Cultivation methods for fruit and vegetable plants

Abstract

This provides a cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants that offers superior productivity. [Solution] A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, comprising the step of cultivating fruit and vegetable plants by irradiating them with artificial light, wherein during the fruit maturation period after the fruit growth period of the fruit and vegetable plants has ended, the intensity of the light irradiated to the fruit and vegetable plants is set to be weaker than the intensity of the light irradiated during the fruit growth period, and a light irradiation cycle of light and dark periods is set for at least a portion of the cultivation period of the fruit and vegetable plants, and the temperature during the light period is 4°C or higher than the temperature 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 method for growing plants indoors from seeds, characterized by including preparing seeds, germinating the seeds at a specific photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), growing the germinated seeds into seedlings at a specific PPFD, growing the seedlings through a vegetative stage and a eutrophic stage at a specific PPFD to become mature plants, and maintaining the mature plants at a specific PPFD. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2017-509347 [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 improve yield relative to energy input, that is, to improve productivity.

[0006] One embodiment of this disclosure aims to solve the problem of providing a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants that offers excellent productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This disclosure includes the following aspects: <1> This process includes cultivating fruit and vegetable plants by irradiating them with artificial light. During the fruit ripening stage, after the fruit growth stage of fruit and vegetable plants has ended, the intensity of light irradiated onto the plants is set to be weaker than the intensity of light irradiated during the fruit growth stage. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, in which a light irradiation cycle of light periods and dark periods is set for at least a portion of the cultivation period of the fruit and vegetable plants, and the temperature during the light period is 4°C or higher than the temperature during the dark period. <2> By cultivating the same variety of fruit and vegetable plant as the target plant under predetermined cultivation conditions, the end time of the fruit growth period can be determined in advance. <1> Cultivation methods for fruit and vegetable plants as described. <3> The end of the fruit growth period is determined based on the change in fruit size in the same variety of fruiting vegetable plant. <2> Cultivation methods for fruit and vegetable plants as described above <4> Fruiting plants are plants of the Solanaceae family or the Cucurbitaceae family. <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 with excellent productivity 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 lower limit value described in one numerical range may be replaced with the upper limit value or 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 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 the intended purpose of the step is achieved even if it cannot be clearly distinguished from other steps. In the present disclosure, "fruit and vegetable plant" means a plant that has fruits as the harvest.

[0010] [Cultivation method] The cultivation method of the fruit and vegetable plant according to the present disclosure includes a step of cultivating the fruit and vegetable plant by irradiating artificial light. In the fruit ripening period after the fruit growth period of the fruit and vegetable plant ends, the intensity of the light irradiated on the fruit and vegetable plant is set to be weaker than the intensity of the light irradiated in the fruit growth period. During at least a part of the cultivation period of the fruit and vegetable plant, a light irradiation cycle of a light period and a dark period is set, and the temperature in the light period is 4°C or higher than the temperature in the dark period.

[0011] The cultivation method according to the present disclosure is excellent in productivity. Specifically, fruits can be obtained with the same yield as in the conventional case even if the input energy is reduced.

[0012] In particular, in the cultivation method according to the present disclosure, in the step of cultivating the fruit and vegetable plant, by adjusting the intensity of light and the temperature in the light irradiation cycle at an appropriate time, the productivity can be increased compared to the conventional case.

[0013] On the other hand, Patent Document 1 describes that temperature adjustment is not necessary, and there is no description focusing on adjusting the intensity of light and the temperature in the light irradiation cycle at an appropriate time.

[0014] <Cultivation step> -Fruit and vegetable plant- Fruiting plants are not particularly limited and include solanaceous plants such as tomatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers; cucurbitaceous plants such as melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, and zucchini; legumes such as green beans, peas, and broad beans; roseaceous plants such as strawberries; mallowaceous plants such as okra; and grasses such as corn.

[0015] In particular, the cultivation method described herein is suitable for cultivating plants of the Solanaceae family or Cucurbitaceae family. The fruit vegetables cultivated in the hydroponic cultivation apparatus described herein are preferably plants of the Solanaceae family or Cucurbitaceae family, more preferably tomatoes or melons, and even more preferably tomatoes.

