How to grow fruit plants

Abstract

A method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant uses a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity of 5.5 dS / m or more for three days or more during the period from after planting to the blooming of the first flower cluster, and uses a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity that is 1.5 dS / m or more lower than said nutrient solution electrical conductivity, during the period from the blooming of the first flower cluster to harvesting.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing need to produce vegetables in plant factories using artificial light. In particular, the production technology for some leafy vegetables such as lettuce has advanced, and there is a demand for the study of cultivation methods for fruit vegetables such as tomatoes.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-271924 describes a method for producing high sugar content tomatoes using hydroponics, which is characterized by cultivating the tomatoes using a high EC nutrient solution with an EC (electrical conductivity) in the range of 0.5 to 3.0 S / m for at least one week of the hydroponics period. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the cultivation of fruit vegetables, there is a demand for further improvements in the yield and sugar content of the harvested fruits.

[0005] An object of one embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants that enables the harvest of fruits with higher sugar content and in higher yields than conventional methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure includes the following aspects. <1> Use a nutrient solution with an electrical conductivity of 5.5 dS / m or higher for at least three days during the period from planting to the first flowering cluster. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, comprising using a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity 1.5 dS / m or more lower than the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution during the period from the flowering of the first inflorescence to harvest. <2> The first inflorescence is the first inflorescence. <1> A method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to claim 1. <3> The fruit vegetable plant is a Solanaceae plant or a Cucurbitaceae plant; <1> or <2> A method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to claim 1. <4> The fruit vegetable plant is the tomato, <1> ~ <3> 10. A method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to any one of the preceding claims. <5> The method includes a step of irradiating a fruit vegetable plant with artificial light, <1> ~ <4> 10. A method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to any one of the preceding claims. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants is provided that enables fruits with higher sugar content to be harvested in high yields than before. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described in detail. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. In the following embodiments, the components (including element steps, etc.) are not essential unless otherwise specified. The same applies to the numerical values ​​and their ranges, and do not limit the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, a numerical range indicated using "~" includes the numerical values ​​before and after "~" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. In the numerical ranges described in the present disclosure in stages, the upper or lower limit value described in one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit value of another numerical range described in stages. In addition, in the numerical ranges described in the present disclosure, the upper or lower limit value of the numerical range may be replaced with a value shown in the examples. In this disclosure, "mass" and "weight" are synonymous. In the present disclosure, the term "step" refers not only to an independent step, but also to a step that cannot be clearly distinguished from other steps, as long as the intended purpose of the step is achieved. In this disclosure, "fruit vegetable plant" means a plant that produces a fruit. In the present disclosure, the term "fruit vegetable plant" refers to a growing fruit vegetable plant. The term "fruit vegetable plant seedling" refers to a fruit vegetable plant in a seedling state among fruit vegetable plants. In the present disclosure, the term "nutrient solution" refers to a solution in which nutritional components (inorganic and organic substances) necessary for plant growth are dissolved in water or the like.

[0009] [How to grow fruit vegetables] The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure uses a nutrient solution with an electrical conductivity of 5.5 dS / m or more for a period of three days or more from after planting until the flowering of the first inflorescence, and uses a nutrient solution with an electrical conductivity at least 1.5 dS / m lower than the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution for a period from the flowering of the first inflorescence until harvest.

[0010] The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure includes a period in which a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity of 5.5 dS / m or more is used, and a period in which a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity 1.5 dS / m or more lower than that of the nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity of 5.5 dS / m or more is used. In other words, the nutrient solution is switched at least once.

[0011] According to the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants of the present disclosure, it is possible to harvest fruits with higher sugar content and in higher yields than before. The reason for this is not clear, but is presumed to be as follows.

[0012] By appropriately controlling the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution during both the pre-flowering and post-flowering periods, it is believed that it is possible to harvest fruits with higher sugar content and higher yields than before.

[0013] In response to this, JP-A-10-271924 describes that the cultivation period using a high EC nutrient solution is from the flowering stage onwards, but there is no description focusing on appropriately controlling the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution in both the pre-flowering and post-flowering periods.

[0014] <Cultivation process> In the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants disclosed herein, the period from planting to harvesting is referred to as the cultivation process.

[0015] (fruit vegetable plants) Fruit vegetable plants are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Solanaceae plants such as tomatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers; Cucurbitaceae plants such as melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, and zucchinis; Legumes such as kidney beans, peas, and broad beans; Rosaceae plants such as strawberries; Malvaceae plants such as okra; and Gramineae plants such as corn.

[0016] In particular, the cultivation method of the present disclosure is suitable for Solanaceae plants or Cucurbitaceae plants. The fruit vegetable plant cultivated by the cultivation method of the present disclosure is preferably a Solanaceae plant or a Cucurbitaceae plant, more preferably a tomato or melon, and even more preferably a tomato.

[0017] Tomatoes include midi tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, fruit tomatoes, etc. Melons include netted melons such as green fleshed varieties and red fleshed varieties, and non-netted melons.

[0018] (Cultivation conditions) The cultivation of the fruit vegetable plants after planting can be carried out by a conventionally known method, and may be carried out by hydroponic culture or soil culture, with hydroponic culture being preferred.

[0019] The hydroponic method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include flooded liquid hydroponic method, thin film hydroponic method, spray type hydroponic method, and drip type hydroponic method in which liquid fertilizer is dripped onto the roots or a root support.

[0020] The cultivation facilities for fruit and vegetable plants after planting are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include artificial light type plant factories, sunlight type plant factories, and vinyl greenhouses.

