Fruit vegetable plant cultivation method, tomato, culture solution for fruit vegetable plant hydroponics, and fruit vegetable plant hydroponics device

Abstract

To provide a fruit vegetable plant cultivation method, a tomato, a culture solution for fruit vegetable plant hydroponics, and a fruit vegetable plant hydroponics device, with which a high harvest yield can be achieved even when a salt such as sodium chloride is contained.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a fruit vegetable plant cultivation method that involves cultivating a fruit vegetable plant by a hydroponic method using a culture solution having an Si content of 60 mass ppm or more; a tomato; a culture solution for fruit vegetable plant hydroponics; and a fruit vegetable plant hydroponics device.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, a culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of tomatoes and fruit and vegetable plants, and an apparatus for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydroponic cultivation is a well-known method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants such as tomatoes. In recent years, in order to increase the sugar content of the harvested crops, a culture solution containing sodium chloride or the like (e.g., seawater) has been used in hydroponic cultivation. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-357638 discloses that a culture solution prepared by diluting seawater having a nitrate nitrogen content of 0.27 mg / liter or more, a silicic acid content of 3.2 mg / liter or more, a coliform bacteria count of less than 1.8 MPN / 100 milliliters, and a general bacterial count of less than 1 / milliliter or less is used for hydroponic cultivation of tomatoes. Japanese Patent No. 6535421 also discloses the use of seawater as a culture medium for hydroponic cultivation of tomatoes. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It has been known that when the concentration of salts such as sodium chloride in the raw water of the culture solution used in hydroponic cultivation is high, the salt concentration of the culture solution becomes higher than the appropriate range, resulting in a decrease in yield. Therefore, there is a demand for improving the yield.

[0004] The problem that one embodiment of the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, a culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of tomatoes and fruit and vegetable plants, and a hydroponic cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants, which are capable of achieving high yields even when the solution contains salts such as sodium chloride. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The means for solving the above problems include the following aspects. <1> A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, in which fruit and vegetable plants are cultivated by hydroponic methods using a culture solution having a Si content of 60 mass ppm or more. <2> The culture medium contains silicate. <1> A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1. <3> The culture medium contains sodium chloride. <1> or <2> A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1. <4> The electrical conductivity of the culture solution is 4.0 ds / m or more. <1> ~ <3> 1. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of the preceding claims. <5> The cultivation of the fruit and vegetable plants by hydroponic method is carried out at least after planting of the fruit and vegetable plant seedlings. <1> ~ <4> 1. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of the preceding claims. <6> Light intensity 200μmol / m 2 / s~800μmol / m 2 / s of artificial light to the fruit and vegetable plant seedlings. <5> A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1. <7> The artificial light is irradiated from at least one of the side and the top of the fruit and vegetable plants. <6> A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1. <8> The fruit vegetable plant is a tomato or a melon. <1> ~ <7> 1. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of the preceding claims. <9> The fruit vegetable plant is a tomato, and the Si content of the tomato relative to the dry mass is 20 mass ppm or more. <1> ~ <8> 1. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of the preceding claims. <10> A tomato having an Si content of 20 mass ppm or more relative to the dry mass of the tomato and a Brix sugar content of 5.0 mass% or more. <11> A culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants, which contains sodium chloride and silicate and has a Si content of 60 ppm by mass or more. <12> The electrical conductivity is 4.0 ds / m or more. <11> The culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants described in 1. <13> the above <11> or <12> A fruit and vegetable plant hydroponic cultivation device comprising a culture solution tank containing the culture solution for fruit and vegetable plant hydroponic cultivation described in 1. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, a culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of tomatoes and fruit and vegetable plants, and a hydroponic cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants, which are capable of achieving high yields even when salts such as sodium chloride are contained. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a hydroponic cultivation apparatus used in the seedling raising process. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus for fruit and vegetable plants of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described in detail. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. In the following embodiments, components (including element steps, etc.) are not essential unless otherwise specified. The same applies to numerical values ​​and their ranges, and do not limit the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, numerical ranges indicated using "to" include the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. In the numerical ranges described in stages in this disclosure, the upper or lower limit value described in one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit value of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in the numerical ranges described in this disclosure, the upper or lower limit value of that numerical range may be replaced with a value shown in the examples. In this disclosure, "mass" and "weight" are synonymous. In the present disclosure, the term "process" includes not only an independent process but also a process that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes as long as the intended purpose of the process is achieved. In the present disclosure, "fruit vegetable plant" means a plant that produces fruit as its harvest. In the present disclosure, the term "culture solution" refers to a solution in which nutrients (for example, inorganic substances, organic substances) necessary for plant growth are dissolved in water or the like.