[0016] Tomatoes include varieties such as midi tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and fruit tomatoes. Melons, on the other hand, include varieties such as green-fleshed and red-fleshed netted melons and non-netted melons.

[0017] The cultivation method relating to this disclosure is preferably a cultivation method using hydroponics, that is, a hydroponic cultivation method.

[0018] Hydroponic methods are not particularly limited and include flooded hydroponics, thin-film hydroponics, spray hydroponics, and drip hydroponics, in which liquid fertilizer is dripped onto the roots or root support.

[0019] In this disclosure, "cultivation period" refers to the period from the start of planting to harvest. "Cultivation process" refers to the process during the cultivation period.

[0020] The start of the cultivation period is, for example, the point at which the plant seedlings obtained in the seedling raising process described later are planted in a predetermined position in the cultivation apparatus according to this disclosure.

[0021] In the cultivation method relating to this disclosure, the cultivation period includes the fruit growth period and the fruit maturation period. The fruit growth period refers to the time when fruits that have set on a cultivated fruiting plant are growing. The fruit ripening period refers to the time from the end of the fruit growth period until the fruit is harvested.

[0022] In the cultivation method described herein, it is preferable to determine in advance the end time of the fruit growth period by using the same variety of fruit vegetable plant as the target of cultivation and cultivating it under set cultivation conditions.

[0023] In other words, by predetermining the end of the fruit growth period, the start of the fruit maturation period can be predetermined.

[0024] The following describes one example of a method for determining the end of the fruit growth period.

[0025] First, prepare seeds of the same variety of fruit and vegetable plant as the one to be cultivated as test samples. There may be one test sample or multiple samples. Fruit and vegetable plant varieties are registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. For example, the number of days after sowing can be used to determine when the fruit growth period is complete. If multiple test samples are prepared, the average number of days after sowing may be used, or the mode of the number of days after sowing may be used.

[0026] Cultivation using test samples will be carried out under the specified cultivation conditions. Specifically, cultivation conditions include light intensity, light irradiation cycle, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration. Preferred configurations of these cultivation conditions are described below.

[0027] Typically, flowers form on the main stem of fruit and vegetable plants at any time after planting. In this disclosure, the flower formed at the lowest position on the main stem of a fruiting plant (the position closest to the roots of the fruiting plant) is referred to as the first inflorescence. When the flowers in the first inflorescence fall off and fruit sets, the first inflorescence shall be referred to as the first fruit cluster. Furthermore, the flower formed at the lowest position on the main stem of the fruiting plant, following the first inflorescence or first fruit cluster, is referred to as the second inflorescence. Similarly, the inflorescence formed at the Nth tier from the lowest position on the main stem of the fruiting plant is referred to as the Nth inflorescence, and the fruit cluster formed at the Nth tier is referred to as the Nth fruit cluster.

[0028] 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.

[0029] It is preferable to harvest the fruit at the desired time after pinching off the growing tip.

[0030] It is preferable to determine the end of the fruit growth period based on the change in fruit size in the same variety of fruit-growing plant.

[0031] Specifically, to determine the end of the fruit growth period, after fruit set is confirmed in the first fruit cluster, the size of the fruit formed in each fruit cluster is measured. It is preferable to measure the size of the fruit at the same time every day. Possible timings for measurement include daily, every other day, every two days, every three days, etc. Fruit size refers to the maximum circumference of the fruit. Measuring the size of the fruit in each fruit cluster means measuring the size of each fruit in the first to the Nth fruit cluster, assuming that fruit clusters have formed up to the Nth tier. The number of fruit clusters can be adjusted by pinching off the growing tip. For example, by pinching off the tip after the third flower cluster has bloomed, the number of fruit clusters can be adjusted to three. Furthermore, the number of fruits allowed to set in a single fruit cluster may be adjusted. Preferably, the number of fruits per cluster should be 3 to 5, with 3 or 4 being more preferable. If more fruits set than the predetermined number, they may be removed as appropriate.

