Artificial weather apparatus and cultivation method for grasses

Abstract

To provide an artificial weather apparatus and a method for cultivating grasses that can accurately verify the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on grasses. [Solution] The artificial weather apparatus 1 comprises a cultivation chamber 2 capable of cultivating grasses P, a light source 3, an air conditioning unit 4, a control unit 5, and a plasma irradiation unit 6. The light source 3 irradiates light onto the grasses P in the cultivation chamber 2. The air conditioning unit 4 adjusts the temperature and humidity of the cultivation chamber 2. The control unit 5 controls the light source 3 and the air conditioning unit 4. The plasma irradiation unit 6 irradiates atmospheric pressure plasma onto the grasses P.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an artificial weather device and a method for cultivating gramineous plants.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a method for producing rice having a plasma irradiation step of irradiating rice with atmospheric pressure plasma is known. The method for producing rice described in Patent Document 1 controls the increase or decrease in the proportion of white core rice by irradiating rice with atmospheric pressure plasma.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the method for producing rice described in Patent Document 1, rice is planted in a paddy field. Therefore, for example, when producing rice in a paddy field in another region, even if the plasma irradiation step is carried out under the same conditions for the rice, the proportion of white core rice may change due to differences in the weather around the paddy field. Therefore, from the viewpoint of accurately verifying the influence of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on rice, it can be said that there is room for further improvement.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and aims to provide an artificial weather device and a method for cultivating gramineous plants that can accurately verify the influence of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on gramineous plants.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a cultivation chamber capable of cultivating gramineous plants, A light source for irradiating the grass plants in the cultivation room, An air conditioning unit that adjusts the temperature and humidity of the cultivation room, A control unit that controls the light source and the air conditioning unit, A plasma irradiation unit that irradiates the aforementioned grass plant with atmospheric pressure plasma, It is located in an artificial weather apparatus equipped with this feature.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for cultivating grasses using the artificial weather apparatus, The control unit controls the light irradiation by the light source and the temperature and humidity adjustment by the air conditioning unit based on preset profiles of light irradiation to the grass plants, the temperature of the cultivation room, and the humidity of the cultivation room. The present invention relates to a method for cultivating grasses, comprising irradiating the grasses, which are being cultivated under meteorological conditions in the cultivation chamber controlled by the control unit, with atmospheric pressure plasma. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The artificial weather apparatus controls the light source and air conditioning unit via a control unit and also includes a plasma irradiation unit. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate grasses being cultivated under predetermined weather conditions with atmospheric pressure plasma. As a result, the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on grasses can be verified with high accuracy.

[0009] In the aforementioned method for cultivating grasses, atmospheric pressure plasma is irradiated onto the grasses being cultivated under meteorological conditions controlled by the control unit. Therefore, the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on grasses can be verified with high accuracy.

[0010] As described above, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to provide an artificial weather apparatus and a method for cultivating grasses that can accurately verify the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on grasses. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]Schematic configuration diagram of the artificial weather device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the plasma irradiation unit in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Graph showing the temperature in the cultivation room in Experimental Example 1. [Figure 4] Graph showing the humidity in the cultivation room in Experimental Example 1. [Figure 5] Graph showing the illuminance in the cultivation room in Experimental Example 1. [Figure 6] Graph showing the carbon dioxide concentration in the cultivation room in Experimental Example 1. [Figure 7] [[ID=ID=18]]Graph showing the pH of the cultivation water in Experimental Example 1. [Figure 8] Graph showing the water level of the cultivation water in Experimental Example 1. [Figure 9] Graph showing the water temperature of the cultivation water in Experimental Example 1. [Figure 10] Graph showing the ratio of white-core rice, etc. when Yamada Nishiki is cultivated in the field in Experimental Example 1. [Figure 11] Graph showing the ratio of white-core rice, etc. when Yamada Nishiki is cultivated in the artificial weather device in Experimental Example 1. [Figure 12] Photo of the brown rice of Yamada Nishiki used when measuring the white-core formation state in Experimental Example 1. [Figure 13] Graph showing the white-core formation state of brown rice for each plasma irradiation condition in Experimental Example 1. [Figure 14] Schematic configuration diagram of the artificial weather device in Embodiment 2.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] In the artificial weather device, the control unit can be configured to control the irradiation of atmospheric pressure plasma on the gramineous plants by the plasma irradiation unit. In this case, the irradiation of atmospheric pressure plasma on the gramineous plants can be executed without the need for an operator. As a result, by automating the plasma irradiation, the influence of the atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on the gramineous plants can be verified efficiently and with high accuracy.

[0013] The artificial weather apparatus may further include a camera for monitoring the grass plants, and the control unit may be configured to control the irradiation of atmospheric pressure plasma to the grass plants by the plasma irradiation unit based on images captured by the camera. In this case, the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on the grass plants can be verified more efficiently.

[0014] The camera can be configured to image the spikelets of the grass plant, and the control unit can be configured to control the irradiation of atmospheric pressure plasma to the spikelets or caryocarps of the grass plant by the plasma irradiation unit after a predetermined time has elapsed from the flowering time of the spikelets. In this case, the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma on the grass plant can be effectively verified in relation to the flowering time of the spikelets and the timing of irradiation with atmospheric pressure plasma.

[0015] The control unit may be configured to control the light irradiation by the light source and the temperature and humidity adjustments by the air conditioning unit based on preset profiles of light irradiation to the grass plants, the temperature of the cultivation room, and the humidity of the cultivation room. In this case, the cultivation environment can be more effectively set to the desired weather conditions, and the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on grass plants can be verified with greater accuracy.