[0009] [How to grow fruit and vegetable plants] In the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure, fruit and vegetable plants are cultivated by hydroponics using a culture solution having a Si content of 60 mass ppm or more (hereinafter also referred to as a "specific culture solution"). Cultivation using the specific culture solution is preferably carried out in a cultivation step after the seedling raising step, and may be started either before or after the planting of the fruit and vegetable plants after seedling raising, and is preferably started after the planting of the fruit and vegetable plants.

[0010] The inventors have found that, although the reason is unclear, by setting the Si content of the culture solution used in hydroponic methods to 60 mass ppm or more, a high yield can be achieved even when salts such as sodium chloride are contained. Although the dilution ratio of the culture solution disclosed in JP 2004-357638 A is not disclosed, if seawater is diluted 10 times, which is a common dilution ratio, the Si content is about 0.089 ppm by mass, making it difficult to improve the yield. Also, the culture solution disclosed in JP 6535421 A is seawater, but the Si content is about 0.89 ppm by mass, making it difficult to improve the yield.

[0011] The hydroponic method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include flooded hydroponic method, thin film hydroponic method, spray hydroponic method, and drip hydroponic method in which liquid fertilizer is dripped onto the roots or root supports.

[0012] The nutrient solution can be prepared to achieve the desired fertilizer composition by appropriately selecting and blending single fertilizers. The fertilizer composition of the nutrient solution can be adjusted using a blending program such as "Best Blend" provided by the NPO Japan Hydroponic Culture Research Association. The nutrient solution's component composition can be adjusted to have the desired component content by properly blending single fertilizers. The components in the nutrient solution can be quantified using ion chromatography or high-frequency inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis.

[0013] Examples of fertilizer components in liquid fertilizers include sodium nitrate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, ammonium chloride, potassium sulfate, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Liquid fertilizers may be simple fertilizers containing a single fertilizer component as the main component, compound fertilizers containing two or more of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), or compound fertilizers containing a combination of multiple solid fertilizers. The required amount of Si component can also be added to the compound fertilizer.

[0014] The fruit vegetable plants are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include solanaceae plants such as tomatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers, cucurbitaceae plants such as melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, and zucchinis, legumes such as kidney beans, peas, and broad beans, roseae plants such as strawberries, mallows such as okra, and grasses such as corn. Of the fruit vegetable plants described above, solanaceae plants or cucurbitaceae plants are suitable for the cultivation method of the present disclosure, and tomatoes or melons are more suitable. Tomatoes include midi tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, fruit tomatoes, etc. Melons include netted melons such as green-fleshed and red-fleshed varieties, and non-netted melons.

[0015] The lower limit of the Si content in the specific culture solution may be 70 mass ppm or more, or 80 mass ppm or more. From the viewpoint of uniformity of the culture medium, the upper limit of the Si content in the specific culture medium is preferably 300 ppm by mass or less, more preferably 200 ppm by mass or less, and even more preferably 100 ppm by mass or less. In the present disclosure, the Si content in the culture solution means the Si content relative to the total mass of the culture solution. In the present disclosure, the Si content in the culture solution is measured by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer). The Si content of the culture medium can be adjusted, for example, by adding sodium silicate or the like to the culture medium.

[0016] The specific culture solution preferably contains a silicate from the viewpoint of improving the yield, and sodium silicate is preferred as the silicate from the viewpoint of improving the yield. The content of sodium silicate relative to the total mass of the specific culture solution is not particularly limited as long as the Si content is 60 mass ppm or more. If the pH exceeds the preferred range as a result of adding the desired amount of sodium silicate, it is preferable to adjust the pH using dilute hydrochloric acid or the like.

[0017] From the viewpoint of increasing the sugar content, the specific culture solution preferably contains sodium chloride. From the viewpoint of increasing the sugar content, it is preferable to add sodium chloride to the culture medium in an amount such that the electrical conductivity of the specific culture medium becomes 4.0 ds / m or more, it is more preferable to add sodium chloride to the culture medium in an amount such that the electrical conductivity of the specific culture medium becomes 4.5 ds / m or more, and it is even more preferable to add sodium chloride to the culture medium in an amount such that the electrical conductivity of the specific culture medium becomes 6.0 ds / m or more. From the viewpoint of improving yield, the upper limit of the electrical conductivity of the specific culture solution is preferably 20.0 ds / m or less, more preferably 10.0 ds / m or less, and even more preferably 8.0 ds / m or less. In the present disclosure, the electrical conductivity of the culture medium is measured in the culture medium at 25°C using an electrical conductivity meter (for example, HI98131 manufactured by Hannah Instruments).

