Fertilizer, method for producing the same, and method for cultivating plants using the same

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a fertilizer that has beneficial effects on plant growth and can be supplied stably, a method for producing the same, and a method for cultivating plants using the same. [Solution] The present invention provides a fertilizer containing a plant hormone derived from aquatic products that has a plant growth promoting effect, or a precursor substance included in the synthesis pathway of the plant hormone.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fertilizer, a method for producing the same, and a plant cultivation method using the same.

Background Art

[0002] In plant cultivation, fertilizers are generally used for purposes such as improving yield. Chemical pesticides are sometimes used for the purpose of crop protection. Furthermore, a technique of allowing bacterial fermentation products to act on plants in place of chemical pesticides is known (Patent Document 1). On the other hand, it is known that a plant sterol-based agricultural composition derived from a plant sterol extract can improve yield (Patent Document 2).

[0003] However, superior fertilizers are demanded in terms of the effect of fertilizers, the stable supply or easy availability of raw materials, and other aspects.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a fertilizer that exerts beneficial effects on plant growth and can be stably supplied, and a method for producing the same. Another object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivation method using said fertilizer.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The present inventors have found that, in order to solve the above problems, it is possible to provide a fertilizer that has a beneficial effect on plant growth and can be supplied stably by utilizing useful components derived from aquatic products. Therefore, the first aspect of the present invention is (1) a fertilizer containing a plant hormone derived from aquatic products that has a plant growth promoting effect or a precursor included in the synthesis pathway of the above plant hormone.

[0007] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is (2) the fertilizer described in (1) above, wherein the plant hormone is a plant hormone having a steroid skeleton.

[0008] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is (3) the fertilizer described in (2) above, wherein the plant hormone is a brassinosteroid.

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the fertilizer described in (1) above, further comprising (4) one or more substances from the group consisting of antibacterial substances and antifungal substances.

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the fertilizer described in (1) above, which contains one or more of the group consisting of (5) squalene, neophytadiene, β-sitosterol, γ-sitosterol, ferginol, and tetracosamethylcyclododecasiloxane.

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is (6) a fertilizer obtained by treating a mixture containing an extract derived from aquatic products, a carbon source, and water with a composition containing beneficial microorganisms.

[0012] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the fertilizer described in (6) above, wherein the extract derived from the aquatic product comprises one or more from the group consisting of fish extracts and seaweed extracts.

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is (8) the fertilizer described in (7) above, wherein the extract derived from the aquatic product comprises a fish extract and a seaweed extract.

[0014] Furthermore, the inventors have found that using the fertilizer of the present invention in plant cultivation can improve yield or fruit sugar content. Therefore, another aspect of the present invention is (9) a method for cultivating plants, comprising spraying the fertilizer described in any one of (1) to (8) above onto the soil in which the plants are planted or onto the plants themselves, or adding it to a hydroponic solution.

[0015] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the plant cultivation method described in (9) above, wherein the spraying includes foliar spraying.

[0016] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is (11) the plant cultivation method described in (9) above, wherein the plant is one of potatoes, grains, vegetables, tea, and fruits.

[0017] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the plant cultivation method described in (11) above, wherein the plant is one of the following: potato, sweet potato, rice, komatsuna, tea, and Shine Muscat.

[0018] Furthermore, the inventors have found that fertilizer can be produced using stably supplied raw materials by mixing and stirring raw materials including aquatic products (fish extracts and / or seaweed extracts), a composition containing beneficial microorganisms, and a carbon source. Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing fertilizer containing a plant hormone having a plant growth promoting effect derived from aquatic products or a precursor included in the synthesis pathway of the plant hormone, comprising the step of preparing a mixture containing at least an extract derived from aquatic products and a composition containing beneficial microorganisms.

[0019] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing fertilizer, comprising (14) (1) the step of preparing a mixture containing an extract derived from aquatic products, a carbon source and water, and (2) the step of reacting the mixture with a composition containing beneficial microorganisms.

[0020] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the method for producing fertilizer as described in (13) or (14) above, wherein the extract derived from the aquatic product comprises one or more from the group consisting of fish extracts and seaweed extracts.

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is (16) the method for producing a fertilizer according to (15) above, wherein the aquatic product-derived extract includes a fish extract and a seaweed extract.

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is (17) the method for producing a fertilizer according to (15) above, wherein the fish extract is bonito boiling juice, shark boiling juice, or a mixture thereof.

