How to grow eggplant on the vine

Abstract

To provide an egg-plant trellis cultivation method with which continuous trellis cultivation can be performed while maintaining tree vigor though simple work and with which efficient and stable harvesting of eggplants can be performed.SOLUTION: An eggplant cultivation row 12 comprises: a ridge 14 in which eggplant plants 15 are planted in a row; two lower attraction lines 17 (17a, 17b); two upper attraction lines 19 (19a, 19b); and an attraction member 20 hanging from each of the upper attraction lines. If the height of each trained branch (15a, 15b, 15c) of a plurality of eggplant plants exceeds an upper limit growth length H1, an attraction member that attracts a trained branch is shifted by a predetermined width in a certain direction along one upper attraction line; the attraction member is lowered by a predetermined width so that the height at which the branches are anchored is less than the upper limit growth length; the middle part of the trained branch is anchored along the lower attraction line on the same side as the upper attraction line; and the horizontal anchoring position of the middle part is adjusted so that the part of the trained branch that falls within the fruit-bearing range is attracted vertically.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vine cultivation method for eggplant, and more particularly to a vine cultivation method for eggplant in which eggplant branches are continuously trained in accordance with growth while being harvested. [Background technology]

[0002] Methods for cultivating fruit-bearing plants such as tomatoes and cucumbers include pinching cultivation, in which the growing point of each branch is pinched off to limit the growth range and then pruned while harvesting, and vine-drawing cultivation, in which the growing points are maintained while the extended branches are continuously trained in accordance with their growth and then harvested (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The advantages of vine-cut cultivation include that it is less labor-intensive and does not require skill compared to top-pinching cultivation, and that the yield is stable throughout the entire cultivation period. Therefore, when it comes to eggplant cultivation, vine-cut cultivation is expected to reduce labor and stabilize yields. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4874430 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, vine cultivation is originally a cultivation method suitable for vine-like plants, and an optimal method for vine cultivation of eggplant has not been established.

[0006] In particular, eggplant branches are harder than vines and therefore risk breaking if bent too hard. Furthermore, bending the branches too hard causes great stress and weakens the tree, making it difficult to apply traditional training and vine cutting methods as they are.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a method for cultivating eggplant by vine downing, which allows continuous vine down cultivation with simple operations while maintaining the vigor of the tree, and enables efficient and stable harvesting of eggplants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a vine-down cultivation method for eggplant in an eggplant cultivation row having ridges in which a plurality of eggplant plants, each having training branches for use in vine-down cultivation, are planted in a row at a predetermined plant-to-plant distance, the training branches include a main branch and a branch branched off from the main branch, and the eggplant cultivation row has an upper limit growth length that determines the upper limit of the height at which the training branches of the eggplant plants are grown, and a fruit-bearing range that is a height range in which the eggplant plants are allowed to bear fruit. a cutting height that determines the lower limit of the height at which the eggplant plants are grown; two lower induction lines extending along both sides of the ridges; two upper induction lines located above the two lower induction lines and stretched along both sides of the ridges at a height exceeding an upper growth height that determines the upper limit of the height at which the eggplant plants are grown; and induction members suspended from each of the two upper induction lines so as to be movable along the upper induction lines and capable of guiding training branches of the eggplant plants to the suspended positions. The attracting members are configured to be able to be attached to the training branches of the eggplant plants by fasteners that can be attached and detached. Each training branch is hung at a predetermined interval from the upper attracting wire in a state where it is attracted to each other. The main branches of adjacent eggplant plants are attracted to the upper attracting wires on different sides. When the height of each training branch of the plurality of eggplant plants exceeds the upper growth height limit, the attracting members that attract the training branches are shifted by a predetermined width in a certain direction. The training branch is lowered a specified distance so that the height of the tip of the training branch to be connected to the upper guide line is below the upper limit growth length, and a training / lowering operation is performed in which the middle part of the training branch, which is below the cutting height, is connected to the lower guide line on the same side as the upper guide line as the destination by a removable fastener, and the direction in which the training member is shifted during the training / lowering operation is opposite to that of the other of the two upper guide lines.

[0009] Another feature of this method is that when the training branch is shifted by the training and vine taking operation and goes outside the eggplant cultivation row by a predetermined distance along one of the upper training lines, a turn-around training operation is performed in which the training member that trains the training branch is folded back to the other side, using the row of ridges as a boundary, and hung on the other upper training line.

[0010] Another feature of the method is that after the training and vine taking work, the leaves and side branches of the eggplant plants growing from the portion of the training branch below the cutting height are cut off.

[0011] Another feature of the present invention is that during the training and vine taking work, the position at which the middle part of the training branch is connected to the lower training line is adjusted to a position where the part of the training branch that falls within the fruit-bearing range is trained vertically.

[0012] Another feature of this method is that after the training and vine taking work, the height of one of the training branches of one of the eggplant plants is set as a standard height, and height adjustment work is carried out to align the heights of the training branches of the multiple eggplant plants to the standard height.

[0013] Another feature of the present invention is that the width by which the tips of the training branches are lowered during the training and vine lowering work is set shorter than the width by which the training members are shifted.

[0014] The eggplant plant is grafted onto a vigorous rootstock that enhances plant vigor and planted in the furrow, and the furrow is also characterized by being an isolation medium.

[0015] Another feature of the present invention is that the lower guide wire is tightly fastened and supported under tension by a plurality of supports erected at predetermined intervals along both sides of the ridge.

[0016] Another feature of the present invention is that adjacent eggplant plants are planted so that the main branches of each plant grow in opposite directions, and the training branches are guided to grow diagonally in a plan view to one of the upper training lines during the growth stage before the eggplant plants are harvested.

[0017] Another feature of the present invention is that the main branch and the secondary branch of the same plant are both guided to the upper guide line on the same side.

[0018] Another feature of the invention is that the branch consists of one primary branch, and the main branch and the first branch of the same plant are both guided to the upper guide line on the same side.

[0019] Alternatively, the branch may consist of two branches, a first branch and a second branch branching off from the main branch at a position above the first branch, and the main branch and the first branch of the same plant are attracted to different upper attraction lines, while the main branch and the second branch of the same plant are both attracted to the same upper attraction line.

[0020] Another feature of the present invention is that the lower guide wire is extended to a position a predetermined distance higher than the branching position of the branch. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the eggplant vine-grain cultivation method of the present invention, multiple eggplant plants are planted in a row of ridges in an eggplant cultivation row, and each training branch of the planted eggplant plants is tied with a fastening device to an attracting member suspended from an upper training wire extended along both sides of the ridge at a position higher than the upper limit growth length, while being tied to the lower training wire with a fastening device.Every time the branch tip exceeds the upper limit growth length, the training position is shifted and the connecting position is changed and the branch tip is lowered, so that growth and harvesting can be repeated while maintaining the growth point of each training branch of the eggplant plants, making it possible to carry out continuous vine-grain cultivation while maintaining the vigor of the tree with simple operations.

[0022] In addition, by training and lowering the vines, each training branch of the eggplant plant is lowered when it exceeds a certain height, and the fruit-bearing range of each training branch is maintained in a vertical position while the eggplant continues to grow. This allows the eggplants to always be in a state where they can bear fruit, and since eggplants can be harvested continuously during the cultivation period and a constant yield can be expected, efficient and stable eggplant harvesting is possible.

[0023] In addition, by using the training and vine taking work, each training branch connected to the training member hung on the same upper training line can be trained so that the branch tips are equidistant from each other, which makes it easier to manage the growth of eggplant plants as the work does not require advanced skills, and it is easier to secure workers.

[0024] In addition, by having the main branches of adjacent eggplant plants guided to different upper guide lines, it is possible to avoid over-crowd planting and eliminate unevenness in the cultivation space, making effective use of the cultivation space in the eggplant cultivation row and enabling efficient cultivation.

[0025] In addition, as the training branches of eggplant plants continue to be trained and lowered, they move toward the end of the eggplant cultivation row along the upper training line, so that the cultivation space on one side of the row becomes clogged and the cultivation space on the other end becomes empty.

