Light source for plant cultivation and plant cultivation device

Abstract

To provide a light source for plant cultivation which can easily cultivate a plant having high content of an effective substance.SOLUTION: A light source for plant cultivation turns ON or OFF by a light period and a dark period of plant. The light source for plant cultivation turns ON in the light period to emit light having a spectrum composed of a plurality of peaks to the plant, and increases the content of a predetermined substance in the plant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1a

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light source for plant cultivation, and more particularly to a light source that emits light optimized for plant photosynthesis. [Background technology]

[0002] A variety of light sources have been developed and are being used as lighting fixtures for plant cultivation to replace sunlight. Existing lighting fixtures for plant cultivation mainly use incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, etc. However, most of these lighting fixtures simply irradiate plants with light of a specific wavelength for photosynthesis and do not have any additional functions.

[0003] Plants can synthesize substances that are useful to humans in the process of resisting various stresses, so there is a need for various light sources, cultivation devices, cultivation methods, etc. that can cultivate plants that contain large amounts of substances that are useful to humans. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a light source for plant cultivation that can easily cultivate plants with a high content of effective substances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a light source for plant cultivation is turned on or off according to a light cycle and a dark cycle of a plant. The light source for plant cultivation is turned on during the light cycle and emits light having a spectrum consisting of multiple peaks to the plant to increase the content of a predetermined substance in the plant. When a portion of the light cycle is designated as a first section and the remaining section is designated as a second section, at least one peak of the light emitted during the second section of the light cycle is not provided in the first section that precedes or follows the second section, but is provided in the second section. However, the remaining peaks, excluding the at least one peak that is not provided in the first section, appear at substantially the same wavelength in the second section and the first section.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one peak provided in the second section but not in the first section may occur at a wavelength of about 300 nm or less.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one peak provided in the second section but not provided in the first section may have a wavelength of about 280 nm to about 295 nm, for example, a wavelength of 285 nm.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second time interval may be provided for less than about 6 hours, or may be provided for about 3 hours.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source may continuously emit light during the second period.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plant may be a cruciferous plant, which may be at least one of red radish, red cabbage sprouts, turnip, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, flowering radish, rapeseed, kohlrabi, bok choy, mustard greens, vitamin greens, kale, and red cabbage.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined substance may be at least one of chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the remaining peaks, excluding at least one peak that is provided in the second section but not in the first section, may be provided in the visible light wavelength band.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the remaining peaks excluding at least one peak that is provided in the second section but not in the first section may include peaks provided in each of the blue wavelength band and the red wavelength band.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source may include a plurality of light emitting diodes that emit light of different wavelengths.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of light emitting diodes may include a first light emitting diode that emits light corresponding to at least one peak that is provided in the second section but not provided in the first section, and a second light emitting diode that emits light corresponding to the remaining peaks excluding the at least one peak.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source can be used in a plant cultivation device, which includes a housing in which plants are planted, the above-mentioned light source disposed in the housing for irradiating light to the plants, and a control unit for controlling the light source.

[0017] One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for cultivating a cruciferous plant using the above-described light source, the method including the steps of germinating cruciferous seeds, growing the germinated seeds into sprouts, planting the sprouts and growing them into adults, and irradiating the cruciferous plants with light just before harvest to increase the content of a predetermined substance in the cruciferous plant, wherein the step of irradiating the cruciferous plants before harvest comprises irradiating the plants with light having a spectrum consisting of multiple peaks in a light cycle, where a portion of the light cycle is designated a first period and the remaining period is designated a second period, and at least one peak of the light emitted in the second period of the light cycle is not provided in the first period that precedes or follows the second period, and the remaining peaks, excluding at least one peak that is provided in the second period but not the first period, appear at substantially the same wavelength in the second period and the first period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a growth environment suitable for a plant type even under conditions where sunlight is insufficient or the plant cannot receive sunlight, and it is possible to easily cultivate plants with high contents of active substances. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1a] 1 is a plan view illustrating a light source for plant cultivation according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1b] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a light source module for plant cultivation according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a light emitting diode according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3a] 1 illustrates a spectrum of light emitted by a light source according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3b] 1 illustrates a spectrum of light emitted by a light source according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3c] 1 illustrates a spectrum of light emitted by a light source according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates the growth conditions for kale in an experimental example. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates experimental conditions in one example. [Figure 6a] This is a graph showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of kale harvested 31 days after sowing after light treatment of the plants in Comparative Example 1, Experimental Example 1, and Experimental Example 2, respectively. [Figure 6b] This is a graph showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of kale harvested 31 days after sowing after light treatment of the plants in Comparative Example 1, Experimental Example 1, and Experimental Example 2, respectively. [Figure 6c] This is a graph showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of kale harvested 31 days after sowing after light treatment of the plants in Comparative Example 1, Experimental Example 1, and Experimental Example 2, respectively. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates experimental conditions in one example. [Figure 8a]10 is a photograph illustrating the experimental results of Comparative Example 2, Experimental Example 3, and Experimental Example 4. [Figure 8b] 10 is a photograph illustrating the experimental results of Comparative Example 2, Experimental Example 3, and Experimental Example 4. [Figure 8c] 10 is a photograph illustrating the experimental results of Comparative Example 2, Experimental Example 3, and Experimental Example 4. [Figure 8d] 10 is a photograph illustrating the experimental results of Comparative Example 2, Experimental Example 3, and Experimental Example 4. [Figure 9a] This is a graph showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of kale harvested 31 days after sowing after light treatment of the plants in Comparative Example 2, Experimental Example 3, and Experimental Example 4, respectively. [Figure 9b] This is a graph showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of kale harvested 31 days after sowing after light treatment of the plants in Comparative Example 2, Experimental Example 3, and Experimental Example 4, respectively. [Figure 9c] This is a graph showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of kale harvested 31 days after sowing after light treatment of the plants in Comparative Example 2, Experimental Example 3, and Experimental Example 4, respectively. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates experimental conditions in one example. [Figure 11a] 10 is a photograph illustrating the experimental results of Comparative Example 3, Experimental Example 5, and Experimental Example 6. [Figure 11b] 10 is a photograph illustrating the experimental results of Comparative Example 3, Experimental Example 5, and Experimental Example 6. [Figure 12a] This is a graph showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of kale harvested 31 days after sowing after light treatment of the plants in Comparative Example 3, Experimental Example 5, and Experimental Example 6, respectively. [Figure 12b]This is a graph showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of kale harvested 31 days after sowing after light treatment of the plants in Comparative Example 3, Experimental Example 5, and Experimental Example 6, respectively. [Figure 12c] This is a graph showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of kale harvested 31 days after sowing after light treatment of the plants in Comparative Example 3, Experimental Example 5, and Experimental Example 6, respectively. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates experimental conditions in one example. [Figure 14a] 10 is a photograph illustrating the experimental results of Comparative Example 4, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8. [Figure 14b] 10 is a photograph illustrating the experimental results of Comparative Example 4, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8. [Figure 14c] 10 is a photograph illustrating the experimental results of Comparative Example 4, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8. [Figure 14d] 10 is a photograph illustrating the experimental results of Comparative Example 4, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8. [Figure 15a] This is a graph showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of kale harvested 31 days after sowing after light treatment of the plants in Comparative Example 4, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8, respectively. [Figure 15b] This is a graph showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of kale harvested 31 days after sowing after light treatment of the plants in Comparative Example 4, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8, respectively. [Figure 15c] This is a graph showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of kale harvested 31 days after sowing after light treatment of the plants in Comparative Example 4, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8, respectively. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates the experimental conditions in this example. [Figure 17a]This graph shows the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of vitamin greens, green mustard, and broccoli harvested 31 days after sowing in the comparative example and experimental example conducted under the experimental conditions of Figure 16. [Figure 17b] This graph shows the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of vitamin greens, green mustard, and broccoli harvested 31 days after sowing in the comparative example and experimental example conducted under the experimental conditions of Figure 16. [Figure 17c] This graph shows the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of vitamin greens, green mustard, and broccoli harvested 31 days after sowing in the comparative example and experimental example conducted under the experimental conditions of Figure 16. [Figure 18a] 17 is a photograph illustrating the experimental results of a comparative example and an experimental example conducted under the experimental conditions of FIG. 16. [Figure 18b] 17 is a photograph illustrating the experimental results of a comparative example and an experimental example conducted under the experimental conditions of FIG. 16. [Figure 18c] 17 is a photograph illustrating the experimental results of a comparative example and an experimental example conducted under the experimental conditions of FIG. 16. [Figure 19] 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cultivation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Since the present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various forms, specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein, but it should be understood that this is not to limit the invention to the particular disclosed form, and that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the invention.