[0018] The dissolved oxygen concentration of the specific culture medium is preferably 3.5 mg / L or more, more preferably 4.5 mg / L or more, and even more preferably 6.0 mg / L or more. There is no upper limit to the dissolved oxygen concentration of the specific culture solution, and the higher the better. It is preferable to set the dissolved oxygen concentration at the saturation concentration at the temperature of the culture solution being used. For example, the saturated dissolved oxygen concentration of distilled water at 27°C under 1 atmosphere is 7.87 mg / L. In the present disclosure, the dissolved oxygen concentration of the culture medium is measured in the culture medium at 27°C using an oxygen concentration monitor (for example, Seven2GoPro manufactured by Mettler-Toledo). The oxygen concentration monitor can be placed and used in a culture medium vessel that contains a culture medium. The dissolved oxygen concentration in the culture medium can be adjusted by using an oxygen supply mechanism, adjusting the circulation rate of the culture medium, or the like.

[0019] The pH of the specific culture medium is preferably 3.5 to 8.0, and more preferably 4.5 to 7.0. The pH of the culture solution is measured in the nutrient solution at 27°C using a pH monitor (for example, HI98131 manufactured by Hanna Instruments). The pH of the culture medium can be adjusted, for example, by adding hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, or the like to the culture medium.

[0020] Cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants by hydroponic methods using a specific culture solution may be carried out either before or after planting of the fruit and vegetable seedlings, or before and after planting of the fruit and vegetable seedlings, from the viewpoint of improving yield and achieving high sugar content, but is preferably carried out at least after planting of the fruit and vegetable seedlings. The cultivation process will be described later. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of achieving high sugar content, cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants by hydroponic methods using a specific culture solution is preferably carried out after planting of the fruit and vegetable seedlings and after flowering of the second fruit cluster stage. In the process of cultivating germinated fruit vegetable plants into fruit vegetable plant seedlings (seedling raising process), from the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, it is preferable to use a culture medium other than the specific culture medium, i.e., a culture medium with a Si content of less than 60 mass ppm, more preferably a culture medium with a Si content of less than 30 mass ppm, and even more preferably a culture medium with a Si content of less than 3 mass ppm.

[0021] -Cultivation process- The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants of the present disclosure can include a cultivation step in which fruit and vegetable plant seedlings are planted and cultivated. From the viewpoint of improving yield and achieving high sugar content, it is preferable that the cultivation process be carried out by hydroponic cultivation using a specific culture solution at least after flowering of the second fruit cluster stage.

[0022] In the cultivation process, the temperature conditions can be adjusted by irradiating the fruit vegetable seedlings with artificial light. For example, the temperature conditions can be adjusted to two or more types, namely, a light temperature and a dark temperature. From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the upper limit of the photoperiod temperature is preferably 29°C or lower, more preferably 28.5°C or lower, and even more preferably 28°C or lower. From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the lower limit of the photoperiod temperature is preferably 15°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, and even more preferably 25°C or higher. From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the upper limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 25°C or lower, more preferably 23°C or lower, and even more preferably 22°C or lower. From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the lower limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 10°C or higher, more preferably 13°C or higher, and even more preferably 15°C or higher. The light and dark temperatures are measured by placing a thermometer 1 cm away from the fruit and vegetable plants. For example, a temperature and humidity sensor THA-3151 manufactured by T&D Corporation can be used as the thermometer. In the present disclosure, the term "light period" refers to a period during which fruit and vegetable plants are irradiated with light from a light source, and the term "dark period" refers to a period during which fruit and vegetable plants are not irradiated with light from a light source. The method for controlling the light and dark temperature is not particularly limited and can be carried out by a conventionally known method. For example, the light and dark temperature can be controlled by monitoring the light and dark temperatures in the seedling raising environment using the thermometer and blowing hot or cold air as needed.

[0023] From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the ratio of light period time to dark period time (light period time / dark period time) is preferably 0.3 to 3, and more preferably 0.5 to 2.

[0024] The light source for the artificial light is not particularly limited, and examples include semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and discharge lamps such as fluorescent lamps, but it is preferable to use LEDs in the cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure. The type of LED used may be one type, or two or more types may be used. The LED may emit visible light such as red, blue, and yellow, or may emit invisible light such as ultraviolet light (wavelength of 380 nm or less) or infrared light (wavelength of 780 nm or more), but from the viewpoint of promoting photosynthesis of the first tomato plant, it is preferable that the LED emits light in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm.

