Cultivation methods for fruit and vegetable plants

Abstract

This invention provides a cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants that enables harvesting at higher yields than conventional methods. [Solution] A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, comprising the step of cultivating fruit and vegetable plants using a flooded hydroponic cultivation method, wherein the roots of the fruit and vegetable plants are not exposed to air during the seedling stage, and after the first flowering is confirmed, at least a portion of the roots are exposed to air during the dark period.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a growing demand for vegetable production in plant factories using artificial light. While production techniques for some leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, have advanced, there is a need to explore cultivation methods for fruiting vegetables like tomatoes.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a hydroponic cultivation system for growing crops hydroponically, comprising: a cultivation tank having a drainage port and in which crops are placed; a supply means for supplying a nutrient solution in which fertilizer is dissolved to the cultivation tank; an opening and closing means for opening and closing the drainage port; and a control device that drives the supply means to periodically supply the nutrient solution to the cultivation tank and also drives the opening and closing means to close the drainage port when the supply means is being driven. Patent Document 2 describes a hydroponic cultivation apparatus characterized by comprising a seedling pallet for containing plants, a cultivation container containing a culture solution for immersing the roots of plants pulled out from the bottom surface of the seedling pallet, and an adjustment means for adjusting the distance between the water surface of the culture solution and the bottom surface of the seedling pallet. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-177130 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-178887 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In the cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants, there is a need to further improve the yield of the fruit obtained.

[0006] One embodiment of this disclosure aims to solve the problem of cultivating fruit and vegetable plants that can be harvested at a higher yield than conventional methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This disclosure includes the following aspects: <1> This includes the process of cultivating fruit and vegetable plants using a flooded hydroponic system. During the seedling stage of fruit and vegetable plants, the roots should not be exposed to air. A cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants in which, after the first flowering is confirmed, at least a portion of the roots are exposed to air during the dark period. <2> Using artificial light to cultivate fruit and vegetable plants, <1> Cultivation methods for fruit and vegetable plants as described. <3> Fruiting plants are plants of the Solanaceae family or the Cucurbitaceae family. <1> or <2> Cultivation methods for fruit and vegetable plants as described. <4> The fruiting plant is the tomato. <1> ~ <3> The cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants described in any one of the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants that can be harvested at a higher yield than conventional methods is provided. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes in detail the forms for implementing this disclosure. However, this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. In the following embodiments, the components (including elemental steps, etc.) are not essential unless otherwise specified. The same applies to numerical values ​​and their ranges, and do not limit this disclosure. In this disclosure, the numerical range indicated using "~" includes the numbers before and after "~" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. In the numerical ranges described step by step in the present disclosure, the upper limit value or the lower limit value described in one numerical range may be replaced with the upper limit value or the lower limit value of the numerical range described in other step-by-step descriptions. Also, in the numerical ranges described in the present disclosure, the upper limit value or the lower limit value of the numerical range may be replaced with the value shown in the examples. In the present disclosure, the term "step" includes not only an independent step but also a step in which, even if it cannot be clearly distinguished from other steps, the intended purpose of the step is achieved. In the present disclosure, the "fruit vegetable plant" means a plant that has fruits as the harvest.

[0010] [Cultivation method] The cultivation method of the fruit vegetable plant according to the present disclosure includes a step of cultivating the fruit vegetable plant by the deep flow hydroponics method. During the seedling raising period of the fruit vegetable plant, the roots are not exposed to air, and after the first flowering is confirmed, at least a part of the roots is exposed to air during the dark period.

[0011] In the cultivation method according to the present disclosure, by limiting the timing of exposing the roots of the fruit vegetable plant to air, fruits can be obtained with a higher yield than before. In particular, by exposing at least a part of the roots to air during the dark period after the first flowering is confirmed, fruits can be obtained with a high yield.

[0012] In contrast, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 do not focus on limiting the timing of exposing the roots of the fruit vegetable plant to air.

[0013] <Cultivation process> - Fruit vegetable plant - The fruit vegetable plant is not particularly limited, and examples include solanaceous plants such as tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers; cucurbitaceous plants such as melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, and zucchinis; leguminous plants such as kidney beans, peas, and broad beans; rosaceous plants such as strawberries; malvaceous plants such as okra; and gramineous plants such as corns.