[0021] In describing each drawing, like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of structures are exaggerated for clarity of the present invention. Terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element can be called a "second element," and similarly, a second element can be called a "first element," without departing from the scope of the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] In this application, the terms "comprise" or "have" and the like are to be understood as specifying the presence of a stated feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but not as precluding the possible presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0023] The present invention relates to a light source used in plant cultivation.

[0024] Plants use light in the visible light wavelength range to perform photosynthesis and obtain energy through photosynthesis. Plant photosynthesis does not occur to the same extent across all wavelength ranges. The wavelength range of sunlight used by plants for photosynthesis is called Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR), which occupies part of the solar spectrum and corresponds to a band of approximately 400 nm to approximately 700 nm. A light source for plant cultivation according to one embodiment of the present invention emits light suitable for plant photosynthesis by including light in the PAR wavelength range, while also emitting light in wavelength ranges that increase the content of components (hereinafter referred to as active ingredients) that have a positive effect on the health of humans or plants when ingested. Here, active ingredients are substances believed to be necessary for humans, such as chlorophyll, flavonols, anthocyanins, and glucosinolates.

[0025] Chlorophyll is a photosynthetic pigment found in green vegetables and is known to help prevent bad breath and constipation. Flavonols are antioxidants, with representative substances including quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin. Quercetin is a highly potent antioxidant, while kaempferol is known to strengthen the immune system and prevent cancer cell growth. Myricetin is known to inhibit fat accumulation and prevent cardiovascular disease. Anthocyanins are representative antioxidants that prevent aging by removing active oxygen from the body. Anthocyanins also aid in the resynthesis of a pigment called rhodopsin in the retina, helping to prevent eye fatigue, vision loss, and cataracts.

[0026] When glucosinolates are absorbed into the human intestine, they can be broken down by intestinal microorganisms and converted into isothiocyanates. Glucosinolates are known to have cancer prevention effects and are effective against bladder cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, etc. In particular, glucosinolates have excellent leukocyte and cytokine regulation capabilities, and contain enzymes that suppress tumor growth in the breast, liver, colon, lung, stomach, esophagus, etc. In addition, indole-3-carbinol, which is produced by glucosinolates, is also known to have anti-cancer properties.

[0027] Glucosinolate is a substance represented by the following chemical formula 1, where R can be a functional group of various types, such as a substituted or unsubstituted allyl, benzyl, or 2-phenylethyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0028] [ka]

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the glucosinolate may be, depending on the type of R, glucoerucin. The hydroxybenzoate may be, for example, glucoerucin, glucoraphenin, gluconapin, progoitrin, glucoraphanin, sinigrin, neoglucobrassicin, gluconastrutiin, glucoiberin, glucobrassicanapin, or the like.

[0030] The types of plants to which the light source according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable may vary widely. However, the photosynthetic efficiency of the light emitted from the light source and the degree of increase in the content of the active ingredients may vary depending on the type of plant. The light source according to an embodiment of the present invention may be applied to cruciferous plants. Furthermore, the light source according to an embodiment of the present invention may be applied to at least one of the following cruciferous plants: red radish, red cabbage sprouts, turnip, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, flowering radish, rapeseed, kohlrabi, bok choy, mustard greens, vitamin greens, kale, and red cabbage. The types of plants to which the light source according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable are not limited to these, and it goes without saying that the light source according to an embodiment of the present invention may also be applied to other types of plants. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the application of the light source according to an embodiment of the present invention to a cruciferous plant will be described as an example.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a light source for plant cultivation according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a light source module for plant cultivation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source module for plant cultivation includes a light source 30 that emits light required by plants, a control unit 40 that controls the light source 30, and a power supply unit 50 that provides power to the light source 30 and / or the control unit 40.

[0033] The light source 30 may include a first light source 31 and a second light source 33 having spectral peaks at different wavelengths. At least one of the first light source 31 and the second light source 33 has a spectral peak located in the visible light wavelength band. Hereinafter, the first light source 31 having a spectral peak in the visible light wavelength band will be described as an example.

[0034] The first light source 31 can emit light in the visible light wavelength band. The light emitted by the first light source 31 is light in the wavelength band mainly used for photosynthesis in plants, and can be light within the PAR range.

[0035] Although the first light source 31 is illustrated as a single component in this embodiment, the first light source 31 may be implemented as one or more light emitting diodes that emit light in a visible wavelength band capable of photosynthesis. The first light source 31 may also be implemented as one or more light emitting diodes that emit light of a predetermined spectrum, which will be described later. For example, the first light source 31 may be implemented as a light emitting diode that simultaneously emits blue and red light, or as a light emitting diode that emits light in a blue wavelength band and multiple light emitting diodes that emit light in a red wavelength band.

[0036] The second light source 33 can emit light in a wavelength band different from that of the first light source 31. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second light source 33 can emit light in the ultraviolet wavelength band, particularly in the ultraviolet-B wavelength band. The second light source 33 corresponds to light for increasing the content of active ingredients in plants. The second light source 33 can also include one or more light-emitting diodes as needed.

[0037] The first light source 31 and the second light source 33 can be driven independently. Thus, either the first light source 31 or the second light source 33 can be turned on, or both the first and second light sources 31 and 33 can be turned on or off. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first light source 31 and the second light source 33 can be turned on / off independently to emit light having a predetermined spectrum to a plant. The plant is exposed to light from the light sources, i.e., the first light source 31 and the second light source 33, in various forms depending on the growth period, the light cycle or the dark cycle, or the harvest time. The spectrum of light emitted from the light sources, including the first light source 31 and the second light source 33, will be described later.