[0023] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is (18) the method for producing a fertilizer according to (15) above, wherein the seaweed extract is wakame boiling juice.

[0024] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is (19) the method for producing a fertilizer according to (14) above, wherein the carbon source is sweet potato squeezed liquid.

[0025] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is (20) the method for producing a fertilizer according to (13) or (14) above, wherein the useful microorganism contained in the useful microorganism-containing composition includes photosynthetic bacteria.

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is (21) the method for producing a fertilizer according to (20) above, wherein the photosynthetic bacteria include one or more of purple non-sulfur bacteria, purple sulfur bacteria, and alkali-resistant photosynthetic bacteria. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] The present invention provides a fertilizer usable in plant cultivation, a method for producing the same, and can also provide a method for cultivating plants using said fertilizer. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the fertilizer of the present invention, the method for producing the same, and the plant cultivation method using the same will be described in detail. However, the following embodiments are merely examples for describing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to said embodiments.

[0029] 1. Raw Materials etc. for Fertilizer "Fertilizer" is an additive typically added to the soil in which plants are planted to promote their growth or proliferation when cultivating plants. In this embodiment, the form and method of use of the fertilizer are not limited and include, for example, liquid, powder, and encapsulated forms. The raw materials of the fertilizer according to this embodiment typically include one or more of the following: extracts derived from marine products, a carbon source, and a composition containing beneficial microorganisms. The extracts derived from marine products include at least one of fish extracts and seaweed extracts.

[0030] (1)Fish extract Here, the fish extract in this embodiment is not limited to any particular form and can be any composition extracted from fish. Preferably, the fish extract is a fish broth. The fish used as a raw material is not particularly limited, but preferably, from the viewpoint of the stability of raw material availability and the components contained, bonito, shark, and a mixture of bonito and shark can be used as raw materials. That is, the fish extract in this embodiment can be a bonito broth, a shark broth, or a mixture thereof. Here, a mixture may be made by mixing bonito broth and shark broth, or a mixture may be obtained by producing a broth using a mixture of bonito and shark as raw materials.

[0031] The production of fish broth generally involves boiling the raw fish (boiling process). Then, the solid and liquid are separated by methods such as sedimentation, filtration, or centrifugation to obtain the broth.

[0032] (2) Seaweed extract The seaweed extract in this embodiment is not limited to any particular form and can be any composition extracted from seaweed. Preferably, the seaweed extract is seaweed broth. The seaweed used as a raw material is not particularly limited, but preferably, wakame seaweed can be used as a raw material.

[0033] The general method for producing seaweed broth involves blanching the raw seaweed in hot water. The broth is then obtained by cooling the liquid remaining after blanching.

[0034] (3) Carbon sources In the cultivation of useful microorganisms and maturation using these useful microorganisms in this embodiment, a carbon source can be added. Preferably, sweet potato juice can be used as a source of sugar, but this is not limited to this.

[0035] (4) Composition containing useful microorganisms "Beneficial microorganisms" broadly encompass microorganisms that have a beneficial effect on plant cultivation. In this embodiment, beneficial microorganisms are typically microorganisms that can act on other raw materials of the fertilizer of this embodiment or components in the soil on which the plants are cultivated to produce substances beneficial to plant cultivation. Preferably, the beneficial microorganisms in this embodiment include photosynthetic bacteria. More preferably, the beneficial microorganisms in this embodiment include one or more of purple non-sulfur bacteria, purple sulfur bacteria, and alkali-resistant photosynthetic bacteria. The beneficial microorganism-containing composition can be analyzed for its microbial community structure by next-generation sequencing analysis. In this embodiment, the form of the beneficial microorganism-containing composition is not limited and includes, for example, mature plant tissue (e.g., sawdust), liquid, powder, and encapsulated forms. The beneficial microorganism-containing composition includes at least beneficial microorganisms and components of the culture medium for said microorganisms. The beneficial microorganism-containing composition can act on other raw materials of this embodiment or components in the soil on which the plants are cultivated, such as decomposition, synthesis, or conversion.