[0014] Among them, the cultivation method according to the present disclosure is suitable for cultivating solanaceous plants or cucurbitaceous plants. The fruit vegetables cultivated by the hydroponic cultivation device according to the present disclosure are preferably solanaceous plants or cucurbitaceous plants, more preferably tomatoes or melons, and even more preferably tomatoes.

[0015] Note that tomatoes include cherry tomatoes, mini tomatoes, fruit tomatoes, etc. Melons include net melons such as green flesh varieties and red flesh varieties, non-net melons, etc.

[0016] The cultivation method according to the present disclosure is a method of cultivating by the sub-irrigation hydroponic method.

[0017] The sub-irrigation hydroponic method is a method of storing nutrient solution in a nutrient solution tank and cultivating by immersing at least a part of the roots of fruit vegetable plants.

[0018] In the present disclosure, the "cultivation period" refers to the period from the start of planting to the completion of harvesting. The "cultivation process" means the process during the cultivation period. The "seedling raising period" refers to the period during the cultivation period from sowing and germination to the time when the obtained plant body (generally called "seedling") is planted.

[0019] At the start of the cultivation period, for example, it is the time when the plant seedlings obtained in the seedling raising process described later are planted at a predetermined position in the cultivation device according to the present disclosure.

[0020] Usually, flowers are formed on the main stem of the fruit vegetable plant at an arbitrary time after planting. In the present disclosure, the flower formed at the lowest position (the position closest to the roots of the fruit vegetable plant) with respect to the main stem of the fruit vegetable plant is called the first inflorescence. When the flowers in the first inflorescence fall and set fruit, the first inflorescence is renamed the first fruit cluster. Also, the flower formed at the lowest position with respect to the main stem of the fruit vegetable plant next to the first inflorescence or the first fruit cluster is called the second inflorescence. Similarly, the inflorescence formed at the Nth stage from the lowest position with respect to the main stem of the fruit vegetable plant is called the Nth inflorescence, and the fruit cluster formed at the Nth stage is called the Nth fruit cluster.

[0021] It is preferable to pinch off the growing tips of fruiting plants at a desired time after the flower clusters or fruit clusters have formed. Pinching off the growing tips involves removing the top of the stem of the fruiting plant to stop its elongation.

[0022] It is preferable to harvest the fruit at the desired time after pinching off the growing tip.

[0023] In the cultivation method described herein, after the first flowering is confirmed, at least a portion of the roots are exposed to air during the dark period. On the other hand, as described later, the roots are not exposed to air during the seedling stage.

[0024] During the seedling stage, preventing root exposure to air allows for sufficient root growth. Then, during the cultivation period, exposing at least a portion of the roots to air during the dark period helps maintain root health and improve yield.

[0025] Methods for exposing at least a portion of the roots to air during the dark period include, for example, the following:

[0026] As described above, in hydroponic cultivation, a nutrient solution is stored in a nutrient solution tank, and at least a portion of the roots of fruit and vegetable plants are immersed in it during cultivation. One method is to reduce the amount of nutrient solution contained in the nutrient solution tank when at least a portion of the roots are exposed to air. Furthermore, when reducing the amount of nutrient solution, all of the nutrient solution contained in the nutrient solution tank may be drained. Another method is to partially drain the nutrient solution tank to expose at least a portion of the roots to air, thereby changing the height of the nutrient solution in the tank so that at least a portion of the roots are exposed to air.

[0027] For example, the cultivation method according to this disclosure uses a cultivation apparatus that includes a nutrient solution tank for immersing the roots of fruit and vegetable plants in a nutrient solution, and a circulation mechanism for supplying nutrient solution to the nutrient solution tank and discharging nutrient solution from the nutrient solution tank. The circulation mechanism may include, for example, a circulation tank in which nutrient solution is contained, a supply nozzle for supplying nutrient solution from the circulation tank to the nutrient solution tank, a discharge nozzle for discharging nutrient solution from the nutrient solution tank to the circulation tank, and a pump.

[0028] By using the above cultivation apparatus, the nutrient solution is discharged from the nutrient solution tank during the dark period and supplied to the nutrient solution tank during the light period, allowing at least a portion of the roots to be exposed to air during the dark period.