[0038] The first light source 31 and the second light source 33 may be disposed on a substrate 20. The substrate 20 may be, but is not limited to, a printed circuit board on which wiring, circuits, etc., on which the first light source 31 and the second light source 33 are directly mounted, are formed. The substrate may be any substrate on which the first light source 31 and the second light source 33 can be disposed, and the shape and structure of the substrate are not particularly limited, and the substrate may be omitted.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a light emitting diode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, the light emitting diode may include a light emitting structure including a first semiconductor layer 223, an active layer 225, and a second semiconductor layer 227, and a first electrode 221 and a second electrode 229 connected to the light emitting structure.

[0041] The first semiconductor layer 223 is a semiconductor layer doped with a first conductivity type dopant. The first conductivity type dopant may be a p-type dopant. The first conductivity type dopant may be Mg, Zn, Ca, Sr, Ba, or the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first semiconductor layer 223 may include a nitride-based semiconductor material. In one embodiment of the present invention, examples of the material of the first semiconductor layer 223 include GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, and AlInN.

[0042] The active layer 225 is disposed on the first semiconductor layer 223 and corresponds to a light emitting layer. The active layer 225 is a layer in which electrons (or holes) injected through the first semiconductor layer 223 and holes (or electrons) injected through the second semiconductor layer 227 meet and emit light due to a band gap difference in the energy bands of the material forming the active layer 225.

[0043] The active layer 225 may be made of a compound semiconductor, for example, at least one of a group III-V or group II-VI compound semiconductor.

[0044] The second semiconductor layer 227 is provided on the active layer 225. The second semiconductor layer 227 is a semiconductor layer having a second conductivity type dopant having a polarity opposite to that of the first conductivity type dopant. The second conductivity type dopant may be an n-type dopant, and may include, for example, Si, Ge, Se, Te, O, C, etc.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second semiconductor layer 227 may include a nitride-based semiconductor material, such as GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, or AlInN.

[0046] The first electrode 221 and the second electrode 229 may be provided in various forms so as to connect the first semiconductor layer 223 and the second semiconductor layer 227, respectively. In this embodiment, the first electrode 221 is provided below the first semiconductor layer 223, and the second electrode 229 is provided above the second semiconductor layer 227, but this is not limiting. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 229 may be made of various metals such as Al, Ti, Cr, Ni, Au, Ag, Ti, Sn, Ni, Cr, W, Cu, etc., or alloys thereof. The first electrode 221 and the second electrode 229 may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the LED is described as being provided in a vertical type, but the LED does not necessarily have to be a vertical type and may be provided in other types as long as it conforms to the concept of the present invention.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained by using a light emitting diode as a light source to apply light to a sample, instead of an existing general lamp.

[0049] When a light emitting diode is used as a light source according to an embodiment of the present invention, the conventional general lamp Compared to light emitted from existing lamps (e.g., existing UV lamps), light of a specific wavelength can be emitted to plants. Light emitted from existing lamps has a broad spectrum over a wider range than light emitted from light-emitting diodes. As a result, with existing UV lamps, it is not easy to separate only light of a certain band within the wavelength band of the emitted light. In contrast, light emitted from an LED has a sharp peak at a specific wavelength and emits light of a specific wavelength with a very narrow half-width compared to light from existing lamps. This makes it easy to select light of a specific wavelength, and only light of the selected specific wavelength can be emitted to a specimen.

[0050] In addition, while conventional lamps irradiate a sample with light, it is sometimes difficult to precisely limit the amount of light, but light-emitting diodes can emit a clearly defined amount of light. Furthermore, while conventional lamps can sometimes be difficult to precisely limit the amount of light, the irradiation time can also be set over a wide range, but light-emitting diodes can emit the required amount of light to a sample within a relatively short, clearly defined time.

[0051] As described above, conventional lamps have a relatively wide range of wavelengths, light intensities, and irradiation times, making it difficult to accurately determine the light irradiation level. In contrast, LEDs can provide a clear light irradiation level with a relatively narrow range of wavelengths, light intensities, and irradiation times.

[0052] Furthermore, while conventional lamps take a considerable amount of time to reach maximum light intensity after being turned on, LEDs reach maximum light intensity immediately with virtually no warm-up time after being turned on. Therefore, LED light sources allow precise control of the light irradiation time when irradiating plants with light of a specific wavelength.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 40 is connected to the first light source 31 and / or the second light source 33 and controls whether the first light source 31 and the second light source 33 are activated. The control unit 40 may be connected to the first light source 31 and / or the second light source 33 via a wire or wirelessly. A power supply unit 50 that supplies power to the control unit 40 is connected to the control unit 40. The power supply unit 50 may supply power to the light source via the control unit 40 or by being directly connected to the light source.

[0054] The control unit 40 can control the on / off of the first light source 31 and / or the second light source 33 so that the first light source 31 and the second light source 33 emit light at a predetermined intensity in a predetermined period. The first light source 31 and the second light source 33 can be operated independently so that plants can perform photosynthesis as efficiently as possible. The control unit 40 can independently control the emission intensity and emission time of light from the first light source 31 and the second light source 31. Furthermore, if the first light source 31 and / or the second light source 33 includes multiple light emitting diodes, the control unit 40 can independently control each of the light emitting diodes.

[0055] The control unit 40 can control the operation of the first light source 31 and the second light source 33 according to a preset process or according to a user's input. The operation of the first light source 31 and the second light source 33 can be changed in various ways depending on the type of plant, the growth period of the plant, etc.

[0056] 3a to 3c are diagrams illustrating the spectrum of light emitted by a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] A light source according to one embodiment of the present invention can emit light of different wavelength bands depending on the growth stage of the plant. Figure 3a shows the light spectrum for a predetermined period after sowing and before planting, Figure 3b shows the light spectrum for a predetermined period after planting, and Figure 3c shows the light spectrum for another predetermined period after planting, other than the period in Figure 3b.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, plant seeds can be germinated in a dark cycle after sowing. For seed germination, the dark cycle can last for about 1.5 to 3 days, for example, 24 hours after sowing, and the seeds can be provided with purified water only, without the use of a separate nutrient solution.

[0059] The germinated seeds are grown into sprouts under a light and dark cycle, and after a predetermined period of time, they can be planted in a cultivation vessel. The germinated seeds are grown into sprouts by being grown under a light and dark cycle for about 5 to 9 days, for example, about 7 days, and the sprouts can be planted in a cultivation vessel. The sprouts planted in the cultivation vessel are grown to adulthood using a nutrient solution.

