO Plug Tray, 128 holes, manufactured by Tokai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) and sterilized vegetable soil (Vegetable Soil S Standard Type, manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.). The vegetable soil was placed in the cell trays and allowed to absorb a 500x solution of Hyponex. Seeds were then immersed in water for 3 minutes and sown to a depth of 1 cm. The seeds were then covered with aluminum foil and grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours light and 8 hours dark.

[0074] After sowing each seed, the plants were grown in an incubator for at least one week, and then seedlings with the same number of true leaves were selected and the test was initiated.

[0075] Plant growth supplement X1 was diluted with water at the dilution ratio shown in Table 2, and 300 μL of plant growth supplement X1 was sprayed onto the leaves using a spray vial (manufactured by Maruemu Co., Ltd.) per seedling, or soaked into the soil using a dropper (once a week). As a control, the same procedure was carried out using water instead of plant growth supplement X1. The plants were then grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness.

[0076] After 21 days of growth, the plant height, number of leaves and weight were measured and compared with the control. The evaluation of plant height, number of leaves and weight was carried out after carefully removing each seedling from the soil, immersing the roots in water and shaking the seedling to remove the soil. The plant height was measured by stretching the washed seedlings, placing them on a Kimtowel (Nippon Paper Crecia Co., Ltd.), and taking a photograph with a ruler. The photograph was imported into ImageJ and measured. In addition, to evaluate the weight, after photographing in "measurement of plant height," the entire seedling was wiped dry with a Kimtowel and the weight of the seedling was measured (measured in the second experiment described below). Similar experiments were conducted twice (Experiment 1 and Experiment 2), and the results are shown in Table 2. The numerical value for each evaluation is the average of five randomly selected values.

[0077] [Table 2]

[0078] Tomatoes were grown in the same manner except that the plant growth aids, dilution ratios, and growth periods used were changed as shown in Table 3. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0079] [Table 3]

[0080] <Plant growth test (Tartar buckwheat)> Tartary buckwheat was used as the plant species, and the plant growth supplement, dilution ratio, and growth period were as shown in Table 4, but the Tartary buckwheat was grown in the same manner as in the tomato growth test. After growing for the period shown in Table 4, the plant height and number of leaves were measured and compared with the control. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0081] [Table 4]

[0082] <Plant growth test (spinach)> Spinach was used as the plant species, and spinach was grown in the same manner as in the tomato growth test, except that the plant growth supplements, dilution ratios, and growth periods were as shown in Table 5. After growing for the period shown in Table 5, the plant height was measured and compared with that of the control. The results are shown in Table 5.

[0083] [Table 5]

[0084] <Plant growth test (radish)> Radish was used as the plant species, and the plant growth supplement, dilution ratio and growth period were as shown in Table 6. Except for this, the growth of radish was carried out in the same manner as in the tomato growth test. After growing for the period shown in Table 6, the plant height, number of leaves and weight were measured and compared with the control. The results are shown in Table 6.

[0085] [Table 6]

[0086] <Plant growth test (aster)> Aster was used as the plant species, and the asters were grown in the same manner as in the tomato growth test, except that the plant growth aids, dilution ratios, and growth periods were as shown in Table 7. After growing for the period shown in Table 7, the number of leaves was measured and compared with the control. The results are shown in Table 7.

[0087] [Table 7]

[0088] <Plant growth test (calendula)> Calendula was used as the plant species, and calendula was grown in the same manner as in the tomato growth test, except that the plant growth aids, dilution ratios, and growth periods were as shown in Table 8. After growing for the period shown in Table 8, the plant height, number of leaves, and number of flowers were measured and compared with the control. The results are shown in Table 8.

[0089] [Table 8]

[0090] <Plant growth test (Arabidopsis thaliana)> Arabidopsis thaliana was used as the plant species, and Arabidopsis thaliana was grown in the same manner as in the tomato growth test, except that the plant growth supplements, dilution ratios, and growth periods were as shown in Table 9. After growing for the period shown in Table 9, the number of leaves and stems was measured and compared with the control. The results are shown in Table 9.

[0091] [Table 9]

[0092] <Plant growth test (cucumber)> Seeds were sown using cell trays (TO Plug Tray, 128 holes, manufactured by Tokai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) and sterilized vegetable soil (Vegetable Soil S Standard Type, manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.). The vegetable soil was placed in the cell trays and allowed to absorb a 500x solution of Hyponex. Seeds were then immersed in water for 3 minutes and sown to a depth of 1 cm. The seeds were then covered with aluminum foil and grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours light and 8 hours dark.

[0093] One week after sowing each seed, seedlings that had at least one expanded leaf were selected and transplanted into polypots (manufactured by Tokai Kasei Co., Ltd.) filled to approximately 80% capacity with a mixture of sterilized vegetable soil (Vegetable Soil S Standard Type, manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.) and vermiculite (fine granules, manufactured by Akagi Engei Co., Ltd.) in a weight ratio of 1:1, and the test was then initiated.

[0094] Plant growth supplement X1 was diluted with water at the dilutions shown in Tables 10 and 11, and 300 μL of plant growth supplement X1 was sprayed onto the leaves of each seedling using a spray vial (manufactured by Maruemu Co., Ltd.) once a week. The plants were then grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness. As a control, the same procedure was carried out using water instead of plant growth supplement X1. After growing for the periods shown in Tables 10 and 11, the plant height, number of leaves, weight and root length were measured and compared with the control. The root length was evaluated after carefully removing each seedling from the soil, immersing the roots in water, and shaking the seedling to remove the soil. To evaluate root length, the roots of washed seedlings were stretched, placed on a Kimtowel, and photographed with a ruler. The photograph was then imported into ImageJ and the length of the longest root was measured. The results are shown in Tables 10 and 11.