[0016] The artificial weather apparatus may further include a water tank for housing the grass plants and storing cultivation water for growing the grass plants, a water level adjustment unit for adjusting the water level in the water tank, a pH adjustment unit for adjusting the pH of the cultivation water, and a carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit for adjusting the carbon dioxide concentration of the air in the cultivation chamber, and the control unit may be configured to control the water level adjustment unit, the pH adjustment unit, and the carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit. In this case, the cultivation environment can be made sufficiently desirable, and the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on grass plants can be verified with even greater precision.

[0017] The aforementioned method for cultivating grasses can be configured such that the control unit controls the irradiation of the grasses with atmospheric pressure plasma by the plasma irradiation unit. In this case, the irradiation of the grasses with atmospheric pressure plasma can be performed without human intervention. As a result, the automation of plasma irradiation makes it possible to verify the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on grasses efficiently and accurately.

[0018] In the aforementioned method for cultivating grasses, the artificial weather apparatus may further include a camera for monitoring the grasses, and the control unit may control the irradiation of atmospheric pressure plasma to the grasses by the plasma irradiation unit based on the image captured by the camera. In this case, the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on the grasses can be verified more efficiently.

[0019] The cultivation method for the grass species described above can involve imaging the caryophylla of the grass species with the camera, and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the flowering of the caryophylla, irradiating the caryophylla or caryocarp of the grass species with atmospheric pressure plasma using the plasma irradiation unit. In this case, the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma on the grass species can be effectively verified in relation to the flowering time of the caryophylla and the timing of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation.

[0020] In the method for cultivating grasses, the artificial climate apparatus may further include a water tank for housing the grasses and storing cultivation water for cultivating them, a water level adjustment unit for adjusting the water level in the water tank, a pH adjustment unit for adjusting the pH of the cultivation water, and a carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit for adjusting the carbon dioxide concentration of the air in the cultivation chamber, with the control unit controlling the water level adjustment unit, the pH adjustment unit, and the carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit. In this case, the cultivation environment can be made to the desired conditions, and the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on grasses can be verified with greater precision.

[0021] (Embodiment 1) Embodiments relating to an artificial climate apparatus and a method for cultivating grasses will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 1, the artificial weather apparatus 1 in this embodiment comprises a cultivation chamber 2 capable of cultivating grasses P, a light source 3, an air conditioning unit 4, a control unit 5, and a plasma irradiation unit 6. The light source 3 irradiates light onto the grasses P in the cultivation chamber 2. The air conditioning unit 4 adjusts the temperature and humidity of the cultivation chamber 2. The control unit 5 controls the light source 3 and the air conditioning unit 4. The plasma irradiation unit 6 irradiates the grasses P with atmospheric pressure plasma.

[0022] The artificial weather apparatus 1 and the cultivation method for grass plants P in this embodiment can be used, for example, as a means to improve the quality of seeds, etc., by irradiating grass plants P with atmospheric pressure plasma. Specifically, for example, it can be used as a means to control the proportion of white-cored rice by irradiating rice with atmospheric pressure plasma. White-cored rice is rice that has a white, opaque portion in the central region of the rice grain.

[0023] In this embodiment, the plasma irradiation unit 6, as shown in Figure 2, has a housing 61 and a pair of electrodes 6a and 6b. In the plasma irradiation unit 6, a gas inlet 611 for introducing gas to generate plasma is formed at one end of the housing 61, and a gas outlet 612 for irradiating the plasma to the outside is formed at the other end of the housing 61. In this embodiment, multiple gas outlets 612 are formed.

[0024] In the plasma irradiation unit 6, electrodes 6a and 6b are arranged to face each other. Plasma is generated inside the housing 61 by introducing a rare gas such as helium gas from the gas inlet 611 and applying a voltage between the pair of electrodes 6a and 6b by the voltage application unit 62.

[0025] The plasma generated in the plasma irradiation unit 6 is a non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma. Here, atmospheric pressure plasma refers to plasma at a pressure in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 atmospheres. In this embodiment, the plasma irradiation unit 6 is configured to release plasma into the atmosphere, generating ultraviolet rays, oxygen radicals, nitrogen radicals, etc. The gas used to generate the plasma can be, for example, helium gas, argon gas, etc. In this embodiment, the gas used to generate the plasma is helium gas. The density of the plasma irradiated by the plasma irradiation unit 6 is, for example, 1 × 10⁻⁶ 14 cm -3 ~1 × 10 17 cm -3 This can be achieved. The plasma temperature during plasma generation by the plasma irradiation unit 6 can be, for example, in the range of 1000 to 2500 K. Note that this plasma temperature is the temperature in the plasma generation region 6P. Therefore, by adjusting the plasma conditions and the distance from the plasma irradiation unit 6 to the grass plant P, the plasma temperature at the location of the grass plant P can be made to be approximately room temperature.