[0060] The light and dark cycles can be set in various ways depending on the type of plant. For example, they can be arranged in alternation with each other in a 24-hour unit of a day. For example, a dark cycle can be maintained for about 6 to about 10 hours, and a light cycle can be maintained for about 18 to about 14 hours, and the dark and light cycles can be repeated in a day unit. The light intensity in the light cycle is 50 to 80 μmol / m 2 / s (PPFD), for example, 69.8 μmol / m 2 / s.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, light in a wavelength range that facilitates photosynthesis is irradiated during a photoperiod from germination until the seedlings grow into sprouts before planting. The spectrum of light emitted from germination until the seedlings grow into sprouts before planting is as shown in Figure 3a.

[0062] 3a, a light source according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide light having a peak with a narrow half-width at a specific wavelength, rather than emitting light at the same level throughout the entire wavelength band. For example, the light source can have peaks with a narrow half-width and relatively higher intensity at approximately 660 nm and 450 nm, which are considered to be primarily used for photosynthesis. Approximately 660 nm and 450 nm are peaks corresponding to red and blue, respectively.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, after planting, the plants can be grown under a light and dark cycle until they reach maturity and are harvested. The period from planting to harvesting takes about 18 to 23 days, and for example, the plants can be grown for 21 days (e.g., 30 days after sowing), after which they can be harvested. The light and dark cycles can be set in various ways depending on the type of plant, and can be arranged to alternate with each other in a 24-hour unit. For example, a dark cycle of about 6 to 10 hours can be maintained, and a light cycle of about 18 to 14 hours can be maintained, and the dark and light cycles can be repeated on a daily basis. The luminous intensity of light corresponding to the visible light wavelength band in the light cycle is 50 to 80 μmol / m 2 / s (PPFD), for example, 69.8 μmol / m 2 / s.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, during the photoperiod after planting, the plant may be irradiated with light having the spectrum shown in Figure 3b or 3c. The light having the spectrum shown in Figure 3b may be realized by turning on only the first light source, and the light having the spectrum shown in Figure 3c may be realized by turning on both the first and second light sources.

[0065] The light emitted in Fig. 3b or Fig. 3c is emitted during different intervals. Here, "interval" refers to a time interval. For example, light corresponding to Fig. 3b may be emitted during some intervals, and light corresponding to Fig. 3c may be emitted during the remaining intervals excluding the certain intervals. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the interval during which light corresponding to Fig. 3b is emitted will be referred to as "interval 1," and the interval during which light corresponding to Fig. 3c is emitted will be referred to as "interval 2." To reiterate, only the first light source may be turned on during interval 1, and both the first and second light sources may be turned on during interval 2.

[0066] Here, the first and second periods are periods during which light including a visible light wavelength band is emitted, and refer to predetermined periods under a light cycle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second period corresponds to a period shorter than the first period.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 3b, a light source according to an embodiment of the present invention may emit light having peaks with narrow half-widths at predetermined wavelengths rather than emitting light throughout the entire wavelength band at the same level throughout the first section. For example, the light source may have peaks with narrow half-widths and relatively higher intensities at approximately 660 nm and 450 nm, which are considered to be primarily used for photosynthesis. Approximately 660 nm and 450 nm correspond to red and blue, respectively. In addition to the red and blue peaks, blue and multiple peaks lower than the blue peaks may also be provided. In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the light corresponding to the first section before and after planting may have substantially similar spectra, although they may not be identical. However, the intensities of the light corresponding to the first section before and after planting may differ. For example, a plant may be irradiated with light of higher intensity after planting than before planting. In one embodiment of the present invention, the light intensity during the light cycle is 50 to 80 μmol / m 2 / s (PPFD), for example, 69.8 μmol / m 2 / s.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3c, a light source according to an embodiment of the present invention has a spectrum similar to that of light irradiated in the first section in some wavelength bands within the second section, but a spectrum different from that of light irradiated in the first section in some wavelength bands. Here, rather than emitting light in the entire wavelength band at the same level in the second section, the light source may irradiate light having a peak with a narrow half-width at a predetermined wavelength. For example, the light source may have peaks with a narrow half-width and relatively higher intensity at approximately 660 nm and approximately 450 nm, which are considered to be primarily used for photosynthesis. Furthermore, the spectrum of the light source may have a peak with a relatively higher intensity in a wavelength band other than visible light, such as the ultraviolet wavelength band. In one embodiment of the present invention, the spectrum of the light source has a peak with a narrow half-width in a wavelength band of approximately 300 nm or less. In one embodiment of the present invention, the spectrum of the light source may have a peak with a narrow half-width at approximately 285 nm. The light source in the second section may have a spectrum in the visible light wavelength band that is the same or similar to that in the first section. That is, visible light can be provided in a state where the light in the wavelength band remains unchanged, but light in a wavelength band other than visible light, for example, light in the ultraviolet wavelength band (for example, ultraviolet B wavelength band) is added.

[0069] The spectrum of the light source in each of the first and second sections can be realized by driving the light source shown in FIG. 1. In particular, the spectrum can be realized by independently and selectively turning on or off the first and second light sources. For example, the light source shown in FIG. 1 can be used, but only the first light source can be turned on in the first section. When the first light source is turned on, the light source can emit light in the visible wavelength band, for example, light with the spectrum shown in FIG. 3b. In the second section, both the first and second light sources are turned on. When the first and second light sources are turned on, the light source can emit light in the visible wavelength band and the ultraviolet wavelength band, for example, light with the spectrum shown in FIG. 3c.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second zones can be arranged in various ways depending on the plant growth period and harvest time. For example, the first zone can be arranged after planting and before harvest. The second zone can be arranged adjacent to the first zone and just before harvest in the overall schedule. In other words, the first zone can follow after planting, and the second zone can be arranged at a time other than the first zone just before harvest. The plants are then harvested. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second zone can be arranged between the first zones for one to three days just before harvest.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, plants can be grown under alternating light and dark cycles for about 20 days after planting, and in this case, the light cycle can correspond to Period 1. Then, in the light cycle on the 21st day after planting, Period 1 and Period 2 follow in sequence, or Period 2 and Period 1 follow in sequence. If the light cycle on the 21st day is 16 hours, Period 1 can last for about 13 hours, and Period 2 can last for the remaining 3 hours. Alternatively, Period 2 can last for 3 hours, and Period 1 can last for 13 hours.

[0072] This can be explained again as follows. A light source according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used for plant cultivation by being turned on or off according to the light cycle and dark cycle of the plant. The light source for plant cultivation according to an embodiment of the present invention is turned on during the light cycle and emits light having a spectrum consisting of multiple peaks to the plant. The light emitted from the light source includes light in a wavelength band for increasing the content of a predetermined substance in the plant.

[0073] At least one of the light peaks emitted in the second section of the light cycle is not provided in the first section, which precedes or follows the second section. That is, light corresponding to an ultraviolet wavelength band, for example, a wavelength band of 300 nm or less, is emitted in the second section but not in the first section. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one peak provided in the second section but not in the first section may have a wavelength of about 280 nm to about 295 nm, for example, a wavelength of 285 nm.