[0026] In contrast, the direction in which the training members are shifted during the training and vine taking work is opposite on one side of the two upper training lines and, when each training branch of an eggplant plant reaches the end of the eggplant cultivation row, a turn-around training work is performed. As a result, the branches that have been trained to reach the end of the row on one side of the eggplant cultivation row can be turned to the upper training line on the other side, using the row of ridges as the boundary, and moved to the cultivation space vacated by training on the other side.This means that each training branch of an eggplant plant can be kept within the cultivation space of the eggplant cultivation row regardless of its growth, making it possible to save space and carry out continuous vine taking work without time constraints.

[0027] Furthermore, by performing the bending and training work on the training branches of eggplant plants after moving them along the upper training line for a specified distance outside the eggplant cultivation row, it is possible to prevent the training branches from being bent unreasonably due to sudden bending, reduce the stress that the eggplant plants receive from bending, and suppress weakening of the tree vigor.

[0028] In addition, by cutting back the leaves and side branches of eggplant plants that are lower than the cutting height after training and vine cutting work, the fruit-bearing range of each training branch can be kept within a certain range through the training and vine cutting work and height adjustment work, which limits the working area during harvesting, thereby reducing the labor required for harvesting.

[0029] Moreover, by preventing overgrowth and maintaining good ventilation, diseases such as black blight can be suppressed, allowing for more efficient and stable eggplant harvesting.

[0030] In addition, by adjusting the position where the middle part of the trained training branch is connected to the lower training line so that the part of the training branch that falls within the fruit-bearing range extends vertically, the part that falls within the fruit-bearing range does not tilt excessively, and the spacing between each trained training branch can be narrowed while avoiding over-dense planting, making it possible to cultivate eggplants efficiently by making effective use of the cultivation space.

[0031] In addition, by training and vine cutting, the part of each training branch located in the fruit-bearing range can be trained to grow vertically, which makes it possible to avoid poor sunlight and ventilation caused by dense planting while also preventing empty spaces, ensuring sufficient cultivation space even in a limited area.

[0032] In addition, by adjusting the height, the height of the growth point of each training branch of each eggplant plant can be made constant after training and vine cutting. This makes it possible to equalize the amount of light received by the eggplant plants and reduce differences in growth among the plants. This eliminates bias from one location to another and stabilizes the yield across the entire eggplant cultivation row.

[0033] In addition, when training and lowering the vines, by lowering the eggplant plant's training branches by a shorter distance than the width by which the tips of the branches are shifted, the trained branches are given enough slack to grow vertically without overhanging the walkway, and the tips of the branches are less likely to be in height after lowering the vines. This allows for proper vine lowering and more efficient and stable eggplant harvesting.

[0034] Furthermore, by using a vigorous rootstock for the eggplant plant, the eggplant plant's ability to maintain its vigor can be strengthened, and by using the ridges as an isolation medium, the adverse effects of soil-related diseases on the rootstock can be suppressed, and soil management such as irrigation and fertilization becomes easier, making it easier to maintain the plant's vigor.

[0035] In addition, because the lower guide wire is tightly fastened to each support pole so that tension is applied to it, strong tension is maintained. Therefore, when the middle part of the eggplant branch is fastened to the lower guide wire with a fastener, the fastened part is less likely to sag, making it easier to guide and take down the vines.

[0036] In addition, since adjacent eggplant plants are planted in advance so that their main branches grow in opposite directions, it becomes easy to guide the main branches of adjacent eggplant plants to the upper training line on the other side, reducing the stress that the eggplant plants experience when trained and preventing the weakening of their tree vigor.

[0037] In addition, by guiding the eggplant plants to the upper guiding line using the guiding member during the growth stage before harvest, the guiding string is attached before the training branches of the eggplant plants grow, allowing the tethered branches to grow upward and preventing the tethered branches from falling over under their own weight even when they grow.

[0038] In addition, by training each training branch so that it extends diagonally in a plan view relative to the upper training line, the training members used to train the training branches can be easily shifted along the upper training line during training and vine removal work, reducing the stress that the eggplant plants experience when trained and preventing the weakening of their vigor.

[0039] In addition, when training the main branches and branches of the same plant to the same upper training line, the training branches for each eggplant plant can be trained together, making it easier to work on each plant separately.

[0040] In particular, in the case of eggplant plants trained to use two stems, by training the main branch and the first branch to the same upper training wire, there will be less bending between the main branch and the first branch, which will reduce stress on the eggplant plant and make it easier to maintain its vigor.

[0041] Alternatively, in the case of eggplant plants trained to have three branches, the main branch and secondary branch can be trained to the same upper training line, and the primary branch can be trained to the opposite upper training line, thereby preventing the training branches from becoming too closely spaced, which could result in poor sunlight and ventilation.

[0042] In addition, by growing multiple branches from the eggplant plant, more training branches can be grown with fewer plants, making eggplant cultivation more efficient.

[0043] In addition, since the lower training wire is supported by the support and maintained at a position a specified distance higher than the branching position of the eggplant plant's branches, the eggplant plant's branches can be made to follow the lower training wire without being forcibly bent, thereby reducing the stress that the eggplant plant receives from training and preventing the weakening of the tree's vigor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of eggplant cultivation rows in a cultivation facility in which one embodiment of the eggplant vine cultivation method of the present invention is carried out. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing one section of the eggplant cultivation row in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the structure of an attraction member used in vine cultivation of eggplant. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the state of eggplant plants immediately after they have been planted in a furrow. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the state of eggplant plants approximately two weeks after planting. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a front view showing the state of eggplant plants about 4 weeks after planting. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of the training direction of each training branch of each eggplant plant planted in a row at the growth stage in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] This is a side view showing the process of initial training and vine cutting of the main branches of eggplant plants. [Figure 9] This is a side view showing the process of training and vine cutting of the main branches of eggplant plants from the second time onwards. [Figure 10] This is a side view showing the second branch of an eggplant plant after training and vine cutting work has been carried out. [Figure 11] This is a side view showing the state after training and vine cutting work has been done on the first branch of an eggplant plant. [Figure 12] This is a side view showing the process of adjusting the height of eggplant plants after training and vine cutting. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of eggplant plants planted in a row being shifted by training and vine cutting work. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of the training state of eggplant plant branches at the end of a row of cultivation beds. [Figure 15] 1 is a flowchart showing the assembly of each step in the vine cultivation method for eggplant of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the training direction of each training branch of an eggplant plant in another embodiment of the vine cultivation method of eggplant of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of eggplant cultivation rows 12 in a cultivation facility 11 in which one embodiment of the eggplant vine cultivation method of the present invention is carried out. Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing one section of the eggplant cultivation rows 12 in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a side view showing the structure of an attractant member 20 used in vine cultivation of eggplant.

[0046] In the cultivation facility 11, both sides of the eggplant cultivation rows 12 are provided with passageways that allow people to pass through and work, although these are not shown in the figure. In reality, multiple similar eggplant cultivation rows 12 are provided on either side of the passageways, but these are omitted for ease of viewing.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a number of cultivation beds 13 are laid in a line in an eggplant cultivation row 12 in a cultivation facility 11. Ridges 14, which are isolation media wrapped in a sheet and formed into blocks, are installed on each cultivation bed 13. For example, rock wool, coconut shell, isolated soil, etc. are used as the isolation media.

[0048] A number of planting holes 14a (six in the figure) are exposed by mounding up the soil in a rectangular shape and are provided in a row at equal intervals on the upper surface of the ridges 14. An eggplant plant 15 is planted in each of the planting holes 14a. The spacing between the planting holes 14a is set so that the eggplant plants 15 are spaced apart at a predetermined distance D, which is set to about 33 cm in this embodiment.

[0049] A preset number of training branches, that is, branches used for vine cutting, are selected and grown for the eggplant plant 15. In this embodiment, the eggplant plant is trained to have three training branches, a main branch 15a, a first branch 15b, and a second branch 15c.

[0050] The main branch 15a is the branch that first produced flowers before planting, the first branch 15b is the branch that branches off from the main branch 15a and produces the second flower, and the second branch 15c is the branch that branches off from the main branch 15a at a position beyond the branching position of the first branch 15b and produces the second flower.