[0095] [Table 10]

[0096] [Table 11]

[0097] <Plant growth test (watercress)> Seeds were sown using cell trays (TO Plug Tray, 128 holes, manufactured by Tokai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) and sterilized vegetable soil (Vegetable Soil S Standard Type, manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.). The vegetable soil was placed in the cell trays and allowed to absorb a 500x solution of Hyponex. Seeds were then immersed in water for 3 minutes and sown to a depth of 1 cm. The seeds were then covered with aluminum foil and grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours light and 8 hours dark.

[0098] One week after sowing each seed, seedlings that had at least one expanded leaf were selected and transplanted into polypots (manufactured by Tokai Kasei Co., Ltd.) filled to approximately 80% capacity with a mixture of sterilized vegetable soil (Vegetable Soil S Standard Type, manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.) and vermiculite (fine granules, manufactured by Akagi Engei Co., Ltd.) in a weight ratio of 1:1, and the test was then initiated.

[0099] Plant growth supplement X1 was diluted with water at the dilution shown in Table 12, and 300 μL of plant growth supplement X1 was sprayed onto the leaves of each seedling using a spray vial (manufactured by Maruemu Co., Ltd.) (once a week). One node of the seedling's roots was then removed, and the seedlings were subsequently grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness. As a control, the same procedure was carried out using water instead of plant growth supplement X1. After the period shown in Table 12, the weights were measured and compared with the control. The results are shown in Table 12.

[0100] [Table 12]

[0101] <Plant growth test (mugwort)> Seeds were sown in plastic pots and grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours light and 8 hours dark, covered with aluminum foil to prevent drying, until germination. After germination, when the number of leaves reached one, the seeds were planted in cell trays filled to approximately 80% capacity with a 1:1 mixture of sterilized vegetable soil (Standard Type Vegetable Soil S, manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.) and vermiculite (fine granules, manufactured by Akagi Engei Co., Ltd.). The seeds were then grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours light and 8 hours dark.

[0102] One week after sowing each seed, seedlings that had at least one expanded leaf were selected and transplanted into polypots (manufactured by Tokai Kasei Co., Ltd.) filled to approximately 80% capacity with a mixture of sterilized vegetable soil (Vegetable Soil S Standard Type, manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.) and vermiculite (fine granules, manufactured by Akagi Engei Co., Ltd.) in a weight ratio of 1:1, and the test was then initiated.

[0103] Each plant growth supplement was diluted to the dilution shown in Tables 13 to 16, and 300 μL of the plant growth supplement was sprayed (once a week) onto the leaves of each seedling using a spray vial (manufactured by Maruemu Co., Ltd.). The plants were then grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness. As a control, the same procedure was carried out using water instead of the plant growth supplement. After growing for the periods shown in Tables 13 to 16, the plant height, number of leaves and weight were measured and compared with the control.

[0104] [Table 13]

[0105] [Table 14]

[0106] [Table 15]

[0107] [Table 16]

[0108] <Plant growth test (watermelon)> Heat-treated potting gravel (Iris Ohyama Co., Ltd.) and Yanmar vegetable soil (Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd., Vegetable Soil S Standard Type) were placed in a No. 10 pot, a ring-shaped support was installed, and watermelon seedlings with 4-5 true leaves were planted. After planting, the plants were kept growing in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness, with automatic watering every morning at 8:00. The extended main vine was fixed to a ring-shaped support, and the secondary vines were cut appropriately.

[0109] One week after planting, plant growth supplement X1 was diluted with water at the dilution ratio shown in Table 17, and 1000 μL of plant growth supplement X1 was sprayed onto the leaves of each seedling (once a week) using a hand spray vial (manufactured by Maruemu Co., Ltd.). Thereafter, the plants were grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness. Three weeks after planting, pollination was carried out by attaching the tip of the stamen to the flowering pistil. As a control, the same procedure was carried out using water instead of plant growth supplement X1. After 20 days of growth, the length of the vine, the number of nodes, the number of vines, and the size of the watermelon were measured and compared with the control. The results are shown in Table 17.

[0110] [Table 17] [Industrial Applicability]

[0111] The plant growth aid of the present invention is derived from a plant and has excellent plant growth effects, and is therefore extremely useful for horticultural and agricultural applications.

Claims

1. A plant growth aid comprising an extract of an Alpinia plant, The plant growth aid contains a first component, a second component, and water, The first component is at least one component selected from the group consisting of p-cymene and linalool, the second component is 1,8-cineole alone or a mixture of 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol; A plant growth aid that satisfies all of the following relationship formulas (1) to (5). Relational formula (1): A ≥ 0.069 × B Relational formula (2): A≦65×B Relational formula (3): A ≥ 0.36 × C Relational formula (4): A≦5.5×(B+C) Relational formula (5): A≧0.0001 [In the relational expressions (1) to (5), A is the ratio (ppm) of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; B is the weight ratio (ppm) of 1,8-cineole to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; and C is the weight ratio (ppm) of α-terpineol to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water.]

2. The plant growth supplement according to claim 1, further satisfying the following relational formula (6): Relational formula (6): A≦5×C [In the relational formula (6), A is the ratio (ppm) of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; and C is the weight ratio (ppm) of α-terpineol to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water.]

3. 3. The plant growth promoter according to claim 1, wherein the extract of an Alpinia plant is an extract of Shell Ginger.

4. A method for growing plants, comprising using the plant growth aid according to claim 1 or 2.

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