[0074] The remaining peaks, excluding at least one peak that is provided in the second section but not in the first section, may be located in a visible light wavelength band and may be provided in both the second section and the first section. The remaining peaks, excluding at least one peak that is provided in the second section but not in the first section, may include peaks provided in a blue wavelength band and a red wavelength band. The remaining peaks, excluding at least one peak that is provided in the second section but not in the first section, may appear at substantially the same wavelengths as each other.

[0075] In one embodiment of the invention, the second section is placed immediately prior to harvesting the plants and may be applied for less than about 6 hours, for example, the second section may be applied for about 3 hours.

[0076] In one embodiment of the invention, the light emitted to the plants during the second time interval is continuous light.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, in order to emit the above-mentioned light to plants, a light source may have the structure shown in Figures 1 and 2. The light source may include a plurality of light emitting diodes emitting light of different wavelengths, and the light emitting diodes may be combined in various forms to emit light having the above-mentioned spectrum. For example, the first light source and the second light source in Figure 1 may each independently include one or more light emitting diodes.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when a light source for plant cultivation is used, it is possible to independently provide a growth environment suitable for each type of plant even under conditions where sunlight is insufficient or the plant cannot receive sunlight, and it is also possible to easily cultivate plants with high contents of effective substances.

[0079] Example

[0080] 1. Plant growth and light treatment conditions

[0081] In the following examples, experiments were conducted using kale, a plant of the Cruciferae family, as an example. The kale was grown for a total of 31 days and harvested on the 32nd day. The kale growth conditions used in the experimental examples are shown in Figure 4. For ease of explanation, the section in which light corresponding to Figure 3b is emitted is designated as Section 1, and the section in which light corresponding to Figure 3c is emitted is designated as Section 2. Other characteristics will be described separately.

[0082] Referring to Figure 4, the control group was first described. Kale seeds were germinated in a dark cycle for two days after sowing. In other words, to grow the kale, kale seeds were first sown in a cultivation sponge and germinated in a dark cycle for about two days.

[0083] From the third day after sowing until the ninth day, the kale was grown under a light and dark cycle, which corresponds to the illumination period before planting. The kale was irradiated with light having the spectrum shown in Figure 3a, with an intensity of approximately 69.8 μmol / m during the light cycle. 2 After germination, the plants were given only purified water until transplanting.

[0084] The grown shoots were planted in a DFT (deep-flow technique) hydroponic cultivation system on the 10th day. After planting, the kale was grown in a nutrient solution under a light and dark cycle. The nutrient solution used was Hoagland stock solution, and the pH was maintained at 5.5 to 6.5. For 21 days after planting, a 24-hour light and dark cycle was provided, with a 16-hour light cycle and an 8-hour dark cycle maintained within the 24-hour day. The kale was irradiated with light having the spectrum shown in Figure 3b, with a light intensity of approximately 152.8 μmol / m 2 The light was irradiated at a luminous intensity of 1 / s PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density).

[0085] The control group was exposed to light corresponding to Figure 3b during the light cycle until 30 days after planting.

[0086] In treatment group 1, the plants were exposed to light under the same conditions as the control group until the 29th day after planting. However, on the 30th day, the plants were exposed to light with the spectrum shown in Figures 3b and 3c under a constant light cycle.

[0087] In treatment group 2, plants were exposed to light under the same conditions as the control group until 28 days after planting. However, on days 29 and 30, plants were exposed to light with the spectra shown in Figures 3b and 3c under constant conditions under a light cycle. Here, light with the spectrum shown in Figure 3c was applied continuously for two days during a 16-hour light cycle.

[0088] In treatment group 3, plants were exposed to light under the same conditions as the control group until day 27 after planting. However, from day 28 to day 30, plants were exposed to light with the spectrum shown in Figures 3b and 3c under consistent conditions under a light cycle. Here, light with the spectrum shown in Figure 3c was applied in a flickering pattern for a specified period, with 5 minutes of light followed by a 75-minute rest period repeated over three days within a 16-hour light cycle until the end of the light cycle.

[0089] 2. Comparison of active substance content between UVA and UVB irradiation

[0090] In this experiment, we observed the effects of light irradiation on plants in the second range of the light source. The light used in the second range of this experiment had essentially the same spectrum as Figure 3b in the visible light wavelength band, except that it had spectra corresponding to UV-A and UV-B in the UV wavelength band.

[0091] Figure 5 illustrates the experimental conditions in this example, corresponding to the control group and treatment group 2 in Figure 4. Specifically, in Figure 5, Comparative Example 1 corresponds to the control group in Figure 4, and was maintained under an 8-hour dark cycle and a 16-hour light cycle for the last two days before harvest. Experimental Examples 1 and 2 correspond to treatment group 2 in Figure 4, respectively. In Experimental Example 1, light was used that had a peak corresponding to UV-B in the UV wavelength band in the spectrum shown in Figure 3c, while in Experimental Example 2, light was used that had a peak corresponding to UV-A in the UV wavelength band in the spectrum shown in Figure 3c. The light intensities of UV-A and UV-B were set to be different so that the total energy amounts were the same. In this example, the total energy amounts and light intensities of UV-A and UV-B exclude visible light and are values ​​corresponding to the UV wavelength band, with UV-B having a total energy amount of 11.52 kJ / m 2 , light intensity 10 μW / cm 2 UV-A is irradiated with a total energy of 1.152 kJ / m 2 , light intensity 1000 μW / cm 2 Irradiated with.

[0092] 6a to 6c are graphs showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents, respectively, of kale harvested 31 days after sowing after light treatment under the above-mentioned conditions.

[0093] As shown in Figures 6a-6c, when UV-A and UV-B were applied to plants, both types of radiation increased the amount of active substances in the plants. However, even though the plants were irradiated with the same energy, when UV-B was applied to the plants, the amount of active substances was significantly higher than when UV-A was applied to the plants.

[0094] This shows that it is more advantageous to use UV-B as the light that increases the content of active substances, compared to UV-A and UV-B. Below, we conducted experiments to determine the content of active substances and whether or not there was any damage to plants, using UV-B as the standard.

[0095] 3. Comparison of plant damage and active substance content depending on UVB irradiation dose

[0096] In this experiment, we observed whether plant damage occurred depending on the duration of light exposure. The light used in the second section of this experiment had a peak corresponding to the visible light wavelength band and UV-B, and had a spectrum substantially identical to that shown in Figure 3c.

[0097] FIG. 7 illustrates the experimental conditions in this example, and corresponds to the control group and treatment group 1 in FIG. 4. Specifically, in FIG. 7, Comparative Example 2 corresponds to the control group in FIG. 4, and was maintained under an 8-hour dark cycle and a 16-hour light cycle for the last two days before harvest. Experimental Examples 3 and 4 correspond to treatment group 1 in FIG. 4, but in Experimental Example 3, the light shown in FIG. 3c was applied for 3 hours under a light cycle, and in Experimental Example 4, it was applied for 6 hours under a light cycle. The total energy amount excludes visible light and is a value corresponding to the ultraviolet wavelength band. In this example, the total energy amount of ultraviolet-B in Experimental Example 3 was 1.08 kJ / m 2 The total energy of UV-B in Experimental Example 4 was 2.16 kJ / m 2 It was.