[0029] Additionally, the relative positions of the nutrient solution tank and the fruit and vegetable plants may be altered so that at least a portion of the roots are exposed to air. Specifically, the support structure supporting the fruit and vegetable plants may be moved vertically upward so as to move it away from the nutrient solution tank. By moving the support structure vertically upward during the dark period and vertically downward during the light period, at least a portion of the roots can be exposed to air during the dark period. The nutrient solution tank may be moved vertically downward so as to be away from the fruit and vegetable plants. By moving the nutrient solution tank vertically downward during the dark period and vertically upward during the light period, at least a portion of the roots can be exposed to air during the dark period.

[0030] In particular, from the viewpoint of reducing shocks such as shaking and promoting the growth of fruit and vegetable plants, a method of draining the nutrient solution from the nutrient solution tank during the dark period is preferred.

[0031] In this disclosure, "dark period" means the period during which no light is shone on the fruit and vegetable plants. In this disclosure, "light period" means the period during which light is shone on the fruit and vegetable plants.

[0032] In the cultivation method described herein, fruit and vegetable plants may be cultivated in the presence of sunlight, or they may be cultivated using artificial light. From the viewpoint of yield stability, it is preferable to cultivate fruit and vegetable plants using artificial light.

[0033] When cultivating fruit and vegetable plants in the presence of sunlight, the dark period refers to the time from sunset to dusk, and the light period refers to the time from sunset to dusk.

[0034] When cultivating fruit and vegetable plants using artificial light, the dark period refers to the period during which artificial light is not applied, and the light period refers to the period during which artificial light is applied.

[0035] The timing for exposing at least a portion of the roots to air is not particularly limited as long as it is after the first flowering has been confirmed, but it is preferable to do so as soon as possible after the first flowering has been confirmed.

[0036] If the first flowering is observed during the light period, it is preferable to expose at least a portion of the roots to air during the next dark period in the light irradiation cycle. The timing of exposing at least a portion of the roots to air is preferably within 4 hours of the start of the dark period, more preferably within 2 hours, or even immediately afterward.

[0037] If the first flowering is observed during the dark period, it is preferable to expose at least a portion of the roots to air during that dark period or the next dark period. If at least a portion of the roots is exposed to air during the next dark period, it is preferable to do so within 4 hours of the start of the next dark period, more preferably within 2 hours, or immediately afterward.

[0038] -Artificial light- As described above, in the cultivation method relating to this disclosure, it is preferable to cultivate fruit and vegetable plants by irradiating them with artificial light. The position from which artificial light is irradiated onto fruit and vegetable plants is not particularly limited; for example, artificial light may be irradiated onto fruit and vegetable plants from at least one of the side and top surfaces. By irradiating fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light from the side, the size of the plant (especially its height) can be controlled.

[0039] Artificial light is preferably irradiated using a light source.

[0040] The light source is not particularly limited and examples include semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and discharge lamps such as fluorescent lamps. From the viewpoint of suppressing heat generation from the light source, it is preferable that the light source be an LED.

[0041] There may be one type of LED, or there may be two or more types. LEDs may emit visible light such as red, blue, or green, or they may emit ultraviolet light (wavelength 380 nm or less) or infrared light (wavelength 780 nm or more). In particular, LEDs that emit light in the wavelength range of 400nm to 700nm are preferred from the viewpoint of promoting photosynthesis in plants. Furthermore, increasing the fruit yield per plant is important in terms of improving energy efficiency and space utilization efficiency, and from this viewpoint, the combined use of red and blue LEDs is more preferable.

[0042] -Light intensity- From the perspective of cultivation efficiency and increasing sugar content, the light intensity of artificial light irradiated onto fruit and vegetable plants should be 200 μmol / m². 2 / s~800μmol / m 2 It is preferable that the value is / s, and 250 μmol / m³ 2 / s~700μmol / m 2 It is more preferable that the value be / s, and 300 μmol / m³ 2 / s~600μmol / m 2 It is even more preferable to use / s.

[0043] Light intensity is measured by positioning the light-receiving surface of the measuring instrument 1 cm away from the fruit and vegetable plants, facing the light source. For example, a quantum photonography sensor (LI-COR, LI-190R) can be used as the measuring instrument. If the light sources are positioned in two or more directions relative to the fruit and vegetable plants, the sum of the light intensities measured by positioning the measuring instrument toward each light source is used as the light intensity.

[0044] Light intensity can be controlled by changing the type and number of light sources used (LEDs, fluorescent lamps, etc.), changing the distance between the light source and the fruit and vegetable plants, or by using a dimmable light source.

[0045] -Light Irradiation Cycle- By irradiating fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light, temperature conditions can be adjusted.