[0036] 2. Fertilizer production

[0037] (1)Mixing process In manufacturing the fertilizer according to this embodiment, each raw material is added to a tank and mixed. Specifically, a mixture containing fish extract, seaweed extract, a carbon source, and water is prepared, and the beneficial microorganism-containing composition is immersed in it. However, the beneficial microorganism-containing composition may be mixed into or added to the mixture. As a result, the beneficial microorganism-containing composition acts on the components of the mixture. Here, the beneficial microorganism-containing composition may be added directly to the tank, or it may be contained in a container that allows the mixture to flow in and out, and the container may be placed inside the tank. The tank is configured to allow stirring of the mixture inside. For example, a circulation pump may be installed to circulate and stir the mixture inside the tank.

[0038] (2) Aging process In the maturation process, the mixture obtained in the mixing process is stirred for a predetermined period of time and allowed to mature. At this point, the mixture may be heated to a predetermined temperature and that temperature may be maintained throughout the maturation process.

[0039] The maturation temperature and time vary depending on the composition of the mixture and the type of beneficial microorganism-containing composition added. However, examples of temperatures include 0°C to 70°C, preferably 5°C to 50°C. Examples of maturation periods include 1 day to 2 months, preferably 2 days to 1 month, and more preferably 5 days (100 hours or more) to 20 days.

[0040] In this embodiment, the mixed liquid obtained by the above manufacturing method is used as fertilizer as an example, but the form of the fertilizer in this embodiment is not limited to this. In addition, other components other than the above mixed liquid may be included, such as excipients, pH adjusters, buffering agents, etc.

[0041] Furthermore, while the following embodiments describe examples in which the fertilizer is used as an additive applied to soil or plants for cultivation, it is not limited to these uses and can also be used as an additive in foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, pesticides, etc.

[0042] (3) Drying process Selectively, the production of the fertilizer according to this embodiment may include a step of drying the fertilizer from the mixture by a desired method. For example, the solid components in the mixture may be recovered by drying them using methods such as spray drying or freeze-drying.

[0043] 3. Compounds contained in the fertilizer of this embodiment The fertilizer of this embodiment contains a plant hormone derived from aquatic products that has a plant growth promoting effect, or a precursor included in the synthesis pathway of the plant hormone. Preferably, the fertilizer of this embodiment further contains one or more substances from the group consisting of antibacterial substances and antifungal substances. Typically, the fertilizer of this embodiment contains one or more substances from the group consisting of squalene, neophytadiene, β-sitosterol, γ-sitosterol, ferruginol, and tetracosamethylcyclododecasiloxane.

[0044] Squalene is a compound found in aquatic products, such as the liver oil of marine animals and vegetable oils. Therefore, the fertilizer of this embodiment contains squalene derived at least partially from aquatic products. Brassinosteroids are synthesized from sterols. In plants, sterols are synthesized from mevalonic acid in the order of squalene, squalene oxide, and cycloartenol, and from this cycloartenol, sitosterol and campesterol, which are major plant sterols, are further synthesized. Squalene is a precursor included in the synthesis pathway of brassinosteroids, which are plant hormones with a steroid skeleton. Brassinosteroids also have plant growth promoting effects, specifically promoting plant height, cell division, and germination.

[0045] β-Sitosterol is a type of plant sterol that has antifungal and plant growth-promoting properties.

[0046] γ-Sitosterol (Clionasterol) is a type of plant sterol that has antifungal and plant growth-promoting properties.

[0047] Neophytadiene is a compound found in algal extracts. Furthermore, neophytadiene possesses antifungal properties against the fungus (Botrytis cinerea) that causes gray mold disease in tomatoes.

[0048] Ferruginol is a component found in trees such as cedar bark, and it has antibacterial properties.

[0049] Tetracosamethyl-cyclododecasiloxane is a component found in seaweed and possesses antibacterial properties.

[0050] In addition to the above, the compounds that may be contained in the fertilizer of this embodiment include: phenol, 5-ethenyl-2-methoxy, trans-isoeugenol, 4-ethenyl-2t,6-dimethoxy-phenol, (E)2,6-dimethoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)phenol, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecene, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl Methyl-2-hexadecene-1-ol, hexadecane, 1,16-dichloro-(E,E)-7,11,15-trimethyl-3-methylene-hexadeca-1,6,10,14-tetraene, 10-heneicosene(c,t), (E)5-eicosene, tricosanal, hexaconal, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-pentadecene, cyclooctasiloxane, hexadecamethyl -, E-14-Hexadecenal, Cyclononasiloxane, Octadecamethyl-, 9,19-Cyclolanostan-24-en-3-ol, Acetate, (3β)-, 9,19-Cycloergosto-24(28)-en-3-ol, 4,14-Dimethyl-, Acetate, (3β, 4α, 5α)-, 9,19-Cyclolanostan-3-ol, 24-Methylene-, Acetate, (3β) - β-Amylon, β-Amyrin, 1-Undecanol, Cyclotridecane, 1-Pentadecene, 1-Hexadecanol, Docosane, Tricosane, Eicosane, Stigma-3,5-Dien-7-one, 1,4-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) ester, Tritetracontane, Dodecanoic acid, 1,2,3-Propanetriyl ester, Silanediol, Dimethyl.