[0032] After measuring the size of the fruit formed in each fruit cluster, the sum of the measured values ​​is calculated. The end of the fruit growth period is determined when the rate of change of the total measured value falls below a predetermined threshold. Specifically, the rate of change of the total measured value is calculated using the following formula. Rate of change (%) = [(Total values ​​of measurements on day (X+3) after sowing) - (Total values ​​of measurements on day X after sowing) / (Total values ​​of measurements on day X after sowing)] If the rate of change is below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 0.1%), the end of the fruit growth stage is determined to be on day X after sowing. Then, the fruit maturation stage is determined to begin from day (X+3) after sowing.

[0033] <Cultivation process> -Artificial light- In the cultivation method described herein, fruit and vegetable plants are grown 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.

[0034] Artificial light is preferably irradiated using a light source.

[0035] 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.

[0036] There may be one type of LED, or there may be two or more types. The LED may emit visible light such as red, blue, and green, or may emit ultraviolet light (wavelength of 380 nm or less) or infrared light (wavelength of 780 nm or more). Among them, from the viewpoint of promoting photosynthesis of plants, an LED that emits light in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm is preferable. Also, from the viewpoints of improving energy efficiency and space utilization efficiency, it is important to increase the fruit yield per plant, and from such a viewpoint, combined use of red - system LEDs and blue - system LEDs is more preferable.

[0037] - Light intensity - In the cultivation process, from the viewpoint of productivity, the intensity of light irradiated on fruit - vegetable plants is adjusted. Specifically, in the fruit - ripening period, the intensity of light irradiated on fruit - vegetable plants is set to be weaker than the intensity of light irradiated in the fruit - growth period.

[0038] From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the light intensity of artificial light irradiated on fruit - vegetable plants in the fruit - growth period is preferably 200 μmol / m 2 / s to 800 μmol / m 2 / s, more preferably 250 μmol / m 2 / s to 700 μmol / m 2 / s, and even more preferably 300 μmol / m 2 / s to 600 μmol / m 2 / s.

[0039] From the viewpoint of productivity, the light intensity of artificial light irradiated on fruit - vegetable plants in the fruit - ripening period is preferably 50 μmol / m 2 / s to 250 μmol / m 2 / s, more preferably 80 μmol / m 2 / s to 200 μmol / m 2 / s, and even more preferably 100 μmol / m 2 / s to 150 μmol / m 2 / s.

[0040] From a productivity standpoint, the ratio of the light intensity of artificial light irradiated to fruit and vegetable plants during the fruit ripening stage to the light intensity of artificial light irradiated to fruit and vegetable plants during the fruit growth stage is preferably 0.1 to 0.8, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.5.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] -Light Irradiation Cycle- In the cultivation process, a light irradiation cycle consisting of light and dark periods is established for at least a portion of the growing period of fruit and vegetable plants. The temperature during the light period is at least 4°C higher than the temperature during the dark period. From the viewpoint of promoting flowering, it is preferable to set a light irradiation cycle for the entire period of cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants.

[0044] By irradiating fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light, temperature conditions can be adjusted.

[0045] In this disclosure, "light period" means the period during which fruit and vegetable plants are exposed to light. In this disclosure, "dark period" means the period during which fruit and vegetable plants are not exposed to light.

[0046] ★Claim 1 The difference between the temperature during the light period and the temperature during the dark period is preferably 4°C or more, and more preferably 6°C or more. The above difference is preferably 12°C or less, and more preferably 10°C or less. Furthermore, a difference of 4°C or more indicates that the temperature during the light period is higher than during the dark period. When the above temperature difference is 4°C, the number of flowers increases, resulting in a higher fruit yield.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and increasing 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.

[0052] -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%.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] -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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] -Nutrient solution- In the cultivation process, it is preferable to use nutrient solution.

[0059] 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.

[0060] In the cultivation process, temperature control may be achieved by either adjusting the temperature of the light and dark periods in the cultivation space, or by adjusting the temperature of the nutrient solution during the light and dark periods.