[0025] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the relative humidity during the cultivation process is preferably controlled to 50% to 80%, and more preferably 55% to 77%. The relative humidity is measured by placing a hygrometer 1 cm away from the fruit and vegetable plants. For example, the temperature and humidity sensor THA-3151 manufactured by T&D Corporation can be used as the hygrometer. The method for controlling humidity is not particularly limited and can be carried out by a conventionally known method. For example, humidity conditions can be controlled by monitoring the humidity of the seedling raising environment with the above-mentioned hygrometer and, if necessary, using an air conditioner with a humidifying function and a dehumidifying function.

[0026] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and high sugar content, the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated on the fruit and vegetable seedlings during the cultivation process is set at 200 μmol / m 2 / s~800μmol / m 2 / s, and 250 μmol / m 2 / s~600μmol / m 2 / s is more preferable. The light intensity is measured by placing a measuring device 1 cm away from the fruit or vegetable plant with the light receiving surface facing the light source. For example, a photon sensor (LI-COR, LI-190R) can be used as the measuring device. When light sources are placed in two or more directions from the germinated fruit or vegetable plant, the sum of the light intensities measured by placing the measuring device facing each light source is defined as the light intensity. Light intensity can be controlled by changing the type and number of light sources (LEDs, fluorescent lights, etc.) used, changing the distance between the light source and the fruit and vegetable plants, or using a dimmable light source. In the cultivation step, the fruit and vegetable plants can be cultivated using, for example, a hydroponic cultivation apparatus for fruit and vegetable plants shown in Figure 2. Details of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus for fruit and vegetable plants will be described later.

[0027] Artificial light may be irradiated from above or from the side of the fruit vegetable seedlings, but from the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, space utilization efficiency, etc., it is preferable to irradiate from the side. Artificial light may also be irradiated from both the side and top directions.

[0028] From the viewpoint of shortening the period until harvest, the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment during the cultivation step is preferably 300 ppm to 2000 ppm, and more preferably 400 ppm to 1500 ppm. The carbon dioxide concentration is measured by placing a carbon dioxide concentration meter 1 cm away from the fruit and vegetable plants. For example, the LI-850 manufactured by LI-COR Corporation can be used as the carbon dioxide concentration meter. The method for controlling the carbon dioxide concentration is not particularly limited and can be carried out by a conventionally known method, for example, by monitoring the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment using the carbon dioxide concentration meter and, if necessary, by using an air conditioner or the like.

[0029] The period of the cultivation step is not particularly limited, but is preferably 70 to 300 days, more preferably 80 to 200 days, even more preferably 80 to 150 days, and particularly preferably 90 to 120 days. During the cultivation process, it is preferable to replace the nutrient solution or add liquid fertilizer as needed depending on the EC value, pH, etc. of the nutrient solution.

[0030] In the cultivation process, it is preferable to remove leaves below the bunch level where fruit harvesting has been completed. By removing leaves below the bunch level where fruit harvesting has been completed, cultivation efficiency can be improved. Side shoots on fruit and vegetable plants may be removed (side shoot pruning) as appropriate.

[0031] -Seedling raising process- The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants of the present disclosure may include a seedling raising step in which the germinated fruit and vegetable plants are grown into fruit and vegetable plant seedlings. From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, it is preferable to raise seedlings of fruit and vegetable plants by the hydroponic method, and it is more preferable to raise seedlings by the submerged hydroponic method. From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, it is preferable to use a culture medium other than the specific culture medium, i.e., a culture medium with a Si content of less than 60 mass ppm, more preferably a culture medium with a Si content of less than 30 mass ppm, and even more preferably a culture medium with a Si content of less than 3 mass ppm, in the seedling raising process.

[0032] In the seedling raising process, the light and dark periods can be switched by irradiating the germinated fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light, and it is preferable to adjust the temperature conditions for the light and dark periods. For example, the temperature conditions can be adjusted to two or more different conditions, namely, the light period temperature and the dark period temperature. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the upper limit of the photoperiod temperature is preferably 29°C or lower, more preferably 28.5°C or lower, and even more preferably 28°C or lower. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the lower limit of the photoperiod temperature is preferably 15°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, and even more preferably 25°C or higher. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the upper limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 25°C or lower, more preferably 23°C or lower, and even more preferably 22°C or lower. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the lower limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 10°C or higher, more preferably 13°C or higher, and even more preferably 15°C or higher. The light source, wavelength, etc. of the artificial light can be the same as those described in the cultivation process.

[0033] From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the ratio of light period time to dark period time (light period time / dark period time) is preferably 0.3 to 3, and more preferably 0.5 to 2.

[0034] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the relative humidity during the seedling raising process is preferably controlled to 50% to 80%, and more preferably 55% to 77%.