[0051] The eggplant plant 15 is planted in a state where it is grafted onto a rootstock 16 capable of growing by strengthening the vigor of the scion. In this embodiment, a vigorous tomato rootstock, for example, Emperador, is used as the rootstock 16.

[0052] In addition, in the eggplant cultivation row 12, two lower guidance wires 17 (17a, 17b) made of guidance wires are extended with a predetermined width W along both sides of the cultivation beds 13 and the row of ridges 14. The lower guidance wires 17 (17a, 17b) are each tightly fastened under tension to a plurality of supports 18 (18a, 18b) erected at a predetermined interval (for example, about 3 m) along both sides of the cultivation beds 13 and the row of ridges 14, and are supported to maintain a constant width W and height H1.

[0053] Here, the width W between the two lower guide lines 17a, 17b is set to a length that takes into consideration the ease of taking down the vines and the resistance to branch breakage, and in this embodiment is set to approximately 45 cm.

[0054] In addition, the height H1 of the lower training line 17 (17a, 17b) is set to a position that is a predetermined distance higher than the branching position of the branch (first branch 15b or second branch 15c) of the eggplant plant 15 when it has grown sufficiently to allow the training and vine removal work described below, for example, a position that is a distance L (= approximately 10 cm) higher than the branching position of the first branch 15b, and in this embodiment, it is set to a height of approximately 70 cm from the ground.

[0055] In addition, in the eggplant cultivation row 12, an upper limit growth length H2 is set which defines the upper limit of the height at which each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of the eggplant plant 15 can be grown during vine cultivation.

[0056] When the height of each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of each eggplant plant 15 exceeds the upper limit growth length H2, training and vine cutting work described below is carried out to maintain the height of each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of the eggplant plant 15 below the upper limit growth length H2. In this embodiment, the upper limit growth length H2 is set to a height of about 280 cm from the ground.

[0057] Above the eggplant cultivation row 12, two upper guide lines 19 (19a, 19b) are stretched parallel to the two lower guide lines 17 (17a, 17b) so as to be located directly above each of the two lower guide lines 17. The height H3 at which the upper guide lines 19 are stretched is set to a height that exceeds the upper growth height H2 of the eggplant plants 15. In this embodiment, the height is set to about 380 cm from the ground.

[0058] Each of the two upper attraction lines 19 (19a, 19b) has an attraction member 20 suspended movably along the upper attraction lines 19 (19a, 19b) for attracting each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of the eggplant plant 15 to the upper attraction line 19 (19a, 19b).

[0059] The attraction members 20 are provided in a number corresponding to the number of training branches (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of each eggplant plant 15, and are hung at predetermined intervals from the upper attraction wire 19 (19a, 19b) with each branch attracted.

[0060] The attraction member 20 is composed of a hanging hook 20a having a hook that can be hung on the upper attraction wire 19, an attraction string 20b attached to the hanging hook 20a and hanging down a predetermined length, and a clip 21 which is a removable fastener that can clamp the attraction string 20b together with the branches of the eggplant plant 15.

[0061] The hanging hook 20a is formed by bending a metal shaft material, and the end of the shaft material is formed into a hook shape. In addition, the shaft material is folded back twice to form two convex parts at the middle of the shaft material, forming a winding part 20c for hanging a string. A part of the attraction string 20b is attached so as to be wound around the winding part 20c, and the remaining part of the attraction string 20b is extended from the hanging hook 20a and hangs down.

[0062] The attracting string 20b, which is pulled out from the wrapping part 20c and hung down, is placed along the corresponding branch of the eggplant sprout 15 and is lowered down to near the base. The attracting string 20b placed along the branch of the eggplant sprout 15 is clamped together with the branch of the eggplant sprout 15 at multiple points by multiple clips 21.

[0063] By connecting the attracting member 20 suspended from the upper attracting wire 19 to the branches of the eggplant plant 15, it becomes possible to attract the branches of the eggplant plant 15 to grow toward the position where the attracting member 20 is suspended from the upper attracting wire 19. Moreover, by moving the attracting member 20 in this state, it becomes possible to attract the branches of the eggplant plant 15 connected to the attracting member 20 to the moved position.

[0064] Here, the length of the hanging attracting string 20b can be freely adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of turns of the attracting string 20b wound around the winding portion 20c of the hanging hook 20a. Also, by attaching and detaching the clip 21, the position where the branch of the eggplant sprout 15 and the attracting string 20b are clamped can be freely changed.

[0065] Therefore, the attraction member 20 can arbitrarily change the position to which the branches of the eggplant plant 15 are attracted along the upper attraction line 19.

[0066] In addition, clip 21 is also attached to lower attracting wire 17, and the branches of eggplant plant 15 brought close to lower attracting wire 17 are clamped together with lower attracting wire 17 by clip 21, so that the middle parts of the branches of eggplant plant 15 are connected along lower attracting wire 17.

[0067] At the end of the eggplant cultivation row 12, a triangular support 22 is provided, which is formed by connecting the upper parts of two tubular or rod materials inclined toward each other with a string. The triangular support 22 is formed so as to be at least higher than the support 18.

[0068] In addition, lower guide wires 17a, 17b extended from supports 18a, 18b near the ends of the eggplant cultivation row 12 are tightly fastened to the lower part of the triangular support 22, and a lower guide wire 17c connecting the lower parts of the two pipes or rods of the triangular support 22 is stretched at a height H1.

[0069] In addition, a mowing height H4 is set in advance in the eggplant cultivation rows 12, which determines the lower limit of a fruit-bearing range 23, which is the height range in which the eggplant plants 15 are allowed to bear fruit. In order to limit the fruit-bearing position of the eggplant plants 15 and to prevent overgrowth, the flowers (or buds), leaves, and side branches growing below the mowing height H4 are mowed down. In this embodiment, the mowing height H4 is set to a height of about 160 cm from the ground.

[0070] Fig. 4 is a front view showing the state of eggplant plants 15 immediately after planting in ridges 14. Fig. 5 is a front view showing the state of eggplant plants 15 about two weeks after planting. Fig. 6 is a front view showing the state of eggplant plants 15 about four weeks after planting.

[0071] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the preparatory stage for the vine-pulling work involves planting eggplant seedlings 15 in the furrows 14, and then growing the planted seedlings to a certain extent, after which at the pre-harvest growth stage, each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) is connected to the attractant member 20 to enable them to be attracted.

[0072] The eggplant plants 15 to be planted in the furrows 14 have first branches 15b branching from the main branch 15a, and flower buds have appeared on the main branch 15a. The height of the main branch 15a at this time is approximately 25 cm from the base.

[0073] Approximately two weeks after planting, the eggplant plant 15 begins to produce a second flower, and the main branch 15a reaches a height of approximately 30 cm from the base, and a height of approximately 25 cm to the branching position of the first branch 15b. When the eggplant plant 15 has grown to this extent, the main branch 15a and the first branch 15b are tied together, and the main branch 15a and the first branch 15b are tied to the attractant string 20b by clips 21.

[0074] Furthermore, approximately four weeks after planting, flowers begin to bloom from the second branch 15c, and at this stage the second branch 15c is also fastened to the attractant string 20b by a clip 21.

[0075] In each of the attracting members 20, an attracting string 20b is pulled out from a hanging hook 20a and extended to near the base of the eggplant stalk 15, and is attached at multiple points to each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) by clips 21.

[0076] In the main branch 15a and the first branch 15b, the clip 21 of the attracting string 20b is secured at a position ranging from near the tip of the main branch 15a or the first branch 15b to near the branching position of the first branch 15b.

[0077] In the second branch 15c, the clip 21 of the attracting string 20b is secured to the second branch 15c in a range from near the tip of the second branch 15c to near the branching position of the second branch 15c.

[0078] As the eggplant plant 15 grows, its branches will grow longer, so the number of clips 21 should be increased in accordance with the growth, or the position at which the clips 21 are attached should be changed, so that the attractant strings 20b are appropriately attached along each training branch.