[0046] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and sugar content, the temperature during the light period is preferably 29°C or lower, more preferably 28.5°C or lower, and even more preferably 28°C or lower. From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and sugar content, the temperature during the light period is preferably 15°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, and even more preferably 25°C or higher.

[0047] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and sugar content, the temperature during the dark period is preferably 25°C or lower, more preferably 23°C or lower, and even more preferably 22°C or lower. From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and sugar content, the temperature during the dark period is preferably 10°C or higher, more preferably 13°C or higher, and even more preferably 15°C or higher.

[0048] The temperature during the light period and the temperature during the dark period are measured by placing a thermometer 1 cm away from the fruit and vegetable plants. For example, a temperature and humidity sensor THA-3151 manufactured by T&D Corporation can be used as the thermometer.

[0049] The method for controlling the temperature during the light and dark periods is not particularly limited and can be carried out by conventionally known methods. For example, the temperature during the light and dark periods can be controlled by monitoring the temperature during the light and dark periods using the thermometer mentioned above and supplying warm or cool air as needed.

[0050] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and sugar content, the ratio of light period to dark period (light period / dark period) is preferably 0.5 to 5, more preferably 1 to 4, and even more preferably 1 to 3.

[0051] -Relative humidity- From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and achieving high sugar content, the relative humidity during the cultivation process is preferably controlled to 50% to 80%, and more preferably to 55% to 77%.

[0052] Relative humidity is measured by placing a hygrometer 1 cm away from the fruit and vegetable plants. For example, the THA-3151 temperature and humidity sensor manufactured by T&D Corporation can be used as the hygrometer.

[0053] The method for controlling humidity is not particularly limited and can be carried out by conventionally known methods. For example, humidity conditions can be controlled by monitoring the humidity of the cultivation environment using the above-mentioned hygrometer and, if necessary, by using an air conditioning system that has humidifying and dehumidifying functions.

[0054] -Carbon dioxide concentration- From the viewpoint of shortening the period until harvest, the carbon dioxide concentration in the cultivation environment during the cultivation process is preferably 300 ppm to 5000 ppm, and more preferably 400 ppm to 3500 ppm.

[0055] Carbon dioxide concentration is measured by placing a carbon dioxide concentration meter 1 cm away from the fruit and vegetable plants. For example, the LI-850 manufactured by LI-COR can be used as a carbon dioxide concentration meter.

[0056] The method for controlling carbon dioxide concentration is not particularly limited and can be carried out by conventionally known methods. For example, it can be done by monitoring the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment using the carbon dioxide concentration meter mentioned above and using air conditioning equipment, etc., as needed.

[0057] -Nutrient solution- In the cultivation process, it is preferable to use nutrient solution.

[0058] The nutrient solution can be prepared by appropriately selecting and blending individual fertilizers to achieve the desired fertilizer composition. For adjusting the fertilizer composition of the culture solution, a blending program such as "Best Blend" provided by the NPO Japan Hydroponic Cultivation Research Association may be used. The nutrient solution's component composition can be adjusted to have the desired component content by correctly blending individual fertilizers. Furthermore, the quantification of components in the nutrient solution can be performed using ion chromatography or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy.

[0059] During the cultivation process, the temperature of the nutrient solution may be adjusted.

[0060] <Seedling raising process> The cultivation method relating to this disclosure may include a seedling cultivation step. In the seedling cultivation step, the plant body after germination is grown into a seedling.

[0061] From the standpoint of cultivation efficiency, seedling cultivation is preferably carried out by hydroponics, and more preferably by flooded hydroponics.

[0062] In the seedling cultivation process, it is preferable to switch between light and dark periods by irradiating the plants with artificial light after germination, and to adjust the temperature conditions during the light and dark periods. For example, it is possible to adjust to two or more temperature conditions, such as light temperature and dark temperature. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the temperature during the light period is preferably 29°C or lower, more preferably 28.5°C or lower, and even more preferably 28°C or lower. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the temperature during the light period is preferably 15°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, and even more preferably 25°C or higher. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the temperature during the dark period is preferably 25°C or lower, more preferably 23°C or lower, and even more preferably 22°C or lower. From the perspective of shortening the period until budding, the temperature during the dark period is preferably 10°C or higher, more preferably 13°C or higher, and even more preferably 15°C or higher. In addition, as the light source, wavelength, etc. of the artificial light, those described in the cultivation process can be used.