[0035] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and high sugar content, the light intensity of artificial light irradiated on fruit and vegetable plants after germination during the seedling raising process is set at 200 μmol / m 2 / s~800μmol / m 2 / s, and 250 μmol / m 2 / s~600μmol / m 2 / s is more preferable.

[0036] Artificial light may be irradiated from above or from the side of the germinated fruit and vegetable plants, but from the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, space utilization efficiency, etc., it is preferable to irradiate them with artificial light from above. Artificial light may also be irradiated from both the side and top directions.

[0037] From the viewpoint of shortening the period until harvest, the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment during the seedling raising step is preferably 300 ppm to 2000 ppm, and more preferably 400 ppm to 1500 ppm.

[0038] The period of the seedling raising process is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of growth after planting and shortening the time until bud formation, it is preferably 5 to 40 days, more preferably 10 to 35 days, even more preferably 12 to 30 days, and particularly preferably 15 to 33 days. During the seedling raising and cultivating process, it is preferable to replace the nutrient solution or add liquid fertilizer as needed depending on the EC value, pH, etc. of the nutrient solution.

[0039] In the seedling raising step, seedlings can be raised using a hydroponic cultivation apparatus shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus. As shown in Figure 1, the fruit and vegetable plant hydroponic cultivation device 10 may include a support 12 for supporting fruit and vegetable plant seedlings 11, a panel 14 having holes 13 for fixing the support 12, and a nutrient solution tank 16 for containing nutrient solution 15. The fruit and vegetable plant hydroponic cultivation device 10 may also include a circulation mechanism 17 that supplies the culture solution 15 to the culture solution tank 16 and discharges the culture solution 15 from the culture solution tank 16. The circulation mechanism 17 may also include a circulation tank 18 that contains the culture solution 15, a supply nozzle 19 that supplies the culture solution 15 from the circulation tank 18 to the culture solution tank 16, a discharge nozzle 20 that discharges the culture solution 15 from the culture solution tank 16 to the circulation tank 18, and a pump P1. The fruit and vegetable plant hydroponic cultivation device 10 may also include an oxygen supply mechanism 21 in the culture solution tank 16. The fruit and vegetable plant hydroponic cultivation device 10 may also include an artificial light irradiation device 22. While Fig. 1 shows an artificial light irradiation device that irradiates artificial light from above and from the sides of the fruit and vegetable plant seedlings 11, the invention is not limited to this.

[0040] -Germination process- The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants of the present disclosure can include a germination step in which seeds of fruit and vegetable plants to be used in the seedling raising step are germinated. The germination method is not particularly limited and can be carried out by a conventionally known method, for example, by sowing seeds of fruit and vegetable plants on the support that has been sufficiently moistened with water and storing the seeds in a dark place. It is also preferable to select seeds of fruit and vegetable plants that have been confirmed to have germinated and have similar growth rates, and then raise the seedlings. This allows the fruit to be harvested at the same time, improving cultivation efficiency.

[0041] The temperature for the germination process varies depending on the type and variety of fruit and vegetable plant used, but for commercially available seeds, this is generally disclosed as the germination temperature. Furthermore, if the germination temperature is unknown, it can be confirmed experimentally. Furthermore, depending on the type and variety of fruit and vegetable plant used, some require treatments such as breaking dormancy before germination. During the germination process, some require light of a specific wavelength, others require darkness, and others will germinate in either case. These can also be determined in the same way as the germination temperature.

[0042] The relative humidity during the germination process is preferably 70% to 100%, and particularly preferably 80% to 95%. By keeping the humidity within this range, the plant body can be prevented from drying out during the germination stage, and growth can be improved. Although the period required for the germination process is not fixed, it is preferably the period from root formation to the start of hypocotyl elongation, which is usually about several days to a week. By allocating this period to the germination process, the roots can grow sufficiently and excessive hypocotyl elongation can be avoided, resulting in good seedling growth in the subsequent seedling raising process and shortening the period until flowering.

[0043] In one embodiment of the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants of the present disclosure, the fruit and vegetable plant is a tomato. From the viewpoint of increasing the added value of the tomato, the Si content relative to the dry mass of the tomato harvested by the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants of the present disclosure is preferably 20 ppm by mass or more, more preferably 25 ppm by mass or more, and even more preferably 28 ppm by mass or more. In the present disclosure, the Si content relative to the dry mass of a tomato is measured by X-ray fluorescence analysis using a sample obtained by crushing and drying the target tomato fruit.

[0044] The ranges and preferred embodiments of the Brix sugar content and lycopene content of the tomatoes of the present disclosure will be described later.