[0079] Here, which side of the two upper attracting wires 19 (19a, 19b) each training branch of the eggplant plant 15 is attracted to is determined relatively. That is, when the main branch 15a is attracted by an attracting member 20 hung from one upper attracting wire 19a, the first branch 15b is attracted by an attracting member 20 hung from the other upper attracting wire 19b, and the second branch 15c is attracted by an attracting member 20 hung from the upper attracting wire 19a on the same side as the main branch 15a.

[0080] The leaves of the eggplant plant 15 growing at a position lower than the branching position of the first branch 15b are appropriately pruned at each of the growth stages shown in Figs. 4 to 6 to prevent overgrowth.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of the training directions of each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of each eggplant plant 15 planted in a row at the growth stage of FIG.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, during planting, each eggplant plant 15 is planted in a row with a distance D (approximately 33 cm) between plants, with the main branch 15a facing one of the two upper training lines 19 (19a, 19b).

[0083] In addition, the eggplant plants 15 are planted so that the positions of each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) are staggered with respect to adjacent eggplant plants 15, and in particular, so that the extension directions of the main branches 15a are opposite to each other with the row of ridges 14 as the boundary.

[0084] Furthermore, in the connecting work in Figures 5 and 6, each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of each eggplant plant 15 is guided to grow toward the hanging position by hanging the attracting members 20 (hanging hook 20a and attracting string 20b) connected to each branch from one of the two upper attracting wires 19 (19a, 19b).

[0085] At this time, the planar orientation of each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) is oriented in a direction that will intersect obliquely with the upper attraction line 19 (19a or 19b) when each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) is extended.

[0086] Furthermore, for each eggplant plant 15, when the main branch 15a is trained to one of the upper training lines 19a (or 19b), the first branch 15b of the same plant is trained in the opposite direction to the main branch 15a, toward the upper training line 19b (or 19a) on the opposite side of the row of ridges 14. The second branch 15c is trained to the upper training line 19a (or 19b) on the same side as the main branch 15a, but is trained to reach a position about 2 / 3 of the plant (2D / 3 = about 22 cm) away from the main branch 15a on the upper training line 19a (or 19b) so as not to overlap with the main branch 15a.

[0087] Furthermore, when the main branch 15a of each eggplant plant 15 is guided to one upper guidance line 19a (or 19b), the main branch 15a of the eggplant plant 15 adjacent to that eggplant plant 15 is guided to the other upper guidance line 19b (or 19a).

[0088] Similarly, when the first branch 15b of each eggplant plant 15 is attracted to one upper attraction line 19a (or 19b), the first branch 15b of the eggplant plant 15 adjacent to that eggplant plant 15 is attracted to the other upper attraction line 19b (or 19a), and when the second branch 15c of each eggplant plant 15 is attracted to one upper attraction line 19a (or 19b), the second branch 15c of the eggplant plant 15 adjacent to that eggplant plant 15 is attracted to the other upper attraction line 19b (or 19a).

[0089] FIG. 8 is a side view showing the steps of training and vine setting for the first time for eggplant stalks 15, and FIG. 9 is a side view showing the steps of training and vine setting for eggplant stalks 15 from the second time onwards.

[0090] 8 and 9, for ease of understanding, only one eggplant plant 15 is depicted, and the other plants are omitted. In addition, in the depicted eggplant plant 15, only the main branch 15a attracted to the upper attraction line 19a is depicted, and the first branch 15b and the second branch 15c are omitted.

[0091] As shown in Figure 8, the main branch 15a of the eggplant plant 15 in Figure 6 is guided upward by an attracting member 20 suspended from an upper attracting wire 19a until it exceeds the upper growth length H2, and the extended branch tip is attached to the attracting cord 20b of the attracting member 20 with a clip 21 each time according to the growth so as to prevent it from falling over.

[0092] The first training and vine cutting work is carried out as follows when eggplant plant 15 in Figure 6 grows to exceed the upper limit of growth length H2.

[0093] First, using the plant-to-plant distance D (approximately 33 cm) as a reference, the position of the hanging hook 20a of the attraction member 20 connected to the main branch 15a is shifted horizontally along the upper attraction line 19 to a position approximately 4 / 3 of the plant (4D / 3 = approximately 44 cm) away from the planting position.

[0094] Next, the clip 21 that fastens the attractant string 20b to the main branch 15a is temporarily removed to allow the main branch 15a to move. Then, the tip of the main branch 15a is lowered to a position about 2 / 3 of the width to be shifted (8D / 9 = about 30 cm), and the attractant string 20b is again fastened by the clip 21 along the main branch 15a of the lowered eggplant plant 15.

[0095] At this time, the tip of the main branch 15a is shifted and lowered, causing it to tilt and be guided diagonally toward the upper guide line 19. Then, the middle part of the main branch 15a below the mowing height H4 is pulled to the lower guide line 17a and secured together with the guide string 20b by multiple clips 21 (two in the figure) so that it is aligned with the lower guide line 17a.

[0096] Here, at least one of the clips 21 that fasten the middle part of the main branch 15a along the lower guide line 17a is adjusted so that the horizontal position of the middle part is brought closer to the destination of the main branch 15a, and the part of the lowered main branch 15a that falls within the fruit-bearing range 23 is guided vertically. The horizontal proximity at this time is the distance at which the main branch 15a is bent to a degree that does not cause it to break.

[0097] As shown in Figure 9, the second and subsequent training and lowering operations are carried out as follows when a certain period of time has passed since the first training and lowering operation and eggplant plants 15 have grown to exceed the upper limit of growth height H2 again. Note that the work content itself is the same as the first time, but the shifting distance and lowering distance are different from the first time.

[0098] First, the position of the hanging hook 20a of the attraction member 20 connected to the main branch 15a is shifted horizontally along the upper attraction line 19 by about 2 / 3 of the plant (2D / 3 = approximately 22 cm) based on the plant-to-plant distance D.

[0099] Next, the clip 21 that fastens the attractant string 20b to the main branch 15a is temporarily removed to allow the main branch 15a to move. Then, the tip of the main branch 15a is lowered to a position about 2 / 3 of the width to be shifted (4D / 9 = about 15 cm), and the attractant string 20b is again fastened by the clip 21 along the main branch 15a of the lowered eggplant plant 15.

[0100] At this time, the tip of the main branch 15a is shifted and lowered, causing it to tilt and be guided diagonally toward the upper guide line 19. Then, the middle part of the main branch 15a below the mowing height H4 is pulled to the lower guide line 17a and secured together with the guide string 20b by multiple clips 21 (two in the figure) so that it is aligned with the lower guide line 17a.

[0101] Here, at least one of the clips 21 that fasten the middle part of the main branch 15a along the lower guide line 17a is adjusted so that the horizontal position of the middle part is brought closer to the destination of the main branch 15a, and the part of the lowered main branch 15a that falls within the fruit-bearing range 23 is guided vertically. The horizontal proximity at this time is the distance at which the main branch 15a is bent to a degree that does not cause it to break.

[0102] Furthermore, after each training and vine taking operation, the leaves, side branches, and flowers (or buds) growing from the main branch 15a that are in the fruit-bearing range 23 are left, and those growing from the part below the mowing height H4 are mowed down.

[0103] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the state after training and vine pulling work has been performed on the second branch 15c of the eggplant plant 15, and FIG. 11 is a side view showing the state after training and vine pulling work has been performed on the first branch 15b of the eggplant plant 15.

[0104] For ease of understanding, Fig. 10 depicts only the main branch 15a and second branch 15c of one eggplant plant 15, and omits depiction of other plants and branches. Also, for ease of understanding, Fig. 11 depicts only the first branch 15b of one eggplant plant 15 and the main branch 15a of the adjacent eggplant plant 15, and omits depiction of other plants and branches.

[0105] As shown in Figure 10, the second branch 15c is also guided and pulled down in the same manner as the main branch 15a in Figures 8 and 9. In this case, the second branch 15c is guided by an upper guide line 19 on the same side as the main branch 15a, and is shifted in the same direction as the guide direction of the main branch 15a.