[0061] <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.

[0062] From the standpoint of cultivation efficiency, seedling cultivation is preferably carried out by hydroponics, and more preferably by flooded hydroponics.

[0063] 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 viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, 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. Furthermore, the artificial light source, wavelength, etc., can be those specified in the cultivation process.

[0064] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and achieving high sugar content, the ratio of light period to dark period (light period / dark period) is preferably 0.3 to 3, and more preferably 0.5 to 2.

[0065] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and sugar content, the relative humidity during the seedling stage is preferably controlled to 50% to 80%, and more preferably to 55% to 77%.

[0066] From the perspective of cultivation efficiency and sugar content, the light intensity of artificial light irradiated onto the seedlings after germination during the seedling stage is 200 μmol / m². 2 / s~800μmol / m 2 It is preferable that the value is / s, and 250 μmol / m³ 2 / s~600μmol / m 2 It is more preferable to use / s.

[0067] Artificial light irradiation may be performed from above the plant body after germination, or from the side, but from the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and space utilization efficiency, it is preferable to irradiate from above. Furthermore, artificial light may be irradiated from both the side and the top.

[0068] From the viewpoint of shortening the period until harvest, the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment during the seedling stage is preferably 300 ppm to 5000 ppm, and more preferably 400 ppm to 3500 ppm.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] <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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] The relative humidity during the germination process is preferably 70% to 100%, and particularly preferably 80% to 95%. Maintaining this range prevents the plant from drying out during the germination period, thus promoting good growth.

[0076] 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]

[0077] The above embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the above embodiments are not limited to these examples.

[0078] [Preliminary cultivation trial] The preliminary cultivation trial was conducted using the tomato variety (Momotaro York) to determine the end of the fruit growth period.

[0079] Tomato (Momotaro York) seeds were sown on a 4cm square urethane sponge that had been thoroughly moistened, at a temperature of 25°C, humidity of 70%, and light intensity of 10 μmol / m². 2 The seedlings were kept in a s environment for 4 days to germinate (germination process). The selected seedlings were raised for 20 days using the DFT method (deep-float hydroponics) (seedling raising process). The resulting seedlings (40 plants) were transplanted to an environment where temperature, humidity, and light intensity could be controlled, and cultivation was started under the conditions described in 1 below (cultivation process). Cultivation was carried out while pruning and managing the plants according to the standard method for single-stem cultivation. After the flowering of the third flower cluster was confirmed, the top two leaves of that flower cluster were left and the tip was pinched off. The number of fruits per fruit cluster was limited to 4, and if there were too many fruits, they were removed before the fruit diameter exceeded 2 cm. Subsequently, the fruits that had set in the first to third fruit clusters were harvested sequentially. Furthermore, during the cultivation period, the diameter of all fruits that had set was measured at the same time each day, and the weight of the fruits was estimated. The total of the measured values ​​was calculated and recorded along with the number of days since sowing. Based on the percentage change in the total measured values, it was found that the fruit growth period is from 48 to 105 days after sowing, and the fruit maturation period is from 105 days after sowing onwards.

[0080] (Condition 1) • Cultivation period: 140 days ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours (light period) / 8 hours (dark period) • Light intensity during the light period: 500 μmol / m² 2 / s (full term) ·Temperature: 27℃ (light period) / 19℃ (dark period) ·Humidity: 70% • Nutrient solution: Kyowa Hyponica liquid fertilizer (500x dilution) ·CO2 concentration: 1000ppm

[0081] <Example 1> The germination and seedling stages were carried out in the same manner as in the preliminary cultivation trials. After transplanting, the cultivation process was carried out in the same manner as in the preliminary cultivation trial, except that cultivation was performed under condition 2 below.