[0045] [tomato] The tomatoes according to the present disclosure have an Si content of 20 mass ppm or more relative to the dry mass of the tomatoes, and a Brix sugar content of 5.0 mass % or more. The tomatoes according to the present disclosure can be cultivated by the above-described cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure. Furthermore, the cultivation of tomatoes may also use a culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants and a hydroponic cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants, which will be described later.

[0046] The Si content relative to the dry mass of tomatoes is preferably high, more preferably 25 mass ppm or more, and even more preferably 28 mass ppm or more, from the viewpoint of increasing the added value of tomatoes.

[0047] -Brix sugar content- The Brix sugar content of tomatoes is preferably 5.0% by mass or more, more preferably 5.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 6.0% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 7.0% by mass or more. In this disclosure, "Brix sugar content" refers to the refractive index measured at 20°C using a saccharometer or refractometer, converted into a mass percentage of the sucrose solution based on the conversion table of the International Commission on Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis (ICUMSA). For example, if 100 g of solution contains x g of sucrose (water = 100 - x g), the Brix sugar content is x%. In the present disclosure, the Brix sugar content of a tomato is measured by cutting the tomato in half on any plane in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the equatorial plane), crushing one half into a liquid, and using the resulting liquid to measure the sugar content using a sugar content meter (Atago Sugar Content Meter).

[0048] -Lycopene content- The lycopene content of tomatoes is preferably 10 mg / 100 g or more, more preferably 12 mg / 100 g or more, and even more preferably 15 mg / 100 g or more. In the present disclosure, the lycopene content of tomatoes is measured using a high performance liquid chromatograph by the absolute calibration method.

[0049] [Culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants] The culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure contains sodium chloride and silicate, and has a Si content of 60 mass ppm or more. Details of the Si content are as described above, so further description here is omitted. The culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure can be used in the above-described method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure.

[0050] The preferred embodiments of the culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants are the same as the preferred embodiments of the specific culture solution, and therefore will not be described here.

[0051] [Hydroponic cultivation equipment for fruit and vegetable plants] The hydroponic cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure includes a culture solution tank containing a culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants (specific culture solution). The fruit and vegetable plant hydroponic cultivation device according to the present disclosure may include an artificial light irradiation device.

[0052] When cultivating fruit and vegetable plants by a hydroponic method using a specific culture solution, after planting the fruit and vegetable seedlings, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus for cultivating the fruit and vegetable plants using the specific culture solution can be, for example, the hydroponic cultivation apparatus shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus for fruit and vegetable plants of the present disclosure. An embodiment of a fruit and vegetable plant hydroponic cultivation apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0053] The fruit and vegetable plant hydroponic cultivation device 30 shown in FIG. 2 is a cultivation device that includes an LED lighting device 32 that is an artificial light irradiation device, a drip-type hydroponic cultivation mechanism 40, and a temperature and humidity control mechanism (not shown). The LED lighting devices 32 are equipped with LED light sources, and five of them are arranged on each side at intervals of 20 cm along a direction parallel to the direction of gravity on both sides of the plant body 34 (i.e., a total of 10 on both sides). This allows light to be irradiated onto the plant body 34 from the side of the plant body.

[0054] The drip-type hydroponic cultivation mechanism 40 includes a culture solution tank 42, a culture solution storage tank 46, and a drip pipe 50. The nutrient solution tank 42 contains a nutrient solution for immersing the roots of the plants 34, and the contained nutrient solution is absorbed by the roots into the plants. One end of a discharge pipe 44 for discharging the contained nutrient solution is connected to the nutrient solution tank 42. A panel (not shown) having holes for fixing supports 52 is attached to the nutrient solution tank 42, and the plants 34 are supported by the supports 52 fixed to the holes. Here, a urethane support, which is an example of a support, is provided. The urethane support may be a remainder of the urethane support used during sowing. The culture medium storage tank 46 is equipped with a supply pipe 48 and stores the culture medium to be supplied to the culture medium tank 42. The other end of a discharge pipe 44 connected to the culture medium tank 42 is disposed above the liquid surface of the culture medium in the culture medium storage tank 46, and the culture medium is returned to the culture medium storage tank 46 from the other end of the discharge pipe 44 in accordance with the supply of the culture medium from the supply pipe 48. The supply pipe 48 is provided with a drive pump P, and by driving the drive pump P, the culture medium stored in the culture medium storage tank 46 can be supplied to the outside. The drip piping 50 is provided with a drip device at its tip and is connected to one end of the supply piping 48. When the drive pump P is driven, the culture medium is sent to the drip device at the tip through the supply piping 48, and is dripped from the drip device into the culture medium tank 42. In the drip-type hydroponic cultivation mechanism 40, a circulating system is constructed by connecting a culture solution tank 42, a culture solution storage tank 46, and a drip piping 50, and the culture solution is circulated and can be used. The temperature and humidity control mechanism may be, for example, a thermo-hygrometer (or a thermometer and hygrometer) that can measure temperature and humidity, and a heating / cooling device and a humidifier that input the measured temperature and humidity signals to adjust the temperature and humidity. [Example]