[0106] That is, the tip of the second branch 15c, which has grown beyond the upper limit growth length H2, is lowered a specified width, shifted horizontally a specified width along the upper guide line 19a, and the middle part of the shifted branch below the pruning height H4 is secured with a clip 21 along the lower guide line 17.

[0107] The shifted position of the second branch 15c is set at a position about 2 / 3 of the plant (2D / 3 = about 22 cm) away from the main branch 15a so that it does not overlap with the main branch 15a, whether during the first or subsequent training and vine-pulling operations.

[0108] Furthermore, whether it is the first or second or subsequent training / lowering operation, the middle part of the branch of the second branch 15c is connected by a clip 21 to the lower training wire 17a on the same side as the main branch 15a.

[0109] Here, at least one of the clips 21 that fastens the middle part of the second branch 15c along the lower guide line 17a is adjusted in the horizontal direction so that the horizontal position of the middle part approaches the destination of the second branch 15c and the part of the lowered second branch 15c that falls within the fruit-bearing range 23 is guided vertically. The horizontal proximity at this time is a distance that allows the second branch 15c to bend to a degree that does not break.

[0110] As shown in Figure 11, the first branch 15b is also guided and lowered in the same manner as the main branch 15a in Figures 8 and 9. In this case, the first branch 15b is guided by an attracting member 20 suspended from an upper attracting line 19b on the opposite side of the row of ridges 14 relative to the position of the main branch 15a, and is shifted in the opposite direction to the guide direction of the main branch 15a.

[0111] That is, the tip of the second branch 15c, which has grown beyond the upper limit growth length H2, is lowered to a position lower than the upper limit growth length H2, shifted horizontally by a specified width along the upper attraction line 19b, and then the middle part of the shifted branch below the pruning height H4 is secured with a clip 21 along the lower attraction line 17b.

[0112] The shifted position of the first branch 15b is in the opposite direction to the main branch 15a of the same eggplant plant 15, and is set at a position about 2 / 3 of a plant (2D / 3 = approximately 22 cm) away from the main branch 15a of the adjacent eggplant plant 15 so that it does not overlap with the main branch 15a of the adjacent eggplant plant 15, whether during the first or subsequent training and vine-pulling work.

[0113] Furthermore, whether it is the first, second or subsequent training and vine taking work, the middle part of the first branch 15b is attached with a clip 21 to the lower training line 17 on the opposite side to the lower training line 17 to which the main branch 15a of the same eggplant plant 15 is attached, with the row of ridges 14 as the boundary.

[0114] Here, at least one of the clips 21 that fastens the middle part of the first branch 15b along the lower guide line 17a is adjusted in the horizontal direction so that the horizontal position of the middle part approaches the destination of the first branch 15b and the part of the lowered first branch 15b that falls within the fruit-bearing range 23 is guided vertically. The horizontal proximity at this time is a distance that allows the first branch 15b to bend to a degree that does not break.

[0115] Furthermore, after each training and vine taking operation, the leaves, side branches, and flowers (or buds) growing from the first branch 15b and the second branch 15c that are in the fruit-bearing range 23 are left, and those growing from the part below the mowing height H4 are mowed down.

[0116] Fig. 12 is a side view showing the process of adjusting the height of eggplant stalks 15 after training and vine pulling. For ease of understanding, Fig. 12 omits illustration of adjacent eggplant stalks 15 other than the training branches (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) trained to the same upper training line 19a. Also, some of the clips 21 are omitted.

[0117] As shown in Figure 12, eggplant plants 15 have different growth rates, so the height of the growing points, i.e., the height of the branch tips, can be uneven. In this case, the lowering width is constant during the vine lowering work, so the height of the branch tips also remains uneven.

[0118] Therefore, after the first or subsequent training and vine-pulling operations shown in Figures 8 to 11 have been performed, height adjustment work is carried out to make the heights of each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of the vine-pulled eggplant plant 15 uniform.

[0119] Specifically, one plant is selected from the multiple eggplant plants 15, and one training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, or second branch 15c) is selected as the standard height for the selected eggplant plant 15. The height of the selected training branch (main branch 15a in the figure) is set as the standard height.

[0120] For other training branches (first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of the same eggplant plant 15 and each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of other eggplant plants 15, the clips 21 are temporarily removed, and the branches are raised and lowered to the standard height to align the branch tips to the standard height, and then the branches are reconnected to the attractant string 20b using the clips 21.

[0121] At this time, if necessary, fine adjustments are also made, such as removing overlapping leaves of adjacent training branches (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) and eliminating slack in the attractant string 20b.

[0122] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of how each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of eggplant plants 15 planted in a row is shifted by training and vine pulling operations.

[0123] As shown in Figure 13, the attraction members 20 connected to each main branch 15a and suspended from the upper attraction lines 19 are attracted to the upper attraction line 19 (19a or 19b) at the end of the upper attraction lines 19 (19a, 19b) that extend on both sides of the ridge 14, and are shifted in a certain direction each time the attraction and vine taking operations are performed.

[0124] Here, the direction A in which the attraction member 20 suspended from one upper attraction wire 19a is shifted is opposite to the direction B in which the attraction member 20 suspended from the other upper attraction wire 19b is shifted.

[0125] In other words, when the main branch 15a of a certain eggplant plant 15 is attracted and shifted in direction A by an attractant member 20 hanging from one upper attractant wire 19a, the main branch 15a of an eggplant plant 15 adjacent to that eggplant plant 15 is attracted and shifted in direction B by an attractant member 20 hanging from the other upper attractant wire 19b.

[0126] In the same eggplant plant 15, the second branch 15c is guided toward the same side of the upper guide line 19 (19a or 19b) as the main branch 15a, whereas the first branch 15b is guided toward the other upper guide line 19 (19b or 19a) opposite to the side to which the main branch 15a is guided.

[0127] For example, when the main branch 15a is shifted in direction A by about two plants (2D = approximately 66 cm) from the planting position by one of the upper training lines 19a due to training and vine pulling operations, the position to which the second branch 15c is trained is, as shown in Figure 10, on the same upper training line 19a as the main branch 15a, in the same direction A as the main branch 15a, and at a position about 2 / 3 plants (2D / 3 = approximately 22 cm) shorter than the distance by which the main branch 15a is shifted.

[0128] In this case, the position to which the first branch 15b is guided is, as shown in Figure 11, a position that is about 2 / 3 of the plant (2D / 3 = about 22 cm) shorter than the distance by which the main branches 15a of the adjacent eggplant plant 15 are shifted. In other words, it is a position that is about 4 / 3 of the plant (4D / 3 = about 44 cm) away from the planting position, in the opposite direction B, on the opposite upper guidance line 19b to the main branches 15a of the same eggplant plant 15, with the row of ridges 14 as the boundary.

[0129] Therefore, the spacing between the attraction members 20 that attract each training branch of the eggplant plant 15 is equal, about 2 / 3 of the plant (2D / 3 = approximately 22 cm), on both upper attraction lines 19a, 19b on both sides.

[0130] Furthermore, when training and vine taking work is performed for the second or subsequent times, the main branch 15a and second branch 15c of a certain eggplant plant 15 and the first branch 15b of an adjacent eggplant plant 15 on the same upper training line 19 (19a or 19b) are shifted by 2 / 3 of the plant in the same direction A (2D / 3 = approximately 22 cm), so that the spacing between each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) on the upper training line 19 (19a or 19b) is maintained.

[0131] Fig. 14 is an external perspective view showing an example of the training state of a main branch 15a of an eggplant plant 15 at the end of an eggplant cultivation row 12. For ease of understanding, Fig. 14 depicts only one eggplant plant 15, with the other plants omitted. Also, in the depicted eggplant plant 15, only the main branch 15a connected to the training member 20 suspended from the upper training line 19a is depicted, with the first branch 15b and second branch 15c omitted.

