Cultivation equipment and cultivation methods

Abstract

To provide cultivation equipment and methods that can further improve yields. [Solution] A space for cultivating plants, a light source for irradiating the plants with light, and a water vapor permeability of 200 g / m³ placed between the plants and the light source. 2 A cultivation facility and its applications comprising a shielding material that is (day) or more in thickness.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to cultivation equipment and cultivation methods. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a growing demand for vegetable production in plant factories that utilize artificial light.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a plant cultivation device comprising a flat plate-shaped guide section for guiding the growth direction of a plant, and a height adjustment section that can adjust the height of the guide section in the height direction of the plant, wherein the guide section is characterized in that it has light transmittance and transmittance wavelength selectivity. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-100082 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The goal is to improve yields even when the same amount of light energy is applied as before.

[0006] One embodiment of this disclosure aims to solve the problem of providing cultivation equipment and cultivation methods that can further improve yield. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This disclosure includes the following aspects: <1> A space for cultivating plants, A light source that illuminates plants, A water vapor permeability of 200 g / m³ is placed between the plant and the light source. 2 A cultivation facility equipped with a shield that is at least (day) above the specified threshold. <2> The light source illuminates the side of the plant. <1> The cultivation equipment described above. <3> The shielding material is a cellulose triacetate film or net. <1> or <2> The cultivation equipment described above. <4> The distance between the occluder and the light source is set so that the amount of light irradiated to the plant is less than or equal to the plant's light saturation point. <1> ~ <3> Cultivation equipment as described in one of the following. <5> We will be doing indoor hydroponic cultivation. <1> ~ <4> Cultivation equipment as described in one of the following. <6> <1> ~ <5> A cultivation method in which plants are grown after transplanting using the cultivation equipment described in any one of the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, cultivation equipment and cultivation methods capable of further improving yields are 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 numerical ranges described in stages within this disclosure, the upper or lower limit of one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in numerical ranges described within this disclosure, the upper or lower limit of that range may be replaced with the values ​​shown in the examples. In the present disclosure, the term "process" includes not only an independent process but also a process that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes as long as the intended purpose of the process is achieved. In the present disclosure, the term "fruit and vegetable plant" means a plant whose harvest is a fruit.

[0010] [Cultivation equipment] The cultivation equipment according to the present disclosure includes a space for cultivating plants, a light source for irradiating light on the plants, and a shielding material disposed between the plants and the light source and having a water vapor permeability of 200 g / (m 2 ·day) or more.

[0011] According to the cultivation equipment of the present disclosure, the yield can be further improved. Different from conventional cultivation using sunlight, in cultivation using a light source to irradiate light on plants, when the plants grow and the leaves become lush, the leaves may reach near the light source. In such a case, extremely strong light is irradiated on the leaves located near the light source. Also, since the light shielding rate of the leaves of plants is extremely high, when the light source is covered by the leaves, the amount of light irradiated on the leaves located on the back side tends to significantly decrease. In contrast, in the cultivation equipment according to the present disclosure, since it is provided with a shielding material disposed between the plants and the light source and having a water vapor permeability of 200 g / (m 2 ·day) or more, transpiration of the plants can be prevented from being hindered, and the light source can be suppressed from being covered by the leaves of the plants. The efficiency of photosynthesis is increased, and the yield can be improved compared to the conventional case.

[0012] Patent Document 1 does not mention paying attention to disposing a shielding material having a water vapor permeability of 200 g / (m 2 ·day) or more between the plants and the light source.

[0013] [Cultivation space] The cultivation equipment according to the present disclosure includes a space (cultivation space) for cultivating plants.

[0014] The plants cultivated are not particularly limited and may be leafy vegetables or fruit vegetables. From the viewpoint of allowing the leaves to spread easily and the effects of this disclosure to be more fully realized, the plants are preferably fruit vegetables. Examples of fruit and vegetable plants include nightshade 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 equipment relating to this disclosure is suitable for cultivating plants of the Solanaceae family or Cucurbitaceae family. The fruiting plant is preferably a plant of the Solanaceae family or Cucurbitaceae family, more preferably a tomato or a melon, and even more preferably a tomato.

[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 may be hydroponics or soil cultivation. The form of hydroponics is not particularly limited and includes conventionally known hydroponic methods such as flood hydroponics, thin-film hydroponics, drip hydroponics, spray hydroponics, and Ebb&Flow cultivation.

[0018] Hydroponic cultivation is preferred, and the cultivation space should preferably be one where temperature and humidity can be controlled, from the viewpoint of efficiently cultivating plants. Indoor hydroponic cultivation is even more preferred.