[0051] As described above, the fertilizer of this embodiment contains various antibacterial and antifungal substances.

[0052] 4. Method for cultivating plants using the fertilizer of this embodiment In this embodiment, the fertilizer extracted from the matured mixture can be used for plant cultivation. The method of using the fertilizer in this embodiment is not particularly limited. Preferably, for example, it can be applied to the soil, directly to plants, or added to the cultivation water in hydroponics, and agricultural products can be harvested by cultivating plants using this. Direct application to plants may include foliar application of the fertilizer in this embodiment. However, these methods are merely examples, and plants can be cultivated by other methods as long as the fertilizer according to this embodiment is used.

[0053] The plants to which the fertilizer of this embodiment can be applied are not particularly limited. Preferably, from the viewpoint of industrial value, the fertilizer of this embodiment can be applied to crops such as potatoes, grains, vegetables, tea and fruits, as well as flowers or ornamental plants for gifts and fodder. The application of the fertilizer of this embodiment to crops includes, but is not limited to, rice cultivation, field crops, open-field vegetables, greenhouse vegetables, fruit trees and flowers.

[0054] In addition to the fertilizer of this embodiment, other commonly used fertilizers, pesticides, and other substances may be used simultaneously in the soil or other materials used for plant cultivation. For example, this may include nitrogen fertilizers added to the soil or hydroponic water, or pesticides used to protect crops.

[0055] The fertilizer according to this embodiment, which is spread during plant cultivation, is applied to the soil for plant cultivation at a rate of 1 m³. 2 In the range of 0.01L to 0.7L per unit, preferably 1m 2 Spray at a rate of 0.3L to 0.7L per square meter. For foliar application, spray at a rate of 1m². 2 The amount is in the range of 0.1 mL to 500 mL per unit, preferably 1 m 2 Apply 1 mL to 30 mL per area. The number of fertilizer applications is typically 1 to 5 times, preferably 1 to 3 times, and more preferably 1 to 2 times, from before the start of cultivation through the cultivation period. This can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the plant being cultivated.

[0056] 4. Various Measurements (1) Measurement of Yield Yield refers to the quantity of crops harvested. After cultivation and harvesting according to the standard methods of the grower, the weight of the crops was measured and defined as the yield.

[0057] (2) Measurement of the sugar content of harvested produce (agricultural products) [sugar content] In this embodiment, the sugar content of the obtained crops can be measured using appropriate measurement methods such as a refractometer, for example, by the product name "MASTER-T" (ATAGO).

[0058] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. [Examples]

[0059] I. Fertilizer Manufacturing, etc. [Example 1] 1. Raw Materials for Fertilizer

[0060] (1) Fish broth For the production of the fish broth, bonito was used as the raw material. Commercially available bonito was washed with water and then cut into chunks. The chunks of bonito were placed in a pot of water and boiled in water at 75°C to 98°C for 60 to 90 minutes (boiling process). After the boiling process was completed, it was left to stand for 24 hours to allow for sedimentation and separation. The separated liquid portion was collected by filtering it through gauze to obtain the bonito broth.

[0061] (2) Seaweed broth For the production of the seaweed broth, commercially available natural wakame seaweed (from Nagashima, Kagoshima Prefecture) was used as the raw material. The wakame was placed in boiling seawater and blanched. After removing the blanched wakame, the remaining liquid was cooled to obtain the seaweed broth.

[0062] (3) Sweet potato juice For the production of sweet potato juice, we used sweet potatoes (Kogane Sengan variety) grown in-house as the raw material. After washing the sweet potatoes, we crushed them. The crushed sweet potatoes were added to boiling water and boiled at 100°C for 10 minutes. 100 kg of the boiled sweet potatoes were added to 1 ton of water, stirred, and then left to stand for 24 hours to allow for sedimentation and separation. The separated liquid portion was collected by filtering it through gauze, yielding approximately 100 L of sweet potato juice.