[0132] As shown in Figure 14, the attraction member 20 attached to the main branch 15a of the eggplant plant 15 that continues to grow and elongate is shifted along the upper attraction line 19a by the attraction and vine pulling operation and reaches the end of the eggplant cultivation row 12.When the attraction member 20 moves a predetermined distance (e.g., 1 m or more) along the upper attraction line 19a outside the eggplant cultivation row 12, a turn-back attraction operation is performed in which the main branch 15a is folded back and attracted to the upper attraction line 19b.

[0133] In the turn-back training work, the training members 20 connected to the main branches 15a are turned back at the end of the eggplant cultivation row 12 and hung on the upper training line 19b on the opposite side, with the row of ridges 14 as the boundary, and the position of the tip of the main branch 15a is also moved to a position along the upper training line 19b on the opposite side. At this time, the position where the training members 20 connected to the main branches 15a are hung on the upper training line 19b on the opposite side is about 1 m away from the triangular support 22.

[0134] Additionally, the middle part of main branch 15a that extends beyond the end of eggplant cultivation row 12 along lower induction line 17a is bent at a gentle angle along lower induction line 17c stretched across triangular support 22 while wrapping around triangular support 22, and is wound around the opposite side of row 14 as the boundary. The middle part of the branch that is wound around is fastened to lower induction line 17b with clip 21.

[0135] When the main branch 15a has been guided back, in the subsequent vine-lowering work, the wrapped main branch 15a is shifted in the opposite direction to the original along upper guide line 19b on the opposite side of the upper guide line 19a that was originally guided.

[0136] Although not shown, when the first branch 15b or the second branch 15c reaches the end of the eggplant cultivation row 12 and extends a predetermined distance along the upper training line 19 outside the eggplant cultivation row 12, a turn-back training operation is performed in the same manner as the main branch 15a.

[0137] Although not shown, a similar turn-back training operation is also performed at the opposite end of the eggplant cultivation row 12. In this case, the training members 20 connected to each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of the eggplant plants 15 are shifted along the upper training line 19b by the training and vine pulling operation to reach the end of the eggplant cultivation row 12, and when they move out of the eggplant cultivation row 12 by a predetermined distance (e.g., 1 m or more) along the upper training line 19b, a turn-back training operation is performed in which the main branch 15a is turned back and trained to the upper training line 19a.

[0138] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the arrangement of each step in the vine cultivation method for eggplant of the present invention.

[0139] As shown in Figure 15, in the eggplant vine cultivation method, after planting work is performed in which eggplant plants 15 are planted in furrows 14 (step S1), each training branch of the eggplant plant 15 (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) is allowed to grow, and then a connecting work is performed in which attractant members 20 are connected to each of the main branch 15a, first branch 15b, and second branch 15c (step S2).

[0140] When each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of the eggplant plant 15 exceeds the upper limit growth length H2, the first training and vine cutting work is carried out (step S3). After that, a height adjustment work is carried out to make the height of each training branch of the eggplant plant 15 uniform (step S4).

[0141] After the height adjustment work is completed, the eggplants are harvested multiple times (N times) (Step S5). After the harvest work is completed, the eggplant plant 15 is pinched or cut back as necessary to adjust the number of fruits to be produced in the next harvest work by pinching or cutting back the flowers (or buds) and side branches of each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of the eggplant plant 15 as needed (Step S6).

[0142] Thereafter, when each training branch of the eggplant plant 15 exceeds the upper limit growth length H2, the second and subsequent training and vine cutting operations are carried out (step S7). If the preset cultivation period has not ended (step S8), the height adjustment, harvesting, and pinching / cutting operations are repeated again.

[0143] Here, the pinching / cutting back work and the second and subsequent training / vine taking work are performed, for example, at intervals of once every 7 to 10 days, and the harvesting work is performed, for example, at intervals of once every 2 days. In this case, N=3 to 5 in step S5.

[0144] In the eggplant vine cultivation method of the present invention, the yield per unit area can be calculated by the following formula: [yield / unit area] = [cultivation period x flowering rate of main branch 15a x number of harvested fruits per node x expected harvest value x weight of harvested fruits x number of planted plants per unit area].

[0145] For example, if the cultivation period is 48 weeks, the flowering rate of the main branch 15a is 0.7 nodes per week, the number of harvested fruits per node is adjusted to 3 fruits by pinching and cutting back the side branches, the expected harvest value is 70%, the weight of the harvested fruits is 100g, and the number of planted plants per unit area is 4.95 plants / m 2 So, 48 weeks x 0.7 nodes / week x 3 fruits x 70% x 100g x 4.95 pieces / m 2 =34927.2g / m 2 This gives an expected yield of approximately 35t / 10a.

[0146] 16 is a plan view showing the training directions of each training branch when eggplant plant 25 is trained to have two branches in another embodiment of the vine-down cultivation method for eggplant of the present invention. In this embodiment, eggplant plant 25 has two training branches, main branch 25a and first branch 25b. The components other than eggplant plant 25 are the same as those in the embodiment when trained to have three branches, and are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0147] In addition, for each training branch (main branch 25a, first branch 25b) of the eggplant plant 25, the respective operations shown in Figure 15 (planting, tying, initial training and vine taking, height adjustment, harvesting, pinching and pruning, second and subsequent training and vine taking, height adjustment, etc.) are performed until the end of the cultivation period, just as in the case of the three-trunked training.

[0148] As shown in Figure 16, when planting eggplant plants 25, each eggplant plant 25 is planted in a row with a distance D (approximately 33 cm) between plants, and the positions of each training branch (main branch 25a, first branch 25b) are staggered relative to adjacent eggplant plants 25, and in particular, the main branches 25a extend in opposite directions relative to each other, with the row of ridges 14 as the boundary.

[0149] When tying the eggplant plants 25, each training branch (main branch 25a, first branch 25b) of each eggplant plant 25 is induced to grow toward the hanging position by hanging the attracting members 20 (hanging hook 20a and attracting string 20b) attached to each branch from one of the two upper attracting wires 19 (19a, 19b).

[0150] At this time, the planar orientation of each training branch (main branch 25a, first branch 25b) is oriented in a direction that will intersect obliquely with the upper attraction line 19 (19a or 19b) when each training branch (main branch 25a, first branch 25b) is extended.

[0151] In addition, for each eggplant plant 25, when the main branch 25a is guided to one of the upper guidance lines 19a (or 19b), the first branch 25b of the same plant is guided to the upper guidance line 19a (or 19b) on the same side as the main branch 25a, but is guided to a position on the upper guidance line 19a (or 19b) about one plant away from the main branch 15a (D = approximately 33 cm) so as not to overlap with the main branch 25a.

[0152] Furthermore, when the main branch 25a and first branch 25b of each eggplant plant 25 are guided to one upper guidance line 19a (or 19b), the main branch 25a and first branch 25b of the eggplant plant 25 adjacent to that eggplant plant 25 are guided to the other upper guidance line 19b (or 19a).

[0153] In this way, according to the eggplant vine cultivation method of the present invention, a plurality of eggplant plants 15 are planted in the ridges 14 arranged in a row in the eggplant cultivation row 12, and each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of the planted eggplant plants 15 is connected with a clip 21 to an attraction string 20b drawn from an attraction member 20 suspended from an upper attraction line 19 (19a or 19b) extended to a position higher than the upper limit growth length H2 along both sides of the ridge 14, and the eggplant plants are trained while being trained. The middle part of the branch is connected with a clip 21 to a lower training line 17 (17a or 17b) that is extended along both sides of the ridge 14 to a height H1 that exceeds the branching position of the first branch 15b, and each time the branch tip exceeds the upper limit growth length H2, the training position is shifted and the connecting position is changed and the branch tip is lowered, so that growth and harvesting can be repeated while maintaining the growth point of each training branch of the eggplant plant 15, making it possible to maintain the vigor of the tree with simple work and continuously perform vine-down cultivation.

[0154] In addition, by adjusting the position where the middle part of the trained training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b or second branch 15c) is connected to the lower training line 17 (17a or 17b) so that the part of the training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b or second branch 15c) that falls within the fruit-bearing range 23 extends vertically, the part that falls within the fruit-bearing range 23 does not become excessively inclined, and the spacing between each trained training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) can be narrowed while avoiding dense planting, making it possible to cultivate eggplants efficiently by making effective use of the cultivation space.