[0026] In this embodiment, the grass plant P is rice. More specifically, the grass plant P is Yamada Nishiki (a rice variety) suitable for sake brewing. Rice P has an endosperm tissue formation period and a ripening period after flowering. The scutes Pf of rice P shown in Figure 1 become carpels over time. During the endosperm tissue formation period, endosperm tissue is formed, and during the ripening period, sugar translocation and starch accumulation occur. In this embodiment, atmospheric pressure plasma is irradiated onto the rice panicle after flowering during the endosperm tissue formation period or the ripening period. Specifically, at a predetermined timing after flowering of rice P, non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma is directly irradiated onto the scutes Pf or carpels of the rice panicle. The plasma density-time product when irradiating the scutes Pf or carpels with atmospheric pressure plasma is, for example, 6 × 10⁻¹⁰ 16 sec·cm -3 ~4×10 17 sec·cm -3 This can be done. The plasma density-time product is a quantity that specifies the approximate amount of plasma products irradiated onto the caryops (Pf) or caryops.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cultivation chamber 2 has a box-like shape. Rice plants P are arranged in the containment space 20, which is the space inside the cultivation chamber 2. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall portion 21 of the cultivation chamber 2 that covers the containment space 20 from the outer periphery is translucent. The peripheral wall portion 21 can be made of, for example, acrylic resin, glass, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinyl chloride, etc.

[0028] In this embodiment, the artificial weather apparatus 1 comprises multiple cultivation chambers 2. Specifically, the artificial weather apparatus 1 comprises a first cultivation chamber 2A and a second cultivation chamber 2B as cultivation chambers 2. The first cultivation chamber 2A and the second cultivation chamber 2B have the same configuration, and the weather conditions within the containment space 20 are set to be the same for both.

[0029] In this embodiment, the light source 3 is installed at the top of the cultivation chamber 2 and irradiates the rice plants P from above. The light source 3 can be, for example, an LED light or a fluorescent lamp. In this embodiment, the light source 3 is a high-intensity LED panel.

[0030] The artificial weather apparatus 1 may also be equipped with a side light source (not shown) that irradiates the rice plants P from the side. In this case, the side light source can be installed in the cultivation chamber 2, or it can be installed outside the cultivation chamber 2. When the side light source is installed outside the cultivation chamber 2, the light from the side light source is irradiated onto the rice plants P through the translucent peripheral wall portion 21.

[0031] Furthermore, the artificial weather apparatus 1 includes an illuminance measuring unit 12 that measures the illuminance within the containment space 20. The illuminance measuring unit 12 transmits the illuminance data within the containment space 20 to the control unit 5. The illuminance measuring unit 12 can be installed, for example, at a height near the top of the rice plants P in the cultivation room 2, so as to be able to measure an illuminance approximately equivalent to the illuminance of the light irradiating the rice plants P. For example, a known illuminometer can be used as the illuminance measuring unit 12.

[0032] The air conditioning unit 4 is installed in the cultivation room 2. The air conditioning unit 4 adjusts the air environment according to the instructions of the control unit 5 so that the temperature and humidity inside the containment space 20 are predetermined. As the air conditioning unit 4, for example, a known device for adjusting the temperature and humidity of the air can be used.

[0033] The artificial weather apparatus 1 includes a temperature and humidity measuring unit 41 that measures the temperature and humidity of the air in the containment space 20. The temperature and humidity measuring unit 41 transmits the temperature and humidity data in the containment space 20 to the control unit 5. For example, a known thermometer or hygrometer can be used as the temperature and humidity measuring unit 41.

[0034] The artificial weather device 1 is further equipped with a camera 7 for monitoring rice plants P. In this embodiment, the camera 7 is a fixed-point camera installed above the cultivation room 2. The camera 7 images the spikelets Pf of the rice plants P. The camera 7 also images the rice plants P at regular time intervals and transmits the image data to the control unit. The camera 7 can, for example, image the rice plants P every 30 minutes or every hour.

[0035] The artificial weather apparatus 1 further includes a water tank WT for housing rice plants P and storing cultivation water W for growing the rice plants P, and a water level adjustment unit W1 for adjusting the water level in the water tank WT. The control unit 5 is configured to control the water level adjustment unit W1.

[0036] Rice plants P are planted in pots Pc filled with soil. In this configuration, pots Pc are Wagner pots. The pots Pc in which the rice plants P are planted are housed in a water tank WT. Water passages (not shown) are formed in the lower part of the pots Pc, and the cultivation water W in the water tank WT can move between the water tank WT and the inside of the pots Pc through these passages. In this configuration, each water tank WT houses five pots Pc.

[0037] The artificial weather apparatus 1 has a water level measuring unit W2 that measures the water level of the cultivation water W stored in the water tank WT. The water level measuring unit W2 transmits the water level data from the water tank WT to the control unit 5. The water level measuring unit W2 and the water level adjustment unit W1 are each provided in the water tank WT. For example, a known water level meter can be used as the water level measuring unit W2.

[0038] The artificial weather apparatus 1 includes a pH measuring unit Wp2 that measures the pH of the cultivation water W stored in the water tank WT. The pH measuring unit Wp2 transmits the pH data of the cultivation water W to the control unit 5. For example, a known pH meter can be used as the pH measuring unit Wp2.

[0039] The artificial weather apparatus 1 includes a cultivation water thermometer W3 that measures the temperature of the cultivation water W. The cultivation water thermometer W3 transmits the temperature data of the cultivation water W to the control unit 5. For example, a known water thermometer can be used as the cultivation water thermometer W3.

[0040] The artificial weather device 1 includes a carbon dioxide measuring unit 13 that measures the carbon dioxide concentration of the air in the containment space 20. The carbon dioxide measuring unit 13 transmits data on the carbon dioxide concentration in the air in the containment space 20 to the control unit 5. For example, a known carbon dioxide concentration meter can be used as the carbon dioxide measuring unit 13.