[0098] 8a to 8d are photographs illustrating the experimental results of Comparative Example 2, Experimental Example 3, and Experimental Example 4. In each photograph, the kale on the left corresponds to the control group. The photograph on the right of FIG. 8a is a photograph of kale one day after application of light according to the light conditions disclosed in Experimental Example 3, and the photograph on the right of FIG. 8b is a photograph of kale one day after application of light according to the light conditions disclosed in Experimental Example 4. The photograph on the right of FIG. 8c is a photograph of kale four days after application of light according to the light conditions disclosed in Experimental Example 3, and the photograph on the right of FIG. 8d is a photograph of kale four days after application of light according to the light conditions disclosed in Experimental Example 4.

[0099] 8a to 8d, when UVB light was applied for 3 hours, no damage to the plants was observed after 1 day, but after 4 days, curling and browning of the leaves was observed in kale exposed to 6 hours of light. This confirmed that UVB light applied for longer than a certain period of time, for example, 6 hours or more, can cause damage to plants.

[0100] 9a to 9c are graphs showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents in kale harvested 31 days after sowing in Comparative Example 2, Experimental Example 3, and Experimental Example 4, respectively.

[0101] Referring to Figures 9a-9c, when UV-B was applied to plants, at least the active ingredients were maintained or the content of the active ingredients was further increased. However, there was no direct trend of whether the active ingredients increased or were maintained to a significant degree depending on the UVB light irradiation time. For example, in the case of chlorophyll, it was found that the chlorophyll content in Experimental Example 3 was significantly increased compared to the control group, but in Experimental Example 4, it was difficult to see that the chlorophyll content increased significantly compared to the control group compared to Experimental Example 3. In the case of flavonols, it was confirmed that the flavonol content in both Experimental Examples 3 and 4 was significantly increased compared to the control group. However, in the case of anthocyanins, it was difficult to see that there was a significant change in Experimental Example 3 compared to the control group, and it was confirmed that the anthocyanin content in Experimental Example 4 was significantly increased.

[0102] Through this experiment, approximately 2.16 kJ / m 2 It was confirmed that if plants are exposed to UVB for more than 6 hours, with the amount of energy applied, the plants may be damaged by the light irradiation.

[0103] 4. Comparison of plant damage and active substance content due to continuous and pulsed UVB irradiation

[0104] In this experiment, the effects of continuous or flickering light on plants were observed.

[0105] Figure 10 illustrates the experimental conditions for this example, corresponding to the control group and treatment group 3 in Figure 4. Specifically, in Figure 10, Comparative Example 3 corresponds to the control group in Figure 4, and was maintained under an 8-hour dark cycle and a 16-hour light cycle for the last two days before harvest. Experimental Examples 5 and 6 correspond to treatment group 3 in Figure 4, except that in Experimental Example 5, light with the spectrum shown in Figure 3c was irradiated for 3 hours under a light cycle, followed by light with the spectrum shown in Figure 3b for 13 hours under a light cycle for the remaining period. This light irradiation regime was repeated for three days. In Experimental Example 6, light with the spectrum shown in Figure 3c was provided for 3 hours under a light cycle, with 5 minutes of light followed by a 75-minute rest period within a 16-hour light cycle, repeated until the end of the light cycle. This light irradiation regime was repeated for three days. Therefore, the total light application time and total energy applied were the same in Experimental Examples 5 and 6. The total energy amount excludes visible light and corresponds to the ultraviolet wavelength range. In this example, the total energy amount of ultraviolet B in Experimental Examples 5 and 6 was 1.08 kJ / m 2 It was.

[0106] 11a and 11b are photographs illustrating the experimental results of Comparative Example 3, Experimental Example 5, and Experimental Example 6. In each of FIGS. 11a and 11b, the kale on the left side of each photograph corresponds to the control group. The photograph on the right side of FIG. 11a is a photograph of kale harvested after applying light according to the light conditions disclosed in Experimental Example 5, and the photograph on the right side of FIG. 11b is a photograph of kale harvested after applying light according to the light conditions disclosed in Experimental Example 6.

[0107] Referring to Figures 11a and 11b, in Experiment 5, where light was irradiated continuously for three hours, there was almost no damage to the kale. However, in Experiment 6, where light was irradiated flickering for three hours, the kale leaves curled and some color change was observed. This confirmed that continuous UVB irradiation is safer for plants than flickering irradiation.

[0108] 12a to 12c are graphs showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents of kale harvested 31 days after sowing in Comparative Example 3, Experimental Example 5, and Experimental Example 6, respectively.

[0109] Referring to Figures 12a to 12c, the content of active ingredients varied slightly depending on whether light was applied continuously or flickering, depending on the active ingredient. In Experimental Example 5, there was no significant difference in chlorophyll content compared to the control, but in Experimental Example 6, the chlorophyll content significantly increased compared to the control. In Experimental Example 5 and Experimental Example 6, the flavonol content significantly increased compared to the control. In Experimental Example 5, the anthocyanin content significantly increased compared to the control, but in Experimental Example 6, the anthocyanin content increased compared to the control, but the difference was not significant. Nevertheless, there was a clear tendency for the content of active ingredients to increase with light irradiation itself, and it was found that continuous light irradiation had a greater effect on increasing active ingredients than flickering light irradiation.

[0110] 5. Whether or not the content of active substances increases when irradiated with UVB under a dark cycle

[0111] In this experiment, we observed the effects on plants when UVB light was irradiated during a dark cycle and a light cycle.

[0112] Figure 13 illustrates the experimental conditions in this example, corresponding to the control group and treatment group 1 in Figure 4. Specifically, in Figure 13, Comparative Example 4 corresponds to the control group in Figure 4, and was maintained under an 8-hour dark cycle and a 16-hour light cycle on the last day before harvest. Experimental Examples 7 and 8 correspond to treatment group 1 in Figure 4, respectively. However, in Experimental Example 7, light with a spectrum corresponding to UVB was irradiated for 3 hours under a dark cycle, and light with a spectrum corresponding to Figure 3b was irradiated for 16 hours under a light cycle. Here, only UVB was irradiated under the dark cycle, and no light in the visible wavelength range was irradiated. (The second period in which UVB was provided is marked *.) In Experimental Example 8, light with a spectrum corresponding to Figure 3c was irradiated for 3 hours under the light cycle, and light with a spectrum corresponding to Figure 3b was irradiated for the remaining 13 hours under the light cycle. The total energy disclosed in Figure 13 excludes visible light and is the value corresponding to the ultraviolet wavelength range. In this example, the total energy of UVB in Experimental Examples 7 and 8 was 1.08 kJ / m 2 It was.