[0155] In addition, since each eggplant plant 15 planted in a row is staggered with respect to the adjacent eggplant plants 15, overcrowding can be avoided while making effective use of the cultivation space. Even if an odd number of training branches are used, the ends of the training branches can be evenly allocated to the two upper training lines 19 (19a, 19b), eliminating unevenness in the cultivation space and enabling efficient cultivation.

[0156] In addition, by using the training and vine lowering work, when each training branch of the eggplant plant 15 exceeds a certain height, it is lowered, and the fruit-bearing range of each training branch is maintained in a vertical state while the eggplant continues to grow. This allows the eggplants to be constantly in a state where they can bear fruit, and since eggplants can be harvested continuously during the cultivation period and a certain yield can be expected, efficient and stable eggplant harvesting is possible.

[0157] In addition, by using the training and vine pulling work to guide each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) connected to the training member 20 hung from the same upper training line 19, the branch tips can be trained to be equally spaced apart, maintaining a width (=22 cm) that is 2 / 3 of the plant-to-plant distance D (=33 cm), so that the work can be carried out uniformly, making it easier to manage the growth of the eggplant plants 15.In addition, since the work does not require advanced skills, it is easy to secure workers.

[0158] In addition, by training and vine cutting work, the parts of each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) located in the fruit-bearing range 23 are trained to grow vertically, which makes it possible to prevent the creation of empty spaces while avoiding the deterioration of sunlight and ventilation caused by dense planting, and therefore it is possible to secure sufficient cultivation space even in a limited area.

[0159] In addition, each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of adjacent eggplant plants 15 is of the same type and is guided to a different upper guide line 19 (19a, 19b). This makes it possible to avoid over-crowd planting and eliminate unevenness in the cultivation space, thereby making effective use of the cultivation space in the eggplant cultivation row 12 and enabling efficient cultivation.

[0160] In addition, by setting the width by which the branch tips are shifted and lowered shorter than the plant-to-plant distance D (= 33 cm) and less than 2D / 3 (= 22 cm) during training and vine-lowering work, the stress on the eggplant plants 15 each time training and vine-lowering work is performed can be reduced and weakening of the eggplant plants 15 and flower drop can be suppressed, making it easier to carry out continuous vine-lowering cultivation while maintaining the plant vigor.

[0161] In addition, in the training and vine-lowering work, the width by which the tips of each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of the eggplant plant 15 are lowered is set to 2 / 3 of the width by which the tips are shifted, and the width by which the tips are lowered is shorter than the width by which the tips are shifted. This allows the trained branches to have enough room to comfortably extend vertically without overhanging the walkway, and also prevents the tips from having height differences after the vine-lowering work. This allows the vine-lowering work to be done properly, resulting in more efficient and stable eggplant harvesting.

[0162] In addition, by performing the height adjustment work, the height of the growth point of each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of each eggplant plant 15 can be made constant after training and vine taking work, so that the amount of light received by the eggplant plants 15 can be uniformed and the growth difference between the eggplant plants 15 can be suppressed. This eliminates bias from one location to another and stabilizes the yield across the entire eggplant cultivation row 12.

[0163] In addition, by cutting the leaves and side branches of eggplant stalk 15 that are lower than the cutting height H4 after the training and vine cutting work, the fruit-bearing range of each training branch can be kept within a certain range through the training and vine cutting work and height adjustment work, and the working range during harvesting is limited, thereby making it possible to reduce the labor required for harvesting.

[0164] Moreover, by preventing overgrowth and maintaining good ventilation, diseases such as black blight can be suppressed, allowing for more efficient and stable eggplant harvesting.

[0165] In addition, as the training branches (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of the eggplant plants 15 continue to be trained and pulled down, they move toward the end of the eggplant cultivation row 12 along the upper training line 19, so that on one side of the eggplant cultivation row 12, the cultivation space at one end of the row becomes clogged and the cultivation space at the other end becomes empty.

[0166] In contrast, the direction in which the attraction member 20 is shifted during the training and vine taking work is opposite on one side of the two upper training lines 19 (19a, 19b), and when each training branch of the eggplant stalks 15 reaches the end of the eggplant cultivation row 12, a turn-around training work is performed.As a result, the branches that have been trained to reach the end of the row on one side of the eggplant cultivation row 12 can be turned to the upper training line 19 on the opposite side, using the row of ridges 14 as the boundary, and moved to the cultivation space vacated by training on the opposite side.As a result, each training branch of the eggplant stalks 15 can be kept within the cultivation space of the eggplant cultivation row 12 regardless of its growth, making it possible to save space and carry out continuous vine taking work without time constraints.

[0167] Furthermore, by performing the turning-back training work on each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of the eggplant plant 15 after it has been turned back a predetermined distance (e.g., 1 m or more) along the upper training line 19 (19a, 19b) and outside the eggplant cultivation row 12, it is possible to prevent the training branch from being bent unreasonably due to abrupt turning back, reduce the stress that the eggplant plant 15 receives from turning back, and suppress weakening of the tree's vigor.

[0168] In addition, the lower training wire 17 is supported by the support 18 and maintained at a lower training height H1 that is a predetermined distance L higher than the branching position of the first branch 15b of the eggplant plant 15. Therefore, each training branch of the eggplant plant 15 (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) can be aligned along the lower training wire 17 without being forcibly bent, thereby reducing the stress that the eggplant plant 15 receives from training and preventing the weakening of the tree's vigor.

[0169] In addition, since the lower guide wire 17 is tightly fastened to each support 18 so that tension is applied to the wire, strong tension is maintained. Therefore, when the middle part of the branch of the eggplant stalk 15 is connected to the lower guide wire 17 with a clip 21, the connected part is less likely to sag, making it easier to guide and take down the vines.

[0170] In addition, by using a vigorous rootstock as the rootstock 16 of the eggplant plant 15, the eggplant plant 15 itself can be made stronger to maintain its vigor. By using the ridges 14 as an isolation medium, the adverse effects of soil-based diseases on the rootstock 16 can be suppressed, and soil management such as irrigation and fertilization can be facilitated, making it easier to maintain the vigor of the plant.

[0171] Furthermore, since adjacent eggplant plants 15 are planted in advance so that the growth directions of their respective main branches 15a are opposite to each other, it becomes easy to guide the main branches 15a of adjacent eggplant plants 15 to the upper guide lines 19 (19a, 19b) on different sides, thereby reducing the stress received by the eggplant plants 15 due to training and preventing weakening of the plant vigor.

[0172] Furthermore, by carrying out the tying work at the growth stage before harvest, the attractant string 20b is tying each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) of the eggplant plant 15 before it grows, so that the tying branches can grow upward and the tying branches will not fall over under their own weight even if they grow.

[0173] In addition, by training each training branch (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) so that it extends diagonally in a planar view relative to the upper training line 19 (19a or 19b), the training member 20 that has trained the training branches (main branch 15a, first branch 15b, second branch 15c) can be easily shifted along the upper training line 19 (19a or 19b) during training and vine removal work, which reduces the stress that the eggplant plant 15 receives due to training and prevents the tree's vigor from weakening.

[0174] In addition, in the case of an eggplant plant 15 trained to three branches, the main branch 15a and the second branch 15c can be trained to the same upper training line 19 (19a or 19b) and the first branch 15b can be trained to the opposite upper training line 19 (19b or 19a), thereby preventing the spacing between the training branches from becoming too close, which would result in poor sunlight and ventilation.

[0175] In addition, by extending multiple branches of the eggplant plant 15, such as the first branch 15b and the second branch 15c, it is possible to cultivate many training branches with a small number of plants, making it possible to cultivate eggplants more efficiently.

[0176] In addition, in the case of a two-stalk eggplant plant 25, by training the main branch 25a and the first branch 25c to the same upper training line 19 (19a or 19b), there is less bending between the main branch 25a and the first branch 25c, which reduces the stress on the eggplant plant 25 and makes it easier to maintain its vigor.