[0041] Furthermore, the rice plants P are cultivated under predetermined weather conditions controlled by the control unit 5. The control unit 5 is composed of a well-known microcomputer consisting of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and its peripheral circuits. A display unit 51 is connected to the control unit 5, as shown in Figure 1. The display unit 51 is configured to display images captured by the camera 7, temperature and humidity data in the containment space 20, illuminance data, etc. The artificial weather device 1 can also be equipped with multiple control units, for example. That is, for example, one of the multiple control units can control the light source 3 and the air conditioning unit 4, while the other control unit can control the camera 7, etc.

[0042] The control unit 5 is configured to control the light irradiation by the light source 3 and the temperature and humidity adjustment by the air conditioning unit 4 based on preset profiles of light irradiation to the rice plants P, the temperature of the cultivation room 2, and the humidity of the cultivation room 2. In other words, in the method of cultivating rice plants P using the artificial weather apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 5 controls the light irradiation by the light source 3 and the temperature and humidity adjustment by the air conditioning unit 4 based on preset profiles of light irradiation to the rice plants P, the temperature of the cultivation room 2, and the humidity of the cultivation room 2. In the method of cultivating rice plants P of this embodiment, atmospheric pressure plasma is irradiated onto the rice plants P being cultivated under weather conditions in the cultivation room 2 controlled by the control unit 5. In this embodiment, atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation of the rice plants P is performed by operator. Specifically, for example, at a predetermined timing after the flowering of the glumes Pf, the operator can irradiate the rice plants P with atmospheric pressure plasma by operating the plasma irradiation unit 6.

[0043] The control unit 5 controls the temperature and humidity of the air in the containment space 20 based on a preset temperature and humidity profile and data from the temperature and humidity measurement unit 41. The control unit 5 also sends commands to the water level adjustment unit W1 to control the water level in the water tank WT based on a preset water level profile and data from the water level measurement unit W2. In addition, the control unit 5 adjusts the illuminance of the light irradiated onto the rice plants P and adjusts the day length by controlling the light source 3.

[0044] In this configuration, the control unit 5 stores weather data for a field in a specific region. Based on the weather data for the field in the specific region, the control unit 5 controls the weather conditions inside the cultivation room 2. In other words, the control unit 5 controls the weather in the cultivation room 2 to simulate the weather in the field in the specific region. In this configuration, the control unit 5 changes the settings for temperature, humidity, and illuminance of the air in the containment space 20 multiple times a day to simulate the weather in the field in the specific region. Specifically, the artificial weather device 1 in this configuration changes the settings for temperature, humidity, etc., five times a day. Furthermore, in the cultivation method of this configuration, rice P is cultivated while changing the settings for day length, illuminance, and daily temperature and humidity fluctuations every week to simulate the weather in the field in the specific region.

[0045] Next, we will explain the effects and benefits of this configuration. The artificial weather apparatus 1 controls the light source 3 and the air conditioning unit 4 via a control unit 5 and is equipped with a plasma irradiation unit 6. Therefore, atmospheric pressure plasma can be irradiated onto rice plants P being cultivated under predetermined weather conditions. As a result, the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on rice plants P can be verified with high accuracy.

[0046] In this embodiment, the control unit 5 controls the weather in the cultivation chamber 2 to simulate the weather of a specific region. Therefore, rice P can be cultivated under weather conditions that reproduce the weather of a desired region, and the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on rice P can be verified with high accuracy. In other words, the effects of plasma irradiation on rice P may change depending on the region where cultivation is carried out and the weather conditions from year to year. Also, when plants are cultivated in an environment where conditions such as day length are uniform, as in the cultivation of plants in a general cultivation chamber, it is not possible to adequately reproduce cultivation in a field where the surrounding weather conditions are constantly changing. Therefore, in the artificial weather device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 5 controls the weather in the cultivation chamber 2 to simulate the weather of a specific region. This makes it possible to verify the effects of plasma irradiation on rice P cultivated under weather conditions that simulate the field in a specific region. Therefore, the effects of plasma irradiation can be estimated with high accuracy. As a result, for example, the optimal plasma irradiation conditions for a specific region can be identified with high accuracy when controlling the proportion of white-cored rice, etc.

[0047] The white core of white rice grains has gaps, making it easy for water and koji mold to enter and promote fermentation by koji mold. In other words, rice grains with a high proportion of white core are suitable for fermentation, and therefore a high proportion of white core rice is desirable for sake rice. In contrast, for edible rice, perfect grains without white core are considered to be of high quality. Furthermore, it has become clear that plasma has various effects on the cultivation of agricultural products, such as promoting rice growth, and it has also become clear that it is effective in controlling the proportion of white core rice. However, even if the plasma irradiation conditions are the same, as mentioned above, if the weather conditions in which Yamada Nishiki is cultivated differ, there is a risk that the proportion of white core rice may not be controlled with high precision due to the influence of these differences in weather conditions. In other words, it is possible that the plasma irradiation conditions suitable for obtaining the desired proportion of white core rice may differ depending on the weather conditions. Therefore, in this embodiment, atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation is performed on rice P cultivated under predetermined weather conditions using an artificial weather device 1. Therefore, it is possible to predict with high precision the proportion of white core rice of Yamada Nishiki when cultivated in a specific region. As a result, rice P with the desired quality can be cultivated efficiently.

[0048] In this embodiment of the artificial weather apparatus 1, the control unit 5 is configured to control the water level adjustment unit W1. Therefore, the cultivation environment can be sufficiently set to the desired conditions, and the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on rice P can be verified with greater accuracy.