[0082] (Condition 2) • Cultivation period: 140 days ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours (light period) / 8 hours (dark period) • Light intensity during the light period: 500 μmol / m² 2 / s (planting ~ 115 days after sowing), 125μmol / m 2 / s (116 to 140 days after sowing) ·Temperature: 27℃ (light period) / 19℃ (dark period) ·Humidity: 70% • Nutrient solution: Kyowa Hyponica liquid fertilizer (500x dilution) ·CO2 concentration: 1000ppm

[0083] <Example 2> The germination and seedling stages were carried out in the same manner as in the preliminary cultivation trials. After transplanting, the cultivation process was carried out in the same manner as in the preliminary cultivation trial, except that cultivation was performed under condition 3 below.

[0084] (Condition 3) • Cultivation period: 140 days ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours (light period) / 8 hours (dark period) • Light intensity during the light period: 500 μmol / m² 2 / s (planting ~ 105 days after sowing), 125μmol / m 2 / s (106 to 140 days after sowing) ·Temperature: 27℃ (light period) / 19℃ (dark period) ·Humidity: 70% • Nutrient solution: Kyowa Hyponica liquid fertilizer (500x dilution) ·CO2 concentration: 1000ppm

[0085] <Comparative Example 1> Cultivation was carried out under the same conditions as in the preliminary cultivation trial.

[0086] <Comparative Example 2> The germination and seedling stages were carried out in the same manner as in the preliminary cultivation trials. After transplanting, the cultivation process was carried out in the same manner as in the preliminary cultivation trial, except that cultivation was performed under condition 4 below.

[0087] (Condition 4) • Cultivation period: 140 days ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours (light period) / 8 hours (dark period) • Light intensity during the light period: 500 μmol / m² 2 / s (planting ~ 115 days after sowing), 125μmol / m 2 / s (116 to 140 days after sowing) ·Temperature: 27℃ (light period) / 27℃ (dark period) ·Humidity: 70% • Nutrient solution: Kyowa Hyponica liquid fertilizer (500x dilution) ·CO2 concentration: 1000ppm

[0088] The yield, sugar content, and power consumption required for light irradiation of the fruits obtained in each example and comparative example were measured. Furthermore, productivity was evaluated based on the fruit yield and power consumption.

[0089] [yield] For each plant, the total mass of harvested fruit was calculated. The average yield per plant was then calculated.

[0090] [sugar content] Harvested tomatoes were cut in half lengthwise (perpendicular to the equatorial plane), one half was crushed into a juice-like consistency, and a portion of the other half was measured using a sugar content meter (Atago brand sugar content meter). The average sugar content of each fruit was calculated.

[0091] [Power consumption] The power consumption required for light irradiation per plant was calculated.

[0092] [productivity] Productivity was calculated by comparing yield (in units of "g / plant") with power consumption (in units of "MJ / plant").

[0093] The results are shown in Table 1.

[0094] [Table 1]

[0095] Table 1 shows that in Examples 1 and 2, the intensity of light irradiated to the fruit-growing plants during the fruit-ripening stage was set to be weaker than the intensity of light irradiated during the fruit-growing stage. Furthermore, a light irradiation cycle of light and dark periods was established for at least a portion of the cultivation period of the fruit-growing plants. Since the temperature during the light period was 4°C or more higher than the temperature during the dark period, it was found that productivity was superior.

Claims

1. This process includes cultivating fruit and vegetable plants by irradiating them with artificial light. During the fruit maturation stage, after the fruit growth stage of the aforementioned fruit-growing plant has ended, the intensity of the light irradiated onto the fruit-growing plant is set to be weaker than the intensity of the light irradiated during the fruit growth stage. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, wherein a light irradiation cycle of light periods and dark periods is set for at least a portion of the cultivation period of the fruit and vegetable plants, and the temperature during the light period is 4°C or higher than the temperature during the dark period.

2. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1, wherein the timing of the end of the fruit growth period is predetermined by cultivating the fruit and vegetable plants of the same variety as the target fruit and vegetable plants under set cultivation conditions.

3. The method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to claim 2, wherein the timing of the end of the fruit growth period is determined based on the change in fruit size in the fruit vegetable plant of the same variety.

4. The method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fruit vegetable plant is a plant of the Solanaceae family or a plant of the Cucurbitaceae family.

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