[0055] The above embodiment will be specifically described below using examples, but the above embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0056] <Preparation of culture solutions A-D, N, and P-R for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants> A sodium silicate solution and dilute hydrochloric acid were added to the single fertilizer to prepare culture solution A for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants with a pH of 5. A sodium silicate solution and dilute hydrochloric acid were added to the single fertilizer to prepare culture solution B for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants with a pH of 5. A sodium silicate solution, sodium chloride, and dilute hydrochloric acid were added to the single fertilizer to prepare culture solution C for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants with a pH of 5. A sodium silicate solution, sodium chloride, and dilute hydrochloric acid were added to the single fertilizer to prepare a culture solution D for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants with a pH of 5. Dilute hydrochloric acid was added to the single fertilizer to prepare culture solution N for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants with a pH of 5. A sodium silicate solution, sodium chloride, and dilute hydrochloric acid were added to the single fertilizer to prepare a culture solution P for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants with a pH of 5. Sodium chloride and dilute hydrochloric acid were added to the single fertilizer to prepare a culture solution Q for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants with a pH of 5. Sodium chloride and dilute hydrochloric acid were added to the single fertilizer to prepare culture solution R for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants with a pH of 5. The composition of the culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of each fruit vegetable plant is summarized in Table 1.

[0057] [Table 1]

[0058] Example 1 (Germination process) Tomato seeds (variety: Momotaro York (registered trademark), manufactured by Takii Seed Co., Ltd.) were sown on support A (5 cm × 5 cm × 2 cm polyurethane foam) that had been sufficiently saturated with pure water, and stored in a dark environment at a temperature of 28°C and a relative humidity of 70% for 3 days to allow germination, yielding tomato plants.

[0059] (Seedling raising process) The tomato plants obtained in the above germination process were transplanted into a hydroponic cultivation apparatus shown in Figure 1, which was equipped with an artificial light irradiation device and a culture solution tank containing culture solution N for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants, and the seedlings were grown for 20 days using the submerged hydroponic method.

[0060] (Cultivation process) Cultivation of the resulting 40 plants was initiated under the following condition 1 in a hydroponic cultivation apparatus for fruit and vegetable plants shown in Figure 2. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus for fruit and vegetable plants shown in Figure 2 is a cultivation apparatus including five light sources on each side of the plant (i.e., 10 on each side) spaced 20 cm apart in the direction of gravity, a drip-type hydroponic cultivation mechanism, and a temperature and humidity control mechanism. During the cultivation period, top pinching, fruit thinning, and harvesting were performed using the method described in paragraph 0058 of WO 2022 / 102328. After three inflorescences (first to third inflorescences) had formed on the main branch, and after confirming that two true leaves had unfolded above the third inflorescence, the tops were pinched, leaving the true leaves. The fruits were thinned out so that each tassel had three fruits, and the tomato fruits that had borne fruit up to the third tassel were harvested, completing the cultivation. [Condition 1] Light source: Ryoden Corporation, 4-color plant growth LED, PGL-200DWBF26D Light intensity: 500 μmol / m 2 ·s Light composition: Complies with the light-emitting behavior of the above LEDs ·Light / dark cycle (light / dark period): 16 hours / 8 hours ·Temperature: 27℃ (light period), 19℃ (dark period) Relative humidity: 60% Carbon dioxide concentration: 1,000 ppm ·Culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants: A Fertilization method: Drip-type hydroponics

[0061] <Example 2> Fruit and vegetable plants were cultivated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the culture solution A for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants used in the cultivation was changed to the culture solution B for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants.

[0062] Example 3 Cultivation was started under the following condition 2, and when flowering at the second inflorescence stage was confirmed, the fruit vegetable plants were cultivated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the culture solution N for hydroponic cultivation of fruit vegetable plants was changed to the culture solution C for hydroponic cultivation of fruit vegetable plants. [Condition 2] ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours (light) / 8 hours (dark) ·Light intensity: 500μmol / m 2 / s ·Temperature: 27℃ (light) / 19℃ (dark) Relative humidity: 70% ·CO2 concentration: 1,000ppm ·Culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants: N

[0063] Example 4 Fruit vegetable plants were cultivated in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the culture solution C for hydroponic cultivation of fruit vegetable plants used in the cultivation was changed to the culture solution D for hydroponic cultivation of fruit vegetable plants.