[0049] The control unit 5 is configured to control the light irradiation by the light source 3 and the temperature and humidity adjustments by the air conditioning unit 4 based on preset profiles of light irradiation to the rice plants P, the temperature of the cultivation room 2, and the humidity of the cultivation room 2. Therefore, the cultivation environment can be more effectively set to the desired weather conditions, and the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on the rice plants P can be verified with greater accuracy.

[0050] In the aforementioned method for cultivating rice P, atmospheric pressure plasma is irradiated onto the rice P being cultivated under weather conditions controlled by the control unit 5. Therefore, the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on rice P can be verified with high accuracy.

[0051] As described above, this embodiment provides an artificial weather apparatus 1 and a method for cultivating grasses P that can accurately verify the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on grasses P.

[0052] (Experimental Example 1) In this example, we investigated the proportion of white-cored rice in Yamada Nishiki rice grown in a field and Yamada Nishiki rice grown in an artificial weather apparatus, using an artificial weather apparatus with the same basic structure as in Embodiment 1. In this example, Yamada Nishiki rice was grown in the artificial weather apparatus under weather conditions that simulated the weather in a field. Specifically, to simulate the weather conditions in a field, the temperature, humidity, and illuminance of the air in the containment space were changed five times a day, and furthermore, the settings for day length, illuminance, and daily temperature and humidity fluctuations were changed every week.

[0053] In this example, the camera (Toshiba Terry, model number: DU657MC), temperature and humidity measuring unit and illuminance measuring unit (T&D Corporation, model number: TR-75Ui), carbon dioxide measuring unit (Sato Corporation, model number: GCH-2018), pH measuring unit (Sato Corporation, model number: PH-230SD), water level measuring unit (Keyence Corporation, model number: FL001), and cultivation water thermometer (Omron Corporation, model number: E52) each acquired data every 30 minutes and transmitted the acquired data to the control unit.

[0054] In this example, on August 3, 2022, ten Yamada Nishiki rice seedlings cultivated in the field were transplanted into Wagner pots, and the transplanted seedlings were placed in the cultivation chamber of the artificial climate system to begin the experiment. In addition, in conjunction with the cultivation of Yamada Nishiki in the field, insecticides were sprayed on August 10 and August 19 of the same year, and fertilizer was applied on August 12, as shown in Figures 3 to 9, for the Yamada Nishiki cultivated in the artificial climate system. Furthermore, on August 22, the artificial climate system was converted into a paddy field. Converting to a paddy field means removing the plugs that were sealing the water passages of the Wagner pots, allowing the cultivation water to move between the water storage tank and the inside of the Wagner pots.

[0055] Furthermore, in the graphs in Figures 3 to 9, circles represent data from the first cultivation room, and triangles represent data from the second cultivation room. Figure 3 is a graph of the temperature inside the containment space, i.e., the air temperature, showing the temperature change each day. Figure 4 is a graph of the humidity inside the containment space, showing the humidity change each day. In this example, as indicated below the graphs in Figures 3 to 9, the daily maximum and minimum temperatures were changed every week to match the weather conditions in the field.

[0056] Figure 5 is a graph of illuminance within the containment space, showing the change in illuminance each day. In this example, as indicated below the graphs in Figures 3 to 9, the light source was controlled by the control unit to adjust the day length according to the weather conditions in the field.

[0057] Figure 6 is a graph of carbon dioxide concentration in the containment space, showing the change in carbon dioxide concentration each day. Figure 7 is a graph of pH of the cultivation water, showing the change in pH each day. Figure 8 is a graph of the water level of the cultivation water, showing the change in water level each day. In this example, cultivation was carried out while maintaining the water level of the cultivation water within a predetermined range. Figure 9 is a graph of water temperature of the cultivation water, showing the change in water temperature each day.

[0058] In this study, both Yamada Nishiki rice cultivated in a field and Yamada Nishiki rice cultivated in an artificial climate system were subjected to direct plasma irradiation of the caryophylls or caryophylls at the same time. Plasma irradiation was performed 1 day, 5 days, 10 days, and 15 days after the flowering date of the Yamada Nishiki rice. Plasma irradiation was performed by applying a voltage of 9kV at a frequency of 60Hz between the electrodes of the plasma irradiation unit. The distance from the plasma irradiation unit to the caryophylls or caryophylls was set to 25mm, and the irradiation time was set to 20 seconds. The helium gas flow rate during plasma irradiation was set to 2L / min. The Yamada Nishiki rice cultivated in the field and in the artificial climate system was harvested after plasma irradiation and after the ripening period had elapsed, and the proportion of white-cored rice was checked.

[0059] Figure 10 is a graph showing the results for Yamada Nishiki rice grown in the field, and Figure 11 is a graph showing the results for Yamada Nishiki rice grown in an artificial climate apparatus. For the Yamada Nishiki rice grown in the field, 518 grains of unirradiated caryophyllum were used for the study, 50 grains of caryophyllum were irradiated with plasma one day after flowering, 59 grains were irradiated with plasma five days after flowering, 53 grains were irradiated with plasma ten days after flowering, and 87 grains were irradiated with plasma fifteen days after flowering. As shown in Figure 10(a), there was no significant difference in the weight per grain of brown rice of Yamada Nishiki rice between the unirradiated samples (where the caryophyllum or caryophyllum were not irradiated with plasma) and the samples (where the caryophyllum or caryophyllum were irradiated with plasma). On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10(b), regarding the proportion of white-cored rice, compared to the unirradiated sample, the sample irradiated with plasma one day after flowering had a lower proportion of white-cored rice, while the samples irradiated with plasma 10 and 15 days after flowering had a higher proportion of white-cored rice.