[0113] 14a to 14d are photographs illustrating the experimental results of Comparative Example 4, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8. In FIGS. 14a to 14d, the kale on the left side of each photograph corresponds to the control group. The photograph on the right side of FIG. 14a is a photograph of kale one day after application of light according to the light conditions disclosed in Experimental Example 7, and the photograph on the right side of FIG. 14b is a photograph of kale one day after application of light according to the light conditions disclosed in Experimental Example 8. The photograph on the right side of FIG. 14c is a photograph of kale four days after application of light according to the light conditions disclosed in Experimental Example 7, and the photograph on the right side of FIG. 14d is a photograph of kale four days after application of light according to the light conditions disclosed in Experimental Example 8.

[0114] 14a to 14d, when plants were exposed to UVB light during the dark cycle, no damage to the plants was observed after one day, but after four days, kale showed signs of leaf curling and browning. When plants were exposed to UVB light during the light cycle, no damage was observed after either one or four days. This confirms that UVB is more likely to cause damage to plants during the dark cycle than during the light cycle.

[0115] 15a to 15c are graphs showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents in kale harvested 31 days after sowing in Comparative Example 4, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8, respectively.

[0116] 15a to 15c, when UV-B light was applied to plants under light and dark cycles, the content of chlorophyll and flavonol among the active ingredients increased significantly. However, no significant increase in the content of the active ingredients was observed in the case of anthocyanins.

[0117] 6. Whether or not the content of active substances in various cruciferous plants increases when irradiated with UVB under a photoperiod

[0118] In this experiment, we observed the effects of UVB light on cruciferous plants when it was not irradiated and when it was irradiated in a light cycle. For this purpose, in the following examples, additional experiments were conducted on vitamin C, green mustard, and broccoli, which are cruciferous plants.

[0119] FIG. 16 illustrates the experimental conditions in this example, and the comparative example and experimental example correspond to comparative example 4 and experimental example 7 in FIG. 13, respectively, and the experimental conditions are the same.

[0120] Figures 17a to 17c are graphs showing the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents, respectively, of vitamin greens, green mustard, and broccoli harvested 31 days after sowing in the comparative example and experimental example conducted under the experimental conditions of Figure 16.

[0121] 17a-17c, in the experimental example where UVB was irradiated during the light cycle, the chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin contents all increased compared to the control example where no irradiation was performed. In particular, a significant increase in chlorophyll content was observed in Vitamin Sai and Green Mustard when UVB was irradiated during the light cycle, while a significant increase in flavonol content was observed in Vitamin Sai, Green Mustard, and Broccoli when UVB was irradiated during the light cycle. In the case of anthocyanin content, a significant increase, though not significant, was observed in Vitamin Sai, Green Mustard, and Broccoli.

[0122] 18a to 18c are photographs illustrating the experimental results of the comparative example and the experimental example, which were conducted under the experimental conditions of FIG.

[0123] Referring to Figures 18a to 18c, in the experimental example where UVB was irradiated during the light cycle, no particular changes in appearance, such as leaf curling, browning, or withering, were observed compared to the comparative example where no irradiation was performed.

[0124] As can be seen from the above examples, a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention can harvest plants with a high content of active ingredients by irradiating adult plants with light of a specific wavelength in a specific form for a specific period of time.

[0125] The light source according to one embodiment of the present invention can be used for plant cultivation, and can be applied to a plant cultivation device, a greenhouse, etc. in which a light source is installed.

[0126] Fig. 19 is a conceptual diagram of a cultivation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cultivation device shown in Fig. 19 is a small-sized cultivation device as an example, and is not limited to this.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 19, a cultivation apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to grow plants. The light source 30 is provided in the housing 60 and emits light.

[0128] The housing 60 provides a space inside in which plants can be planted and grown. The housing 60 may be provided in a box shape that can block external light. In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 60 may include a lower case 61 that is open upward and an upper case 63 that is also open downward. The lower case 61 and the upper case 63 may be fastened to form a box shape that blocks external light.

[0129] The lower case 61 includes a bottom and a sidewall extending upward from the bottom. The upper case 63 includes a cover and a sidewall extending downward from the cover. The sidewalls of the lower case 61 and the upper case 63 may have a structure in which they are interlocked and fastened to each other. The lower case 61 and the upper case 63 can be fastened or separated according to the user's intention, allowing the user to open and close the housing 60.

[0130] The housing 60 may have various shapes. For example, it may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape or a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the housing 60 is not limited thereto, and it may have other shapes.

[0131] The housing 60 provides an environment in which plants can grow. The housing 60 can be sized to accommodate multiple plants even when they are planted and growing. Furthermore, the size of the housing 60 can be changed depending on the use of the plant cultivation device 100. For example, if the plant cultivation device 100 is used for small-scale plant cultivation at home, the size of the housing 60 can be relatively small. If the plant cultivation device 100 is used for commercial plant cultivation and sales, the size of the housing 60 can be relatively large.

[0132] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 60 can block light so that light from outside the housing 60 does not enter the housing 60. Therefore, the inside of the housing 60 can provide a darkroom environment isolated from the outside. This can prevent external light from unnecessarily irradiating the plants inside the housing 60. In particular, the housing 60 can prevent external visible light from irradiating the plants. However, in some cases, the housing 60 can be designed so that a portion of the housing 60 is open to allow the plants to be exposed to external light.

[0133] In this embodiment, the space inside the housing 60 may be one. However, this is for convenience of explanation, and the space inside the housing 60 may be divided into multiple sections. In other words, partitions may be provided inside the housing 60 to divide the space inside the housing 60 into multiple sections.

[0134] The light source irradiates light onto plants in the space within the housing 60. The light source is provided on the inner surface of the upper case 63 or the lower case 61. In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source may be provided on the cover of the upper case 63. In this embodiment, the light source is provided on the inner surface of the cover of the upper case 63 as an example, but is not limited to this. For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, the light source may be provided on the side wall of the upper case 63. Alternatively, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the light source may be provided on the side wall of the lower case 61, for example, on the upper part of the side wall. Alternatively, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the light source may be provided in at least one of the cover of the upper case 63, the side wall of the upper case 63, and the side wall of the lower case 61.

[0135] A cultivation table 70 may be provided in the space within the housing 60 to facilitate plant cultivation, for example, to facilitate hydroponics. The cultivation table 70 may be composed of a plate 71 spaced apart from the bottom of the housing 60 toward the top. The plate 71 may have through-holes 73 of a certain size. The cultivation table 70 is used to place plants on the upper surface of the plate 71 to grow them, and may have a plurality of through-holes 73 formed therein to allow water to drain when water is supplied. The through-holes 73 may be formed to a size that prevents the plants from flowing downward. For example, the diameter of the through-holes 73 may be smaller than the plants. The space between the cultivation table 70 and the bottom of the lower case 61 may function as a water tank for collecting drained water. Thus, water drained downward through the through-holes 73 of the cultivation table 70 may be collected in the space between the bottom of the lower case 61 and the cultivation table 70.

[0136] However, according to one embodiment of the present invention, grasses can be cultivated by methods other than hydroponics. In this case, the space inside the housing 60 can be provided with water, a culture medium, soil, etc. so that the grasses can receive the moisture and / or nutrients they need, and the housing 60 can function as a container. The culture medium, soil, etc. can contain nutrients for plant growth, such as potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), etc. ), iron (Fe), etc. Depending on the type of plant, the plant may be provided buried in the medium or placed on the surface of the medium.