[0063] From the perspectives of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the ratio of the time of the light period to the time of the dark period (time of light period / time of dark period) is preferably 0.3 to 3, and more preferably 0.5 to 2.

[0064] From the perspectives of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the relative humidity in the seedling raising process is preferably controlled at 50% to 80%, and more preferably controlled at 55% to 77%.

[0065] From the perspectives of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated on the plant body after germination in the seedling raising process is 200 μmol / m 2 / s to 800 μmol / m 2 / s, preferably 250 μmol / m 2 / s to 600 μmol / m 2 / s, and more preferably.

[0066] The irradiation of the artificial light may be performed from the upper surface direction or the side surface direction of the plant body after germination. However, from the perspectives of cultivation efficiency, space utilization efficiency, etc., the upper surface direction is preferred. Also, the artificial light may be irradiated from both the side surface direction and the upper surface direction.

[0067] From the perspective of shortening the period until harvest, in the seedling raising process, the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment is preferably 300 volume ppm to 5000 volume ppm, and more preferably 400 volume ppm to 3500 volume ppm.

[0068] The duration of the seedling cultivation process is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of growth after transplanting and shortening the time until bud formation, it is preferably 5 to 40 days, more preferably 10 to 35 days, even more preferably 12 to 30 days, and particularly preferably 15 to 33 days.

[0069] When the seedling cultivation process is carried out using hydroponics, the support structure for supporting the plants after germination is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a material that has both appropriate water permeability and water retention properties, and more preferably, a support stand equipped with a urethane sponge, phenolic resin sponge, rock wool, or a water-retaining sheet.

[0070] <Germination Process> The cultivation method relating to this disclosure may include a germination step. In the germination step, the seeds of the plant to be used in the germination step are germinated.

[0071] The germination method is not particularly limited and can be carried out by conventionally known methods. For example, it can be carried out by sowing plant seeds on a support that has been thoroughly moistened with water and storing it in a dark place. Examples of suitable supports include those used in the seedling cultivation process.

[0072] Furthermore, it is preferable to select seeds from plant bodies that have germinated that are at a similar stage of growth and raise them as seedlings. This allows for a uniform harvest time for the fruit and improves cultivation efficiency.

[0073] The temperature required for germination varies depending on the type and variety of plant used, but for commercially available seeds, this is generally disclosed as the germination temperature. If the germination temperature is unknown, it can also be determined experimentally. Furthermore, some plant types and varieties require dormancy breaking or other treatments for germination. Some seeds require specific wavelengths of light for germination, others require complete darkness, and some will germinate in either condition. These requirements, like germination temperature, can also be determined.

[0074] The relative humidity during the germination process is preferably between 70% and 100%, and particularly preferably between 80% and 95%. Maintaining this range prevents the plant from drying out during the germination period, thus promoting good growth.

[0075] The duration required for germination is not fixed, but it is preferably the period from root development to the start of hypocotyl elongation, and is generally several days to about a week. By dedicating this period to germination, the roots can grow sufficiently, while excessive hypocotyl elongation can be avoided, resulting in better seedling growth during the subsequent nursery stage and a shorter time to flowering, which is therefore preferable. [Examples]

[0076] The above embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the above embodiments are not limited to these examples.

[0077] <Example 1> (Germination process) Fifty tomato seeds (variety: Momotaro York®, manufactured by Takii Seed Co., Ltd.) were sown on support A (5cm x 5cm x 2cm foamed polyurethane) that was thoroughly moistened with pure water. The seeds were stored for three days in a dark environment at a temperature of 28°C and a relative humidity of 70% to allow germination, and 47 tomato seedlings were obtained.

[0078] (Seedling raising process) From the tomato seedlings obtained in the above germination process, 45 plants with good growth were selected. These 45 selected plants were transplanted into a hydroponic system equipped with an artificial light irradiation device and a nutrient solution tank, under conditions where temperature and humidity could be controlled. A Showa Denko LED CIVILIGHT was installed 30 cm above the planting surface. The light intensity at the planting surface was 200 μmol / m² for 660 nm light. 2 / s, 450nm light at 100 μmol / m² 2 It was set to / s. As the nutrient solution, we used a solution of Hyponica liquid fertilizer A and B manufactured by Kyowa Co., Ltd., diluted 500 times. Tomato seedlings were grown for 20 days using a flooded hydroponic system under the following conditions, yielding 45 seedlings.