[0060] Furthermore, in the case of Yamada Nishiki rice cultivated in an artificial weather system, as shown in Figure 11(a), there was no significant difference in the weight per grain of brown rice between the unirradiated sample and the plasma-irradiated sample, similar to the case of field cultivation. Also, as shown in Figure 11(b), the unirradiated sample had a lower proportion of white-cored rice compared to the unirradiated sample grown in the field (see Figure 10(b)), but the plasma-irradiated sample showed similar results in terms of the proportion of white-cored rice as the field-grown sample. In other words, in both the field cultivation and the cultivation in an artificial weather system, compared to the unirradiated sample, the sample that was plasma-irradiated one day after flowering had a lower proportion of white-cored rice, while the sample that was plasma-irradiated 10 and 15 days after flowering had a higher proportion of white-cored rice. From these results, it can be said that the artificial weather system of Embodiment 1, which cultivates rice under predetermined weather conditions, can accurately verify the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on rice. Furthermore, for Yamada Nishiki rice cultivated in an artificial climate system, the study was conducted using 1987 unirradiated caryophylls, 124 caryophylls irradiated with plasma one day after flowering, 112 caryophylls irradiated with plasma five days after flowering, 137 caryophylls irradiated with plasma ten days after flowering, and 142 caryophylls irradiated with plasma fifteen days after flowering.

[0061] Figure 13 is a graph showing the results of confirming the formation state of the white core in Yamada Nishiki rice cultivated in the field. In this example, as shown in Figure 12, transmission images were taken using a stereomicroscope for brown rice Br under each plasma irradiation condition, converted to a grayscale image, and the color intensity of the central part of the brown rice Br was quantified. In addition, the width of the brown rice Br in the captured grayscale image was normalized to 500 pixels, and the color intensity of the brown rice Br was examined. Furthermore, in the central part of the brown rice Br image, the darker colored area indicates the region where the white core is formed.

[0062] The graph in Figure 13 shows the relationship between the pixel value, which indicates the horizontal position of the brown rice grains, and the grayscale, which indicates the intensity of the brown rice's color. On the horizontal axis of the graph in Figure 13, 0 pixels represent the leftmost position where the image of brown rice Br and arrow M overlap in Figure 12, and 500 pixels represent the rightmost position where the image of brown rice Br and arrow M overlap in Figure 12. On the vertical axis of the graph in Figure 13, a larger value indicates a darker color. In this example, images were taken of all the brown rice grains under each plasma irradiation condition, and the graph in Figure 13 was created using the average value of the data from the samples under each plasma irradiation condition. That is, in Figure 13, for example, the graph for "Irradiation 1 day after flowering" is a graph that averages the data of 50 grains of Yamada Nishiki brown rice that were plasma-irradiated one day after flowering.

[0063] As seen in Figure 13, in the region between dashed lines L1 and L2, the graphs for samples irradiated with plasma one or five days after flowering are located below the graph for unirradiated samples, while the graphs for samples irradiated with plasma ten or fifteen days after flowering are located above the graph for unirradiated samples. Note that dashed lines L1 and L2 in Figure 13 correspond to dashed lines L1 and L2 in Figure 12. From these results, averaging the brown rice data for each plasma irradiation condition suggests that samples irradiated with plasma one or five days after flowering had less white core formation compared to unirradiated samples. On the other hand, samples irradiated with plasma ten or fifteen days after flowering had more white core formation compared to unirradiated samples. Furthermore, the trends shown in the graphs of Figure 13 are consistent with the trends shown in the graphs of Figures 10 and 11.

[0064] (Embodiment 2) In this configuration, as shown in Figure 14, the plasma irradiation unit 6 is installed in the cultivation chamber 2, and the plasma irradiation unit 6 is controlled by the control unit 5. Since the first cultivation chamber 2A and the second cultivation chamber 2B have the same configuration, the diagram showing the specific configuration of the second cultivation chamber 2B is omitted in Figure 14.

[0065] In this embodiment, the control unit 5 is configured to control the irradiation of atmospheric pressure plasma to the rice plants P by the plasma irradiation unit 6. In other words, under the control of the control unit 5, atmospheric pressure plasma is irradiated from the plasma irradiation unit 6, which is located at the top of the cultivation chamber 2, toward the rice plants P at a predetermined timing.

[0066] Furthermore, the control unit 5 is configured to control the irradiation of atmospheric pressure plasma to the rice plants P by the plasma irradiation unit 6 based on images captured by the camera 7. The control unit 5 is configured to control the irradiation of atmospheric pressure plasma to the spikelets Pf or caryopsis of the rice plants P by the plasma irradiation unit 6 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the flowering time of the spikelets Pf. In other words, in this embodiment, the control unit 5 is configured to determine the flowering of the rice plants P based on the image data captured by the camera 7, and controls the irradiation of atmospheric pressure plasma after a predetermined time has elapsed from the flowering of the rice plants P. The control unit 5 also performs control based on a program for determining the flowering of spikelets Pf from the image data captured by the camera 7.

[0067] Furthermore, the artificial weather apparatus 1 in this embodiment includes a pH adjustment unit Wp1 and a carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit 11. The pH adjustment unit Wp1 adjusts the pH of the cultivation water W. The carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit 11 adjusts the carbon dioxide concentration of the air in the cultivation chamber 2. The control unit 5 is configured to control the pH adjustment unit Wp1 and the carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit 11.