[0019] Temperature conditions can be adjusted using air conditioners installed within the cultivation facilities for growing plants. For example, the temperature can be adjusted to two or more different conditions, such as light conditions, including light and dark periods. From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and achieving high sugar content, the upper limit of the light-period temperature is preferably 29°C or lower, more preferably 28.5°C or lower, and even more preferably 28°C or lower. From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and sugar content, the lower limit of the light-period temperature is preferably 15°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, and even more preferably 25°C or higher.

[0020] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and sugar content, the upper limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 25°C or lower, more preferably 23°C or lower, and even more preferably 22°C or lower. From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and achieving high sugar content, the lower limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 10°C or higher, more preferably 13°C or higher, and even more preferably 15°C or higher.

[0021] Light and dark temperatures are measured by placing a thermometer 1 cm away from the plant. For example, the THA-3151 temperature and humidity sensor manufactured by T&D Corporation can be used as the thermometer.

[0022] In this disclosure, "light period" means the period during which light is shone on the plants by a light source. In this disclosure, "dark period" means the period during which light is not shone on the plants by a light source.

[0023] The method for controlling the light and dark temperatures is not particularly limited and can be carried out by conventionally known methods. For example, the light and dark temperatures can be controlled by monitoring them with the thermometer and, if necessary, supplying warm or cold air.

[0024] 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 2 to 3.

[0025] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and achieving high sugar content, relative humidity is preferably controlled to 50% to 80%, and more preferably to 55% to 77%.

[0026] Relative humidity is measured by placing a hygrometer 1 cm away from the plant. For example, the THA-3151 temperature and humidity sensor manufactured by T&D Corporation can be used as a hygrometer.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of efficiently cultivating plants, the cultivation space is preferably a space where the carbon dioxide concentration can be controlled.

[0029] From the viewpoint of increasing yield, the carbon dioxide concentration is preferably 300 ppm to 2000 ppm, and more preferably 400 ppm to 1500 ppm.

[0030] Carbon dioxide concentration is measured by placing a carbon dioxide concentration meter 1 cm away from the plant. For example, the LI-850 manufactured by LI-COR can be used as a carbon dioxide concentration meter.

[0031] 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.

[0032] <Light source> The cultivation equipment relating to this disclosure is equipped with a light source. 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.

[0033] 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, from the viewpoint of promoting plant photosynthesis, LEDs that emit light in the wavelength range of 400nm to 700nm are preferred. Furthermore, increasing the 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.

[0034] It is preferable that the light source illuminates the side of the plant. By irradiating plants with light from the side, it is possible to control the size (especially the height) of fruit and vegetable plants. For example, multiple light sources are placed on the side of the plant at equal intervals along a direction parallel to the direction of gravity. The light source may be positioned not only on the side of the plant, but also vertically above it.

[0035] From the perspective of cultivation efficiency and sugar content, the light intensity of artificial light irradiated onto 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~600μmol / m 2 It is more preferable to use / s.

[0036] The measurement of light intensity is performed by placing the light-receiving surface of the measuring device 1 cm away from the plant and facing it towards the light source. As the measuring device, for example, a quantum sensor (LI-COR, LI-190R) can be used. When the light source is arranged in two or more directions of the plant, the sum of the light intensities measured by arranging the measuring device facing each light source is taken as the above light intensity.

[0037] <Shielding object> The cultivation equipment according to the present disclosure includes a shielding object having a water vapor transmission rate of 200 g / (m 2 ·day) or more. The shielding object is arranged between the plant and the light source.

[0038] By arranging a shielding object between the plant and the light source, it is possible to suppress the grown leaves of the plant from covering the light source. Further, since the water vapor transmission rate of the shielding object is 200 g / (m 2 ·day) or more, the transpiration of the plant is not hindered, and the photosynthesis efficiency can be increased.

[0039] From the above viewpoints, the water vapor transmission rate of the shielding object is preferably 300 g / (m 2 ·day) or more, and more preferably 500 g / (m 2 ·day) or more. The upper limit value of the water vapor transmission rate of the shielding object is not particularly limited. The shielding object may be an object having an opening through which gas can freely pass.

[0040] In the present disclosure, the water vapor transmission rate is measured in accordance with "Test Method for Water Vapor Permeability of Moisture-proof Packaging Materials (Cup Method)" of JIS Z 0208:1976.

[0041] Further, the shielding object preferably has a light transmittance of 95% or more, and more preferably 98% or more, in order to ensure light irradiation to the plant.