[0063] (4) Composition containing useful microorganisms For the production of the beneficial microorganism-containing composition, bacterial solutions containing photosynthetic bacteria (purple non-sulfur bacteria), bacterial solutions containing photosynthetic bacteria (purple sulfur bacteria), and bacterial solutions containing alkali-resistant photosynthetic bacteria were used as raw materials. 1 ml of bacterial solution containing photosynthetic bacteria (purple non-sulfur bacteria) was added to a container containing 1 L of purified water and 10 ml of sweet potato juice, and the mixture was stirred. After stirring, the mixture was aged at room temperature for 2 months to obtain a culture solution of photosynthetic bacteria (purple non-sulfur bacteria). Similarly, 1 ml of bacterial solution containing photosynthetic bacteria (purple sulfur bacteria) was added to a container containing 1 L of purified water and 10 ml of sweet potato juice, and the mixture was stirred. After stirring, the mixture was aged at room temperature for 2 months to obtain a culture solution of photosynthetic bacteria (purple sulfur bacteria). Similarly, 1 ml of bacterial solution containing alkali-resistant photosynthetic bacteria was added to a container containing 1 L of purified water and 10 ml of sweet potato juice, and the mixture was stirred. After stirring, the mixture was aged at room temperature for 2 months to obtain a culture solution of alkali-resistant photosynthetic bacteria. Thereafter, 100 ml of purified water and 0.1 ml of sweet potato juice were added to each 100 ml of culture medium used, and subculture (expansion culture) of each culture medium was performed.

[0064] Next, 100 ml each of the three culture solutions mentioned above was added to a container containing 300 kg of sawdust, 20 kg of soil, and 500 L of water, and the mixture was allowed to mature for 6 months while being stirred. After maturation, the mixture was divided into 5 kg portions in sandbags to obtain compositions containing beneficial microorganisms.

[0065] The microbial community structure of each sample of the beneficial microorganism-containing composition was analyzed by next-generation sequencing. Specifically, DNA extraction was performed using the DNA SPIN Kit (QIAGEN). The obtained DNA was amplified by PCR using the Univ515F (5'-GTGCCAGCMGCCGCGGTAA-3') and Univ806R (5'-GGACTACHVGGGT-WTCTAAT-3') primer pairs targeting the 16S rRNA gene. The PCR conditions were 94°C: 3 minutes, [94°C: 45 seconds, 50°C: 1 minute, 72°C: 30 seconds] × 30 cycles, and 72°C: 3 minutes. The purified PCR products were analyzed using a sequencer (iSeq100 system, Illumina), and QIIME2 software was used for the analysis of the obtained gene sequences.

[0066] Analysis revealed that the beneficial microorganism-containing composition contained photosynthetic bacteria. Therefore, it was confirmed that photosynthetic bacteria were being cultured in the process of producing the fertilizer according to the present invention without the use of specialized equipment. Although the present invention is not limited to any mechanism of action, this analysis showed that photosynthetic bacteria were being cultured in the alkali and tree extract contained in sawdust. Examples of photosynthetic bacteria contained included the genera Rhodoseudomonas, Blastochloris, Chlorobium, Rhodomicrobium, Rhodocyclaceae, Novosphingobium, and Psedomonas.

[0067] 2. Fertilizer production 3 liters of bonito broth, 3 liters of seaweed broth, 3 liters of sweet potato juice, and 950 liters of water, obtained above, were added to the tank of the manufacturing (stirring) apparatus. Four containers, each containing 5 kg of the above-mentioned beneficial microorganism-containing composition (totaling 20 kg), were placed inside the tank. The containers were provided with openings for the inflow and outflow of the mixture, allowing the beneficial microorganisms to act on the mixture.

[0068] Next, the mixture in the tank was agitated by circulating it with a submersible pump. The agitation period was ensured to 10 days. The temperature inside the tank was between 10°C and 30°C. The mixture was collected after more than 10 days of agitation to obtain the fertilizer of this example.

[0069] [Example 2] In the "(1) Fish broth" step of "1. Raw materials for fertilizer" in Example 1 described above, shark was used as a raw material to obtain shark broth. Except for the above, the fertilizer according to Example 2 was obtained by the same method.