[0068] The pH adjustment unit Wp1 includes a pH adjusting agent container (not shown) filled with a pH adjusting agent for adjusting the pH of the cultivation water W. The control unit 5 controls the pH adjustment unit Wp1 based on the pH data of the cultivation water W transmitted from the pH measurement unit Wp2 and a preset pH profile of the cultivation water W, and adjusts the pH of the cultivation water W to a desired value. For example, a known pH adjustment device can be used as the pH adjustment unit Wp1.

[0069] The carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit 11 can be configured to include, for example, a carbon dioxide cylinder (not shown) for supplying carbon dioxide into the containment space 20. In this case, the carbon dioxide cylinder can be, for example, filled with liquefied carbon dioxide. The control unit 5 controls the carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit 11 based on the carbon dioxide concentration data in the containment space 20 transmitted from the carbon dioxide measurement unit 13 and a preset carbon dioxide concentration profile, and adjusts the carbon dioxide concentration in the containment space 20. Specifically, as rice P consumes carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, the carbon dioxide concentration in the containment space 20 decreases. At this time, the control unit 5 can adjust the carbon dioxide concentration in the containment space 20 to a desired carbon dioxide concentration by controlling the carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit 11, for example, supplying carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide cylinder into the containment space 20. Otherwise, it is the same as in Embodiment 1. Note that, among the reference numerals used in Embodiment 2 and later, those that are the same as those used in the previously described embodiments represent the same components, etc., as in the previously described embodiments, unless otherwise specified.

[0070] In this embodiment, the control unit 5 is configured to control the irradiation of rice plants P with atmospheric pressure plasma by the plasma irradiation unit 6. Therefore, irradiation of rice plants P with atmospheric pressure plasma can be performed without human intervention. As a result, the automation of plasma irradiation makes it possible to verify the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on rice plants P efficiently and accurately.

[0071] In this embodiment, the control unit 5 is configured to control the irradiation of rice plants P with atmospheric pressure plasma by the plasma irradiation unit 6 based on images captured by the camera 7. Therefore, the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on rice plants P can be verified more efficiently.

[0072] Furthermore, the control unit 5 is configured to control the irradiation of the rice plant P with atmospheric pressure plasma by the plasma irradiation unit 6 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the flowering time of the glumes Pf. Therefore, the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma on rice plant P can be effectively verified in relation to the flowering time of the glumes Pf and the irradiation timing of the atmospheric pressure plasma.

[0073] The control unit 5 is configured to control the pH adjustment unit Wp1 and the carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit 11. Therefore, the cultivation environment can be made to more desirable conditions, and the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation on rice P can be verified with greater accuracy. Furthermore, it has the same effects and advantages as Embodiment 1.

[0074] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the grass plant P is rice. However, the grass plant can also be other plants such as wheat, barnyard millet, or foxtail millet.

[0075] In the above embodiments 1 and 2, the artificial weather apparatus 1 is equipped with two cultivation chambers 2. However, the artificial weather apparatus may also be configured to have one cultivation chamber, or to have three or more cultivation chambers. Furthermore, when multiple cultivation chambers are provided, the weather conditions in each cultivation chamber can be set to be different from those in the apparatus.

[0076] Furthermore, the artificial weather apparatus can employ a configuration that controls meteorological conditions such as atmospheric pressure, wind speed, and precipitation within the containment space. It can also reproduce summer weather conditions during winter, and conduct multiple verifications by cultivating grasses multiple times throughout the year.

[0077] Furthermore, the illuminance can be controlled to change gradually throughout the day. For example, by placing a lateral light source consisting of multiple straight-tube LED lamps around the cultivation room and controlling the number of straight-tube LED lamps lit by the control unit, the illuminance can be gradually changed throughout the day.

[0078] Furthermore, artificial climate control systems can also be used in the cultivation of grasses to verify various qualities of the seeds, including not only the white core of the seed, but also the composition and maturity of the seeds.

[0079] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be applied to various embodiments without departing from its spirit.