[0042] In the present disclosure, the light transmittance is measured by the following method. A photon flux density meter (product name "LI-250", manufactured by LI-COR) is placed opposite the light source at a distance of 15 cm to take measurements. Light intensity is measured both in an unobstructed state and with an obstruction placed 4 cm away from the light source. The light transmittance is calculated based on these light intensities.

[0043] The shielding material has a water vapor transmission rate of 200 g / m³. 2 While not particularly limited as long as it is above (day), from the viewpoint of light transmittance, examples include cellulose triacetate film (TAC film) or porous material (e.g., porous film, wire mesh, net, nonwoven fabric), with TAC film or net being preferred.

[0044] If the shielding material is a film, the film thickness is preferably 0.02 mm to 0.30 mm, and more preferably 0.05 mm to 0.20 mm.

[0045] The material of the net is not particularly limited; it may be resin or metal. Examples of resins include nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene.

[0046] The mesh diameter of the net is, for example, 20mm to 30mm. The wire diameter of the net is, for example, 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0047] The shape and size of the obstruction are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the width and height of the plants.

[0048] From the viewpoint of increasing the overall photosynthesis rate of the plant, it is preferable that the distance between the shading object and the light source be set such that the amount of light irradiated onto the plant is below the plant's light saturation point. The light saturation point is the point at which increasing the light intensity further in plant photosynthesis will no longer increase the amount of photosynthesis.

[0049] Specifically, the distance between the occluding object and the light source is preferably 2 cm to 10 cm, and more preferably 3 cm to 7 cm. Furthermore, the distance between the plant (specifically, the main stem) and the light source is preferably 3 cm to 10 cm, and more preferably 4 cm to 5 cm.

[0050] In this disclosure, the optical saturation point is measured by the following method.

[0051] [Cultivation method] The cultivation method described herein preferably involves cultivating plants after planting using the above-mentioned cultivation equipment.

[0052] For example, it is preferable to install cultivation shelves in the cultivation space of the above-mentioned cultivation facility and to plant the plant seedlings obtained in the seedling raising process described later in a predetermined location. In other words, a plant after transplanting refers to a plant that has been moved to its final location for growth. In the case of hydroponics, this refers to the location that comes into contact with the nutrient solution in the hydroponic system.

[0053] In the cultivation method described herein, a single plant may be cultivated, or multiple plants may be cultivated simultaneously. When multiple plants are cultivated simultaneously, it is preferable that they be planted with a certain distance between them. Specifically, the distance between plants should preferably be between 10 cm and 30 cm. Each plant receives light without obstruction, resulting in improved yields.

[0054] The cultivation conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, etc.) for growing plants after transplanting in the above cultivation facility are as described above.

[0055] <Seedling raising process> The cultivation method of this disclosure may include a seedling raising step. In the seedling raising step, the plants after germination are grown into plant seedlings.

[0056] From the standpoint of cultivation efficiency, it is preferable to raise plant seedlings using hydroponics, and more preferably using flooded hydroponics.

[0057] 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 upper limit of the light-period temperature is preferably 29°C or lower, more preferably 28.5°C or lower, and even more preferably 28°C or lower. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the lower limit of the light-period temperature is preferably 15°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, and even more preferably 25°C or higher. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the upper limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 25°C or lower, more preferably 23°C or lower, and even more preferably 22°C or lower. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the lower limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 10°C or higher, more preferably 13°C or higher, and even more preferably 15°C or higher. Furthermore, the artificial light source, wavelength, etc., can be those specified in the cultivation process.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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%.

[0060] From the perspective of cultivation efficiency and sugar content, the light intensity of artificial light irradiated onto plants after germination during the seedling stage should be 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.

[0061] Artificial light irradiation may be performed from above the plant 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.

[0062] 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 2000 ppm, and more preferably 400 ppm to 1500 ppm.

[0063] 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 30 days.

[0064] When the seedling cultivation process is carried out by 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 is more preferable to use a support stand equipped with a urethane sponge, phenolic resin sponge, rock wool, or a water-retaining sheet.

[0065] <Germination Process> The cultivation method of 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.

[0066] 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 supports include those similar to those used in the seedling cultivation process.

[0067] Furthermore, from among the plant seeds whose germination has been confirmed, we select those that are at a similar stage of growth. It is preferable to cultivate seedlings, as this allows for a uniform harvest time and improves cultivation efficiency.

[0068] 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 treatments such as dormancy breaking before germination. Some plants 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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]

[0071] The above embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the above embodiments are not limited to these examples.