[0070] [Example 3] In the "(1) Fish broth" step of "1. Raw materials for fertilizer" in Example 1 described above, bonito and shark were used as raw materials to obtain bonito and shark broth. Except for the above, the fertilizer according to Example 3 was obtained by the same method.

[0071] [Example 4] Following the step of collecting the mixed liquid in "2. Fertilizer Production" of Examples 1 to 3 above, freeze-drying treatment was performed, and the fertilizer according to Example 4 was obtained by the same method as described above.

[0072] II. Compound composition of the obtained fertilizer [Example 5] To investigate the organic compound composition, including polysaccharides, volatile organic compounds, and insoluble / soluble phenolic compounds, in each fertilizer obtained in Examples 1-4, gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS analysis) was performed. The instruments used for the analysis were the 7890A (Agilent Technologies, Inc.) and the JMS-T200GC GC / TOFMS system (JEOL Ltd.). The samples used for analysis were the fertilizers (mixtures) from Examples 1-3 used directly, and multiple freeze-dried samples from Example 4. The analytical parameters for GC-TOFMS analysis are shown in Table 1. Table 1. Setting of analytical parameters for GC-TOFMS analysis [Table 1]

[0073] As described above, qualitative analysis results of the compounds were obtained using a GC-TOFMS pyrolysis apparatus. A library search was conducted on the obtained analysis results (graph) to search for major compounds with high similarity and large peak areas. Similar analyses were performed on different examples (Examples 1-4) and multiple lots within each example to identify major compounds that were commonly detected.

[0074] Table 2 shows examples of the main compounds contained in the fertilizer according to the embodiment of the present invention, as identified by the GC-TOFMS analysis described above. Table 2 Compounds contained in fertilizers (GC-TOFMS analysis) [Table 2]

[0075] Squalene is a compound found in the liver oil of marine animals. Therefore, it is presumed that the squalene in the fertilizer in the example originates from fish extracts. Furthermore, the analytical results indicating the detection of squalene suggest that the squalene in the fertilizer in the example may amplify the secretion of plant growth hormones.

[0076] The analysis results, which detected β-sitosterol, suggest that the β-sitosterol contained in the fertilizer in the example may be beneficial for protecting plants from plant pathogenic bacteria and promoting plant growth.

[0077] The analysis results, which detected γ-sitosterol, suggest that the γ-sitosterol contained in the fertilizer in the example may be beneficial for protecting plants from plant pathogenic bacteria and promoting plant growth.

[0078] The analysis results, which detected neophytadiene, suggest that the neophytadiene contained in the fertilizer in the example may be able to control filamentous fungi in soil contaminated with basal rot.

[0079] The analysis results, which detected ferruginol, suggest that the ferruginol contained in the fertilizer in the example may be beneficial in protecting plants from plant pathogenic bacteria.

[0080] The analysis results, which detected tetracosamethylcyclododecasiloxane, suggest that the tetracosamethylcyclododecasiloxane contained in the fertilizer in the example may be beneficial in protecting plants from plant pathogenic bacteria.

[0081] Furthermore, the following compounds were detected from the fertilizers of each example: phenol, 5-ethenyl-2-methoxy, trans-isoeugenol, 4-ethenyl-2t,6-dimethoxyphenol, (E)2,6-dimethoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)phenol, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecene, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecene Decen-1-ol, hexadecane, 1,16-dichloro-(E,E)-7,11,15-trimethyl-3-methylene-hexadeca-1,6,10,14-tetraene, 10-heneicosene(c,t), (E)5-eicosene, tricosanal, hexaconal, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-pentadecene, cyclooctasiloxane, hexadecamethyl-, E-14 -Hexadecenal, cyclononasiloxane, octadecamethyl-, 9,19-cyclolanostan-24-en-3-ol, acetate, (3β)-, 9,19-cycloergosto-24(28)-en-3-ol, 4,14-dimethyl-, acetate, (3β, 4α, 5α)-, 9,19-cyclolanostan-3-ol, 24-methylene-, acetate, (3β)-, β -Amylon, β-amylin, 1-undecanol, cyclotridecane, 1-pentadecene, 1-hexadecanol, docosan, tricosan, eicosan, stigmasta-3,5-dien-7-one, 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, tritetracontane, dodecanoic acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester, silanediol, dimethyl. These compounds contain antimicrobial substances (antibacterial or antifungal substances).