[0080] <Other> The features of the present invention are as follows. [Section 1] A cultivation room capable of growing grasses, A light source for irradiating the grass plants in the cultivation room, An air conditioning unit that adjusts the temperature and humidity of the cultivation room, A control unit that controls the light source and the air conditioning unit, A plasma irradiation unit that irradiates the aforementioned grass plant with atmospheric pressure plasma, An artificial weather apparatus equipped with [specific features / equipment]. [Section 2] The artificial weather apparatus according to item 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the irradiation of the grass plant with atmospheric pressure plasma by the plasma irradiation unit. [Section 3] The artificial weather apparatus according to item 2, further comprising a camera for monitoring the grass plants, wherein the control unit is configured to control the irradiation of atmospheric pressure plasma to the grass plants by the plasma irradiation unit based on images captured by the camera. [Section 4] The artificial weather apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the camera takes images of the spikelets of the grass plant, and the control unit is configured to control the irradiation of atmospheric pressure plasma to the spikelets or caryocarps of the grass plant by the plasma irradiation unit after a predetermined time has elapsed from the flowering period of the spikelets. [Section 5] The artificial weather apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is configured to control the light irradiation by the light source and the temperature and humidity adjustment by the air conditioning unit based on preset profiles of light irradiation to the grass plants, the temperature of the cultivation room, and the humidity of the cultivation room. [Section 6] Furthermore, a water tank for housing the grass plants and for storing cultivation water for growing the grass plants, The water level adjustment unit adjusts the water level in the aforementioned water storage tank, A pH adjustment unit for adjusting the pH of the cultivation water, The system includes a carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit that adjusts the carbon dioxide concentration of the air inside the cultivation chamber, The artificial weather apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit is configured to control the water level adjustment unit, the pH adjustment unit, and the carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit. [Section 7] A method for cultivating grasses using the artificial weather apparatus described in item 1, The control unit controls the light irradiation by the light source and the temperature and humidity adjustment by the air conditioning unit based on preset profiles of light irradiation to the grass plants, the temperature of the cultivation room, and the humidity of the cultivation room. A method for cultivating grasses, comprising irradiating the grasses, which are being cultivated under meteorological conditions in the cultivation chamber controlled by the control unit, with atmospheric pressure plasma. [Section 8] The method for cultivating grasses according to item 7, wherein the control unit controls the irradiation of the grasses with atmospheric pressure plasma by the plasma irradiation unit. [Section 9] The method for cultivating grasses according to item 8, wherein the artificial weather apparatus further comprises a camera for monitoring the grasses, and the control unit controls the irradiation of atmospheric pressure plasma to the grasses by the plasma irradiation unit based on the image captured by the camera. [Section 10] The method for cultivating a grass plant according to item 9, comprising: imaging the spikelets of the grass plant with the camera; and irradiating the spikelets or caryocarps of the grass plant with atmospheric pressure plasma using the plasma irradiation unit after a predetermined time has elapsed from the flowering period of the spikelets. [Section 11] The artificial climate apparatus further includes a water tank for housing the grass plants and for storing cultivation water for growing the grass plants, The water level adjustment unit adjusts the water level in the aforementioned water storage tank, A pH adjustment unit for adjusting the pH of the cultivation water, The system includes a carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit that adjusts the carbon dioxide concentration of the air inside the cultivation chamber, A method for cultivating grasses according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the control unit controls the water level adjustment unit, the pH adjustment unit, and the carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1...Artificial weather apparatus, 2...Cultivation room, 3...Light source, 4...Air conditioning unit, 5...Control unit, 6...Plasma irradiation unit, P...Grass plants

Claims

1. A cultivation room capable of growing grasses, A light source for irradiating the grass plants in the cultivation room, An air conditioning unit that adjusts the temperature and humidity of the cultivation room, A control unit that controls the light source and the air conditioning unit, A plasma irradiation unit that irradiates the aforementioned grass plant with atmospheric pressure plasma, An artificial weather apparatus equipped with [specific features / equipment].

2. The artificial weather apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the irradiation of the grass plant with atmospheric pressure plasma by the plasma irradiation unit.

3. Furthermore, the artificial weather apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a camera for monitoring the grass plants, wherein the control unit is configured to control the irradiation of atmospheric pressure plasma to the grass plants by the plasma irradiation unit based on images captured by the camera.

4. The artificial weather apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the camera takes images of the spikelets of the grass plant, and the control unit is configured to control the irradiation of atmospheric pressure plasma onto the spikelets or caryocarps of the grass plant by the plasma irradiation unit after a predetermined time has elapsed from the flowering period of the spikelets.

5. The artificial weather apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured to control the light irradiation by the light source and the temperature and humidity adjustment by the air conditioning unit based on preset profiles of light irradiation to the grass plants, the temperature of the cultivation room, and the humidity of the cultivation room.

6. Furthermore, a water tank for housing the grass plants and for storing cultivation water for growing the grass plants, The water level adjustment unit adjusts the water level in the aforementioned water storage tank, A pH adjustment unit for adjusting the pH of the cultivation water, The system includes a carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit that adjusts the carbon dioxide concentration of the air inside the cultivation chamber, The artificial weather apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured to control the water level adjustment unit, the pH adjustment unit, and the carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit.

7. A method for cultivating grasses using the artificial weather apparatus described in claim 1, The control unit controls the light irradiation by the light source and the temperature and humidity adjustment by the air conditioning unit based on preset profiles of light irradiation to the grass plants, the temperature of the cultivation room, and the humidity of the cultivation room. A method for cultivating grasses, comprising irradiating the grasses, which are being cultivated under meteorological conditions in the cultivation chamber controlled by the control unit, with atmospheric pressure plasma.

8. The method for cultivating grasses according to claim 7, wherein the control unit controls the irradiation of the grasses with atmospheric pressure plasma by the plasma irradiation unit.

9. The method for cultivating grasses according to claim 8, wherein the artificial weather apparatus further comprises a camera for monitoring the grasses, and the control unit controls the irradiation of atmospheric pressure plasma to the grasses by the plasma irradiation unit based on the image captured by the camera.

10. A method for cultivating a grass plant according to claim 9, comprising: imaging the spikelets of the grass plant with the camera; and irradiating the spikelets or caryocarps of the grass plant with atmospheric pressure plasma using the plasma irradiation unit after a predetermined time has elapsed from the flowering period of the spikelets.

11. The artificial climate apparatus further includes a water tank for housing the grass plants and for storing cultivation water for growing the grass plants, The water level adjustment unit adjusts the water level in the aforementioned water storage tank, A pH adjustment unit for adjusting the pH of the cultivation water, The system includes a carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit that adjusts the carbon dioxide concentration of the air inside the cultivation chamber, The method for cultivating grasses according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control unit controls the water level adjustment unit, the pH adjustment unit, and the carbon dioxide concentration adjustment unit.

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