[0177] In addition, when training each training branch (main branch 25a, first branch 25c) of the same plant to the same upper training line, the training branches (main branch 25a, first branch 25c) of each eggplant plant can be trained together, making it easier to work on each eggplant plant 25.

[0178] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, in this embodiment, the attracting member is composed of a hanging hook having a winding part, an attracting string wound around the winding part, and a clip that can be attached and detached, but it is not necessary to configure it in this way. It is sufficient if the eggplant training branch can be attracted to the upper attracting wire, can be moved along the upper attracting wire in the attracted state, and the height of the training branch to be attracted can be adjusted.

[0179] As a specific example, the attraction member may be composed of a guide wire made of wire material stretched in a straight line with one end bent into a hook shape, and a small clip that is slidably attached to the guide wire while clamping a branch of the plant.

[0180] In addition, in this embodiment, the clip of the attracting member is used as a fastening device to fasten the middle part of the training branch along the lower attracting wire during the attracting and lowering work, but this fastening device may be any fastening device capable of fastening the middle part of the training branch along the lower attracting wire. Fastening devices other than the clip of the attracting member may also be used.

[0181] Also, in this embodiment, for the training and vine taking work, the plant-to-plant distance D (=approximately 33 cm) is used as the base, and the shift width for the first time is 4D / 3 (=44 cm), the lowering width is 8D / 9 (=approximately 30 cm), and from the second time onwards the shift width is 2D / 3 (=approximately 22 cm), and the lowering width is 4D / 9 (=approximately 15 cm). However, the shift width and lowering width for each training and vine taking work are not limited to these numerical values, and it is sufficient that the lowering width is shorter than the shift width.

[0182] Furthermore, the spacing between planted eggplant plants does not necessarily have to be about 33 cm, and may be changed depending on the area of ​​the cultivation facility or the number of eggplant plants planted in the eggplant cultivation row.

[0183] In addition, in this embodiment, the upper limit growth length is set to a height of approximately 280 cm from the ground, and the mowing height is set to a height of approximately 160 cm from the ground, but the upper limit growth length and mowing height do not necessarily have to be these values ​​and may be changed depending on the desired workability and fruit number.

[0184] In particular, the upper limit growth length does not have to be set at a height significantly higher than a person's height; it may be set at a height that a short worker (e.g., about 150 cm) can reach, and the cutting height may be lowered accordingly.

[0185] In addition, in this embodiment, the training branches of eggplant plants are given as three branches consisting of a main branch, a first branch, and a second branch, and as two branches consisting of a main branch and a first branch. However, the number of training branches is not limited to these and may be changed depending on the number of eggplant plants planted and the distance between the plants, and training and vine cutting work may be performed on four or more training branches.

[0186] In addition, in this embodiment, when training the plant to three branches, the first branch is guided to an upper guide line on a different side from the main branch of the same plant, but it is not necessary to guide it in this manner; the first branch may be guided to an upper guide line on the same side as the main branch.

[0187] Furthermore, when using four or more training branches, the odd-numbered branches (first branch, third branch, ...) can be guided to an upper guide line on a different side from the main branch of the same plant, or they can be guided to an upper guide line on the same side as the main branch. [Explanation of symbols]

[0188] 11...cultivation facility, 12...eggplant cultivation row, 13...cultivation bed, 14...ridge, 14a...planting hole, 15...eggplant plant, 15a...main branch, 15b...first branch, 15c...second branch, 16...rootstock, 17(17a, 17b)...lower guide wire, 18(18a, 18b)...support, 19(19a, 19b)...upper guide wire, 20...guiding member, 20a...hanging hook, 20b...guiding string, 20c...winding part, 21...clip, 22...triangular support, 23...fruit-bearing area, 25...eggplant plant, 25a...main branch, 25b...first branch

Claims

1. A method for cultivating eggplant by vine-down cultivation in an eggplant cultivation row having ridges in which a plurality of eggplant plants having training branches extended for vine-down cultivation are planted in a row at a predetermined plant-to-plant distance, The training branch includes a main branch and a branch extending from the main branch, The eggplant cultivation row is An upper limit growth length is set to determine the upper limit of the height at which the training branches of the eggplant plants are grown, and a cutting height is set to determine the lower limit of a fruit-bearing range, which is a height range at which the eggplant plants are allowed to bear fruit. Two lower guide lines extending along both sides of the ridge; two upper induction lines located above the two lower induction lines, respectively, and stretched along both sides of the ridge at a height exceeding an upper limit growth length that defines an upper limit of the height at which the eggplant plants are grown; Each of the two upper induction lines is provided with an induction member that is movably hung along the upper induction line and can induce the training branch of the eggplant plant to the suspended position, The attracting members are configured to be able to be attached to the training branches of the eggplant plants by fasteners that can be attached and detached, and are hung at predetermined intervals from the upper attracting wire in a state where each training branch is attracted, The main branches of adjacent eggplant plants are guided to the upper guide lines on opposite sides of each other, When the height of each training branch of the plurality of eggplant plants exceeds the upper limit growth length, The attracting member for attracting the training branch is shifted by a predetermined width in a certain direction, and the height of the branch tip of the training branch connected to the attracting member is lowered by a predetermined width so that it is below the upper limit growth length, The middle part of the training branch, which is located below the cutting height, is fastened to the lower induction line on the same side as the upper induction line of the training destination by a removable fastener. The work of attracting and lowering the vines is carried out. The direction in which the attracting member is shifted during the attracting and lowering work is opposite between one of the two upper attracting lines and the other. A method for cultivating eggplant on vines, comprising:

2. A method for cultivating eggplant by vine downing as described in claim 1, characterized in that when the training branch is shifted by the training and vine downing operation and goes outside the eggplant cultivation row by a predetermined distance along one of the upper training lines, a turn-around training operation is performed in which the training member for training the training branch is folded back to the other side at the row of ridges as a boundary and hung on the other upper training line.

3. 3. The method for cultivating eggplant by vine cutting according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that after the training and vine cutting operations, the leaves and side branches of the eggplant plants growing below the cutting height of the training branches are cut off.

4. A method for cultivating eggplant by vine down as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that during the training and vine down work, the position at which the middle part of the training branch is connected to the lower training line is adjusted to a position where the part of the training branch that falls within the fruit-bearing range is trained vertically.

5. 5. The method for cultivating eggplant by vine downing according to claim 1, characterized in that after the training and vine downing work, a height adjustment work is carried out in which the height of one training branch of one eggplant plant is set as a standard height, and the heights of each of the training branches of the multiple eggplant plants are aligned to the standard height.

6. The method for cultivating eggplant by vine downing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the width by which the tips of the training branches are lowered during the training and vine downing work is set shorter than the width by which the training members are shifted.

7. The eggplant plant is grafted onto a vigorous rootstock that enhances tree vigor and planted in the furrow, 7. The method for cultivating eggplant by vine downing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ridges are an isolation medium.

8. 8. The method for cultivating eggplant by vine down as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lower guide wire is tightly fastened and supported under tension by a plurality of supports erected at predetermined intervals along both sides of the ridge.

9. The adjacent eggplant plants are planted so that the main branches of each of the adjacent eggplant plants extend in opposite directions to each other, A method for cultivating eggplant by vine-graining as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the training branches are trained to extend diagonally in a planar view to one side of the upper training lines during the growth stage before harvesting of the eggplant plants.

10. 10. The method for cultivating eggplant by vine down according to claim 1, wherein the main branch and the branch of the same plant are both guided to the upper guide wire on the same side.

11. The branch comprises one first branch, 10. The method for cultivating eggplant by vine down according to claim 1, wherein the main branch and the first branch of the same plant are both guided to the upper guide wire on the same side.

12. The branch includes a first branch and a second branch branched from the main branch at a position above the first branch, The main branch and the first branch of the same plant are guided to different upper guide lines, 10. The method for cultivating eggplant by vine down according to claim 1, wherein the main branch and the secondary branch of the same plant are both guided to the upper guide wire on the same side.

13. 13. The method for cultivating eggplant by vine down according to claim 12, wherein the lower guide wire is extended to a position a predetermined distance higher than the branching position of the branches.

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