[0064] <Comparative Example 1> Fruit and vegetable plants were cultivated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the culture solution A for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants used in the cultivation was changed to the culture solution N for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants.

[0065] <Comparative Example 2> Fruit and vegetable plants were cultivated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the culture solution A for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants used in the cultivation was changed to the culture solution P for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants.

[0066] <Comparative Example 3> Fruit and vegetable plants were cultivated in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the culture solution C for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants used in the cultivation was changed to the culture solution Q for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants.

[0067] <Comparative Example 4> Fruit and vegetable plants were cultivated in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the culture solution C for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants used in the cultivation was changed to the culture solution R for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants.

[0068] <<Evaluation>> [Average number of fruits, average fruit weight and average yield] Table 2 shows the average number of fruits harvested per plant, the average weight per fruit (average fruit weight), and the average weight of fruits harvested per plant (average yield) in the Examples and Comparative Examples.

[0069] [Brix sugar content] Harvested tomatoes were cut in half lengthwise (i.e., perpendicular to the equator), and one half of the tomato was crushed into a liquid (juice-like substance). The resulting juice was measured using a sugar content meter (Atago Sugar Content Meter). Measurements were performed on all the harvested tomatoes, and the average value was used to determine the Brix sugar content. The measurement results are shown in Table 2.

[0070] [Si content] The fruit obtained during the above average Brix sugar content measurement was crushed, and a portion of the juice was dried and formed into tablets. These samples were used to measure the Si content relative to the dry mass of the tomatoes using X-ray fluorescence analysis. Measurements were performed on all harvested tomatoes, and the average value was used as the Si content. The measurement results are shown in Table 2.

[0071] [Lycopene content] The fruits obtained during the above average Brix sugar content measurement were crushed, and a portion of the juice was used to measure the lycopene content by high performance liquid chromatography. The measurement results are shown in Table 2.

[0072] [Sensory evaluation] For the above [Brix sugar content], the harvested tomatoes were cut in half lengthwise along any plane, and the other half (i.e., half of the tomato) was used for sensory evaluation. Ten men and women aged 20 to 50 years old were used as evaluators to taste the tomatoes obtained in the examples and comparative examples, and they rated the taste on a 10-point scale (1 point to 10 points). The tasting was carried out using fruit samples prepared by cutting half a tomato into 1 / 8 pieces to form half-moon shapes, and each evaluator was asked to taste at least two pieces. The cultivating conditions for Comparative Example 1 were disclosed to the evaluators, but the cultivating conditions for the others were not disclosed, and the tomato of Comparative Example 1 was given a score of 5. Each evaluator tasted and evaluated all the fruit samples one after another on the same day. The evaluation results were not disclosed until all evaluators had confirmed their scores, and the evaluators were not to discuss the results with each other. The mean scores are summarized in Table 2.

[0073] [Table 2]

[0074] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-027721, filed on February 24, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. Immediately after planting the fruit vegetable plant seedlings and before the second fruit bunch stage blooms, the fruit vegetable plants are cultivated by a hydroponic method using a culture solution that does not contain Si, A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, comprising cultivating the fruit and vegetable plants by hydroponics using a culture solution having a Si content of 80 mass ppm or more and an electrical conductivity of 4.5 ds / m or more after the second fruit bunch stage has flowered.

2. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1 , wherein the culture solution contains silicate.

3. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the culture solution contains sodium chloride.

4. Light intensity 200μmol / m ２ / s~800μmol / m ２ 2. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1, further comprising irradiating the fruit and vegetable seedlings with artificial light of 1000 nm / s.

5. 5. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 4, wherein the artificial light is applied from at least one of the side and top of the fruit and vegetable plants.

6. 3. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fruit and vegetable plants are tomatoes or melons.

7. The fruit vegetable plant is a tomato, The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tomato has a Si content of 20 ppm by mass or more relative to the dry mass of the tomato.

8. After flowering of the second bunch stage, the plant is grown hydroponically using a culture solution having a Si content of 80 ppm by mass or more and an electrical conductivity of 4.5 ds / m or more; A tomato having a Si content of 20 mass ppm or more relative to the dry mass of the tomato and a Brix sugar content of 5.0 mass% or more.

9. Used after the second bunch blooms, A culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants, comprising sodium chloride and silicate, having a Si content of 80 ppm by mass or more and an electrical conductivity of 4.5 ds / m or more.

10. A fruit and vegetable plant hydroponic cultivation device comprising a culture solution tank containing the culture solution for hydroponic cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 9.

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