[0079] -conditions- • Light intensity during the light period: 300 μmol / m² 2 / s ·Light / dark cycle: 18 hours (light period) / 6 hours (dark period) ·Temperature: 27℃ (light period) / 19℃ (dark period) • Relative humidity: 70%

[0080] (Cultivation process) From the tomato seedlings obtained in the above seedling cultivation process, 40 seedlings with good growth were selected. These 40 selected seedlings were transplanted into a hydroponic system with a spacing of 15 cm between plants in an environment where temperature and humidity could be controlled, and cultivation was started under the following conditions. The hydroponic cultivation system comprises an artificial light irradiation device, a nutrient solution tank containing nutrient solution, and a circulation mechanism for supplying nutrient solution to the nutrient solution tank and discharging nutrient solution from the nutrient solution tank. The circulation mechanism includes a circulation tank in which the nutrient solution is contained, a supply nozzle for supplying the nutrient solution from the circulation tank to the nutrient solution tank, a discharge port for discharging the nutrient solution from the nutrient solution tank to the circulation tank, and a pump.

[0081] After the first flowering was confirmed, the supply of nutrient solution to the nutrient solution tank was stopped during the dark period, and the nutrient solution contained in the tank was drained. During the light period, nutrient solution was supplied to the nutrient solution tank, and the level of the nutrient solution in the tank was adjusted so that the entire root system was submerged in the solution. This meant that the roots were exposed to air during the dark period.

[0082] During the cultivation period, the plants were trained to grow as single stems according to established methods, including pruning (removing side shoots and leaves, etc.) and training. Once at least one flower was confirmed on the third flower cluster, the main stem was pinched off, leaving two true leaves above the cluster. Each fruit cluster was limited to three fruits, and any excess fruit was removed. Subsequently, the fruits that had set on the first to third fruit clusters were harvested sequentially.

[0083] -conditions- • Light source: RYODEN Co., Ltd., plant growth LED 4-color type, PGL-200DWBF26D • Light intensity during the light period: 500 μmol / m² 2 / s • Light composition: As per the light emission behavior of the LED described above. ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours (light period) / 8 hours (dark period) ·Temperature: 27℃ (light period), 19℃ (dark period) • Relative humidity: 70% • Carbon dioxide concentration: 400 ppm • Liquid fertilizer: Use "Hyponica Liquid Fertilizer" manufactured by Kyowa Co., Ltd., diluted with pure water. At the time of planting, the above liquid fertilizer was diluted and used so that the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution was 1.5 dS / m. After the flowering of the third flower cluster, the above liquid fertilizer was diluted and used so that the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution was 3.5 dS / m.

[0084] <Comparative Example 1> The seedling cultivation process was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. The fruits were harvested using the same method as in Example 1, except that the roots were not exposed to air during the cultivation process.

[0085] <Comparative Example 2> In the seedling stage, the roots were exposed to air during the dark period in the same manner as in the cultivation stage of Example 1. In the cultivation process, the fruits were harvested using the same method as in the cultivation process of Example 1.

[0086] <Comparative Example 3> In the seedling stage, the roots were exposed to air during the dark period in the same manner as in the cultivation stage of Example 1. The fruits were harvested using the same method as in Example 1, except that the roots were not exposed to air during the cultivation process.

[0087] The yield of the fruit obtained in each example and comparative example was measured.

[0088] [yield] For each plant, the total mass of harvested fruit was calculated. The average yield per plant was then calculated.

[0089] The results are shown in Table 1.

[0090] [Table 1]

[0091] Table 1 shows that in Example 1, the roots of the fruit and vegetable plants were not exposed to air during the seedling stage, and after the first flowering was confirmed, at least a portion of the roots were exposed to air during the dark period. As a result, compared to Comparative Examples 1-3, it was found that a higher yield of fruit could be harvested than conventional methods.

Claims

1. This includes the process of cultivating fruit and vegetable plants using a flooded hydroponic system. During the seedling stage of the aforementioned fruit and vegetable plants, the roots are not exposed to air. A cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants in which, after the first flowering is confirmed, at least a portion of the roots are exposed to air during the dark period.

2. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1, wherein the fruit and vegetable plants are cultivated using artificial light.

3. The method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fruit vegetable plant is a plant of the Solanaceae family or a plant of the Cucurbitaceae family.

4. The method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fruit vegetable plant is a tomato.

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