[0137] The size and shape of the cultivation table 70 may vary depending on the shape of the housing 60 and the installation form of the first light source and the second light source. The size and shape of the cultivation table 70 may be configured so that the plants placed on the cultivation table 70 are within the irradiation range of the light emitted from the first light source and the second light source.

[0138] A water supplying device for supplying water to plants may be provided within the housing 60. The water supplying device may be provided on the upper part of the housing 60, for example, on the inner surface of the cover of the upper case 63, and configured to spray water onto the cultivation bed 70 of the housing 60. However, the form of the water supplying device is not limited to the above and may vary depending on the shape of the housing 60 and the arrangement of the cultivation bed 70. Also, a user may directly supply water into the housing 60 without providing a separate water supplying device.

[0139] One or more water supply devices may be provided. The number of water supply devices may vary depending on the size of the housing. For example, a relatively small home-use plant cultivation device may have only one water supply device because the housing is small. Conversely, a relatively large commercial plant cultivation device may have multiple water supply devices because the housing is large. However, the number of water supply devices is not limited to this, and various numbers and locations of water supply devices may be provided.

[0140] The water supply device can be connected to a water tank provided in the housing 60 or a water faucet outside the housing 60. The water supply device may further include a filtration device to prevent contaminants suspended in the water from adhering to the plants. The filtration device may include a filter such as activated carbon or nonwoven fabric, thereby purifying the water that passes through the filtration device. The filtration device may also include an optical filter, which can irradiate the water with ultraviolet light or the like to remove germs, bacteria, mold spores, and the like present in the water. By including the above-mentioned filtration device in the water supply device, there is no risk of contamination of the inside of the housing 60 or the plants, even when recycling water or using rainwater or the like immediately for cultivation.

[0141] The water provided by the water supplying device may be water itself (e.g., purified water) without additional nutrients, but is not limited thereto and may contain nutrients necessary for plant growth. For example, the water may contain substances such as potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, chloride (Cl), etc. For example, Sachs' solution, Knop's solution, Hoagland's solution, Hewitt's solution, etc. may be supplied from the water supplying device.

[0142] According to one embodiment of the present invention, plants can be grown using the light source.

[0143] A method for cultivating plants according to one embodiment of the present invention may include germinating plant seeds and irradiating the germinated plants with light in the visible light wavelength band. The light irradiated to the plants is emitted from a light source according to the above-described embodiment, and the light in the visible light wavelength band may include at least two or three light beams, first to fourth light beams, having different optical spectra.

[0144] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is understood that a person skilled in the art or with ordinary knowledge in the art can make various modifications and changes to the present invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

[0145] Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the detailed description of the specification, but should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. In a light source for plant cultivation that is turned on or off according to the light cycle and dark cycle of the plant, The light source for plant cultivation is turned on during a light cycle to emit light having a spectrum consisting of multiple peaks to the plant, thereby increasing the content of a predetermined substance in the plant; If a part of the bright cycle is a first section and the remaining section is a second section, At least one of the light peaks emitted in a second section of the light cycle is not provided in a first section that precedes or follows the second section; The remaining peaks, excluding at least one peak that is provided in the second section but not provided in the first section, appear at substantially the same wavelength in the second section and the first section.

2. The light source for cultivating plants according to claim 1 , wherein at least one peak provided in the second section but not provided in the first section appears at a wavelength of about 300 nm or less.

3. 3. The light source for cultivating plants according to claim 2, wherein at least one peak provided in the second section but not provided in the first section has a wavelength of about 280 nm to about 295 nm.

4. The light source for cultivating plants according to claim 3 , wherein the second section is shorter than the first section.

5. The light source for cultivating plants according to claim 4 , wherein the second period is provided for approximately six hours.

6. The light source for cultivating plants according to claim 3 , wherein the light source continuously emits light during the second period.

7. The light source for cultivating plants according to claim 1 , wherein the plant is a cruciferous plant.

8. The light source for plant cultivation according to claim 7, wherein the cruciferous plant is at least one of red radish, red cabbage sprouts, turnip, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, flowering radish, rapeseed, kohlrabi, bok choy, mustard greens, vitamin greens, kale, and red cabbage.

9. 2. The light source for cultivating plants according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined substance is at least one of chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin.

10. The light source for cultivating plants according to claim 1 , wherein the remaining peaks, excluding at least one peak that is provided in the second section but not in the first section, are provided in a visible light wavelength band.

11. 11. The light source for cultivating plants according to claim 10, wherein the remaining peaks excluding at least one peak provided in the second section but not provided in the first section include peaks provided in each of a blue wavelength band and a red wavelength band.

12. The light source for plant cultivation according to claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes emitting light of different wavelengths.

13. 13. The light source for plant cultivation according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes include a first light emitting diode that emits light corresponding to at least one peak that is provided in the second section but not provided in the first section, and a second light emitting diode that emits light corresponding to the remaining peaks excluding the at least one peak.

14. a housing in which a plant is planted, a light source provided in the housing for irradiating the plant with light, and a control unit for controlling the light source; the light source is turned on or off according to the light cycle and dark cycle of the plant, and is turned on during the light cycle to irradiate the plant with light having a spectrum consisting of a plurality of peaks to increase the content of a predetermined substance in the plant, and at least one of the peaks of the light emitted during a second period of the light cycle is not provided in a first period that precedes or follows the second period, and the remaining peaks, excluding at least one peak that is provided in the second period but not in the first period, appear at substantially the same wavelength in the second period and the first period.

15. 15. The plant cultivation device of claim 14, wherein at least one peak provided in the second section but not provided in the first section appears at a wavelength of approximately 300 nm or less.

16. The plant cultivation device according to claim 14, wherein the control unit controls the dark cycle and the light cycle to be repeated on a daily basis.

17. 15. The plant cultivation device according to claim 14, wherein the plant is kale of the Cruciferae family, and the predetermined substance is at least one of chlorophyll, flavonol, and anthocyanin.

18. The stage of germinating plant seeds, growing said germinated seeds into sprouts; planting the sprouts and growing them to adulthood; and Immediately before harvesting the adult plant, light is irradiated to increase the content of a predetermined substance in the plant; Including, The step of irradiating the adults with light before harvesting the adults comprises irradiating the adults with light with a spectrum having multiple peaks during a light cycle. and emitting light having the formula: a part of the light cycle is designated as a first section and the remaining section is designated as a second section, and at least one of the peaks of the light emitted in the second section of the light cycle is not provided in the first section that precedes or follows the second section, and the remaining peaks, excluding at least one peak that is provided in the second section but not in the first section, appear at substantially the same wavelength in the second section and the first section.

19. 20. The plant cultivation method of claim 18, wherein the light emitted in the second period of the light cycle is provided continuously.

20. 19. The plant cultivation method according to claim 18, wherein the light emitted in the second period of the light cycle has a wavelength band corresponding to UVB.

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