[0082] III. Field tests using the fertilizer of the present invention The purpose of the field trial was to evaluate the effect on the yield of plants when using the fertilizer of the present invention. Plants were cultivated using each of the fertilizers obtained in Examples 1 to 4.

[0083] [Example 6] Potato Potatoes were planted and cultivated in the field according to the standard methods of growers. In addition to conventionally used fertilizers, 200 liters of the fertilizer of the present invention, diluted 300 times with water, were applied to the potatoes in the test plot at a rate of 1 / 10 ares. The application rate of the fertilizer of the present invention was 1 m² 2 The amount was approximately 6.7 mL per unit (before dilution). The fertilizer of the present invention was applied only once. For the untreated potatoes, only conventionally used fertilizers were applied, and all other cultivation methods were the same as for the potatoes in the test plot.

[0084] The amount of potatoes harvested was 3,289 kg / 10a in the untreated plot, compared to 4,511 kg / 10a in the experimental plot.

[0085] [Example 7] Tea Field trials on tea were conducted in tea fields managed by cultivators, and cultivation was carried out according to the cultivators' standard methods. For the tea in the test plots, 200 liters per 10 ares of the fertilizer of the present invention, diluted 300 times with water, was sprayed along with ammonium sulfate (60 kg / 10 a) as a substitute for conventionally used pesticides. The application method for the fertilizer of the present invention and the conventionally used pesticides was foliar application. The amount of fertilizer of the present invention applied was 1 m³. 2 The amount was approximately 6.7 mL per unit (calculated before dilution). The fertilizer of the present invention was applied before the first tea harvest, and was applied twice. For the untreated tea plots, conventionally used pesticides (200 L / 10a) and ammonium sulfate (60 kg / 10a) were applied, and all other cultivation methods were the same as for the tea plots in the test plots.

[0086] In the untreated plot, the yield of first flush tea leaves was 78 kg (dry weight / 10a) and the yield of second flush tea leaves was 73 kg (dry weight / 10a), while in the experimental plot, the yield of first flush tea leaves was 88 kg (dry weight / 10a) and the yield of second flush tea leaves was 162 kg (dry weight / 10a).

[0087] [Example 8] Rice The rice was planted and cultivated in paddy fields according to the standard methods of rice growers. From the end of June, the rice in the test plot was foliar-sprayed once a week with the fertilizer of the present invention diluted 1000 times with water. The rice in the untreated plot was cultivated in the same manner as the rice in the test plot, except that the fertilizer of the present invention was not applied.

[0088] The amount of rice harvested was 8 bales per tan in the untreated plot, compared to 10 bales per tan in the experimental plot.

[0089] [Example 9] Komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach) Komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach) was grown by sowing seeds in planters and following standard cultivation methods. In the test plot, the komatsuna seeds were soaked for 48 hours in a solution of the fertilizer of the present invention diluted 300 times with water. Two days after soaking, the seeds were sown in planters (5 cm spacing, 12 plants / planter) and grown according to standard cultivation methods. For the untreated komatsuna, instead of the fertilizer of the present invention, the seeds were soaked in water, and all other cultivation methods were the same as for the tea in the test plot.

[0090] The amount of komatsuna harvested was 18.6 g in the untreated group compared to 21.7 g in the test group. The leaf length was 22.3 cm in the untreated group compared to 24.3 cm in the test group. The number of healthy true leaves was 6.2 in the untreated group compared to 7.0 in the test group.

[0091] [Example 10] Sweet potato Sweet potatoes were planted and cultivated in the field according to the standard methods of cultivation. In addition to conventionally used fertilizers, 200 liters of the fertilizer of the present invention, diluted 300 times with water, were applied to the sweet potatoes in the test plot at a rate of 1 / 10 ares. The application rate of the fertilizer of the present invention was 1 m² 2 The amount was approximately 6.7 mL per unit (calculated before dilution). The fertilizer of the present invention was applied a total of four times: twice as a foliar spray and twice as a soil spray. For the untreated sweet potatoes, only conventionally used fertilizers were applied, and all other cultivation methods were the same as for the sweet potatoes in the test plot.

[0092] The amount of sweet potatoes harvested was 1926 kg / tan in the untreated plot, compared to 2457 kg / tan in the experimental plot.