[0072] [Example 1] Tomato (Momotaro York) seeds were sown on a sufficiently moistened urethane sponge (5cm x 5cm x 2cm) and kept indoors at 28°C, 70% humidity, and in darkness for 3 days to germinate. The selected seedlings were raised under the following conditions. The resulting seedlings (40 plants) were transplanted into a hydroponic system placed in an indoor environment where temperature, humidity, and light intensity could be controlled, and cultivation was started under the following growth conditions 1 (cultivation after transplanting). Cultivation was carried out while pruning management according to the standard method for single-stem cultivation. After flowering of the third flower cluster was confirmed, the top two leaves of the third flower cluster were left and the tip was pinched off. The number of fruits per fruit cluster was set to 4, and if there were excessive fruits, they were removed before the fruit diameter exceeded 2cm. Subsequently, the fruits that had set in the first to third fruit clusters were harvested sequentially, and the yield per plant was evaluated.

[0073] <Seedling raising conditions> • Seedling cultivation period: 18 days ·Light / dark cycle: 16hr(bright) / 8r(dark) ·Bright period light intensity: 250μmol / m 2 / s ·Temperature: 27℃ (light) / 19℃ (dark) ·Humidity: 70% • Nutrient solution: Kyowa Hyponica liquid fertilizer (500x dilution) • Carbon dioxide concentration: 1000 ppm

[0074] <Growth conditions 1> • Cultivation period: 100 days ·Light / dark cycle: 16hr(bright) / 8r(dark) ·Bright period light intensity: 500μmol / m 2 / s (full term) ·Temperature: 27℃ (light) / 19℃ (dark) ·Humidity: 70% • Nutrient solution: Kyowa Hyponica liquid fertilizer (500x dilution) • Carbon dioxide concentration: 1000 ppm • Shielding material between plants and light source: TAC film (thickness 200 μm) • Distance between light source and occluding object: 10cm

[0075] [Example 2] The plants were cultivated and the fruits harvested in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the shielding between the plants and the light source was changed as follows. • Shielding material between plants and light source: Net (made of polyethylene, mesh diameter: 25mm, wire diameter: 1mm)

[0076] [Example 3] The plants were cultivated and the fruits harvested in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the distance between the plants and the light source was changed as follows. • Distance between light source and occluding object: 6cm

[0077] [Example 4] The plants were cultivated and the fruits harvested in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the distance between the plants and the light source was changed as follows. • Distance between light source and occluding object: 4cm

[0078] [Comparative Example 1] The plants were cultivated and the fruits harvested in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no shielding material was placed between the plants and the light source.

[0079] [Comparative Example 2] The plants were cultivated and the fruits harvested in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the shielding between the plants and the light source was changed as follows. • Shielding material between plants and light source: Polyethylene terephthalate film (PET film, thickness: 200 μm)

[0080] The average yield and sugar content were calculated for the fruits obtained in Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 2. The results are shown in Table 1. In Table 1, "∞" means an extremely large value.

[0081] [Average yield] The average mass of fruit harvested per plant was calculated and used as the average yield.

[0082] [sugar content] Harvested tomatoes were cut in half along an arbitrary longitudinal plane (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.

[0083] In Table 1, "Satisfying the condition of being below the light saturation point" indicates whether the distance between the occluding object and the light source is set to a distance below the light saturation point of the plant. If the distance is set to be below the optical saturation point, it is written as "Y"; if the distance is not set to be below the optical saturation point, it is written as "N". The distance at which plants reach their light saturation point is 4 cm.

[0084] [Table 1]

[0085] As shown in Table 1, in Examples 1 to 4, the water vapor transmission rate was 200 g / (m³). 2 Because cultivation was carried out in a cultivation facility equipped with shielding (over 2 days), it was found that the average yield improved compared to Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

Claims

1. A space for cultivating plants, A light source that irradiates the aforementioned plant with light, A water vapor permeability of 200 g / m³ is placed between the plant and the light source. ２ A cultivation facility equipped with a shielding material that is (day) or more in size.

2. The cultivation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source irradiates light onto the side of the plant.

3. The cultivation equipment according to claim 1, wherein the shielding material is a cellulose triacetate film or a net.

4. The cultivation equipment according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the shielding object and the light source is set to a distance at which the amount of light irradiated onto the plant is less than or equal to the light saturation point of the plant.

5. The cultivation equipment according to claim 1 for indoor hydroponic cultivation.

6. A cultivation method for cultivating plants after transplanting using the cultivation equipment described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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