[0093] [Example 11] Shine Muscat Field trials on Shine Muscat grapes were conducted to evaluate the effect of the fertilizer of the present invention on the sugar content of agricultural crops, particularly fruits. The field trials were conducted in fields managed by two growers, each cultivating the crops according to the grower's standard methods. In one field, the fertilizer of the present invention was diluted 200 times with water and applied as a foliar spray to the Shine Muscat grapes, while in the other field, it was diluted 1000 times with water and applied as a foliar spray. In the untreated Shine Muscat grape plot, cultivation was carried out in the same manner as the tea in the test plot, except that the fertilizer of the present invention was not applied.

[0094] In one field, the sugar content of Shine Muscat grapes was measured 75 days after flowering. The sugar content of the grapes measured was 17.9% in the untreated group, compared to 19.5% in the test group. In the other field, the sugar content of Shine Muscat grapes was measured 127 days after flowering. The sugar content of the grapes measured was 15.8% in the untreated group, compared to 17.8% in the test group. [Industrial applicability]

[0095] This invention provides a fertilizer usable in plant cultivation and a method for producing the same. It also provides a method for cultivating plants using the fertilizer. Therefore, this invention can be used, for example, in the manufacturing of agricultural compositions or in agriculture itself.

Claims

1. A fertilizer containing a plant hormone derived from aquatic products that has a plant growth-promoting effect, or a precursor included in the synthesis pathway of said plant hormone.

2. The fertilizer according to claim 1, wherein the plant hormone is a plant hormone having a steroid skeleton.

3. The fertilizer according to claim 2, wherein the plant hormone is a brassinosteroid.

4. The fertilizer according to claim 1, further comprising one or more substances from the group consisting of antibacterial substances and antifungal substances.

5. The fertilizer according to claim 1, comprising one or more of the group consisting of squalene, neophytadiene, β-sitosterol, γ-sitosterol, ferginol, and tetracosamethylcyclododecasiloxane.

6. A fertilizer obtained by treating a mixture containing extracts derived from marine products, a carbon source, and water with a composition containing beneficial microorganisms.

7. The fertilizer according to claim 6, wherein the extract derived from the aquatic product comprises one or more from the group consisting of fish extracts and seaweed extracts.

8. The fertilizer according to claim 7, wherein the extract derived from the aquatic product includes a fish extract and a seaweed extract.

9. A method for cultivating plants, comprising applying the fertilizer described in any one of claims 1 to 8 to the soil in which the plants are planted or to the plants themselves, or adding it to a hydroponic solution.

10. The plant cultivation method according to claim 9, wherein the spraying includes foliar spraying.

11. The method for cultivating plants according to claim 9, wherein the plant is one of potatoes, grains, vegetables, tea, and fruits.

12. The method for cultivating a plant according to claim 11, wherein the plant is one of the following: potato, sweet potato, rice, komatsuna, tea, and Shine Muscat.

13. A method for producing a fertilizer containing a plant hormone having a plant growth promoting effect derived from aquatic products or a precursor included in the synthesis pathway of the plant hormone, comprising the step of preparing a mixture containing at least an extract derived from aquatic products and a composition containing useful microorganisms.

14. (1) A step of preparing a mixture containing an extract derived from marine products, a carbon source and water, and (2) A step of reacting the mixture with a composition containing useful microorganisms, A method for manufacturing fertilizer, including the following:

15. The method for producing fertilizer according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the extract derived from the aquatic product comprises one or more from the group consisting of fish extracts and seaweed extracts.

16. The method for producing fertilizer according to claim 15, wherein the extract derived from the aquatic product includes a fish extract and a seaweed extract.

17. The method for producing fertilizer according to claim 15, wherein the fish extract is bonito broth, shark broth, or a mixture thereof.

18. The method for producing fertilizer according to claim 15, wherein the seaweed extract is wakame seaweed broth.

19. The method for producing fertilizer according to claim 14, wherein the carbon source is sweet potato juice.

20. The method for producing fertilizer according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the useful microorganisms contained in the useful microorganism-containing composition include photosynthetic bacteria.

21. The method for producing fertilizer according to claim 20, wherein the photosynthetic bacteria include one or more of purple non-sulfur bacteria, purple sulfur bacteria, and alkali-resistant photosynthetic bacteria.

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