[0021] From the viewpoints of the quality of the harvested fruit and cultivation efficiency, it is preferable to cultivate the fruit vegetable plants after planting using a cultivation device equipped with one or more selected from a light source that irradiates artificial light from at least one of the upper and lateral directions of the fruit vegetable plants, a hydroponic cultivation mechanism, and a temperature and humidity control mechanism. Furthermore, it is further preferable that the above-mentioned cultivation apparatus includes a mechanism for controlling the light intensity of the light source, the light-dark cycle, the carbon dioxide concentration, and the like.

[0022] The cultivation step preferably includes a step of irradiating the fruit vegetable plant with artificial light. In the cultivation process, the temperature conditions can be adjusted by irradiating the fruit vegetable plant with artificial light. For example, the temperature conditions can be adjusted to two or more types of light temperature and dark temperature. From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the upper limit of the photoperiod temperature is preferably 29°C or lower, more preferably 28.5°C or lower, and even more preferably 28°C or lower. From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the lower limit of the photoperiod temperature is preferably 15°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, and even more preferably 25°C or higher.

[0023] From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the upper limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 25°C or lower, more preferably 23°C or lower, and even more preferably 22°C or lower. From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the lower limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 10°C or higher, more preferably 13°C or higher, and even more preferably 15°C or higher.

[0024] The light and dark temperatures are measured by placing a thermometer 1 cm away from the fruit vegetable plant. As the thermometer, for example, a temperature and humidity sensor THA-3151 manufactured by T&D Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0025] In the present disclosure, the term "light period" refers to a period during which a fruit vegetable plant body is irradiated with a light source. In the present disclosure, the term "dark period" refers to a period during which a fruit vegetable plant body is not irradiated with a light source.

[0026] The method for controlling the light and dark temperatures is not particularly limited and can be performed by a conventionally known method. For example, the light and dark temperatures can be controlled by monitoring the light and dark temperatures in the seedling environment with the above-mentioned thermometer and blowing hot or cold air as necessary.

[0027] From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the ratio of light period time to dark period time (light period time / dark period time) is preferably 0.5 to 5, more preferably 1 to 4, and even more preferably 1 to 3.

[0028] The light source of the artificial light is not particularly limited, and examples include semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and discharge lamps such as fluorescent lamps. In the cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure, it is preferable to use LEDs. The type of LED used may be one type, or two or more types may be used.

[0029] The LED may be one that emits visible light such as red, blue, and yellow, or one that emits invisible light such as ultraviolet light (wavelength 380 nm or less) or infrared light (wavelength 780 nm or more); however, from the viewpoint of promoting photosynthesis in fruit and vegetable plants, it is preferable for the LED to emit light in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm.

[0030] From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, and the like, the relative humidity during the cultivation process is preferably controlled to 50% to 80%, and more preferably 55% to 77%.

[0031] The relative humidity is measured by placing a hygrometer 1 cm away from the fruit vegetable plant. As the hygrometer, for example, a temperature and humidity sensor THA-3151 manufactured by T&D Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0032] The method for controlling the humidity is not particularly limited and can be performed by a conventionally known method. For example, the humidity condition can be controlled by monitoring the humidity of the cultivation environment with the above-mentioned hygrometer and, if necessary, by using an air conditioner having a humidifying function and a dehumidifying function.

[0033] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and high sugar content, the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated to the fruit vegetable plant body during the cultivation process is set at 200 μmol / m 2 / s~800μmol / m 2 / s, and 250 μmol / m 2 / s~600μmol / m 2 / s is more preferable.

[0034] The light intensity is measured by placing a measuring device 1 cm away from the fruit vegetable plant with the light receiving surface facing the light source. For example, a photon sensor (LI-COR, LI-190R) can be used as the measuring device. When the light source is placed in two or more directions from the fruit vegetable plant, the sum of the light intensities measured by placing the measuring device facing each light source is regarded as the light intensity.

[0035] The light intensity can be controlled by changing the type and number of light sources used (LEDs, fluorescent lights, etc.), changing the distance between the light source and the fruit vegetable plant body, or using a dimmable light source.

[0036] Artificial light may be irradiated from above or from the side of the fruit vegetable plant body, but from the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, space utilization efficiency, etc., it is preferable to irradiate the plant with artificial light from above. Artificial light may also be irradiated from both the side and top directions.

[0037] From the viewpoint of shortening the time until harvest, the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment during the cultivation step is preferably 300 ppm by volume to 2000 ppm by volume, and more preferably 400 ppm by volume to 1500 ppm by volume.

[0038] The carbon dioxide concentration is measured by placing a carbon dioxide concentration meter 1 cm away from the fruit vegetable plant. For example, the LI-850 manufactured by LI-COR Corporation can be used as the carbon dioxide concentration meter.

[0039] The method for controlling the carbon dioxide concentration is not particularly limited, and can be performed by a conventionally known method. For example, the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment can be monitored by the carbon dioxide concentration meter, and an air conditioner or the like can be used as necessary.

[0040] (Cultivation period) In the cultivation process, the cultivation period is from the start of planting to harvesting.

[0041] The planting step is, for example, a step of planting the fruit vegetable seedlings obtained in the seedling raising step described below in a predetermined position in an environment suitable for hydroponic cultivation.

[0042] Usually, flowers are formed on the main stem of a fruit vegetable plant at any time after planting. In the present disclosure, the flower formed at the lowest position (closest to the root of the fruit vegetable plant) relative to the main stem of the fruit vegetable plant is referred to as the first inflorescence. When the flowers in the first inflorescence fall and fruit sets, the first inflorescence is referred to as the first fruit inflorescence. Also, the flower formed at the lowest position relative to the main stem of the fruit vegetable plant after the first inflorescence or the first fruit inflorescence is referred to as the second inflorescence. Similarly, the inflorescence formed in the Nth tier from the lowest position relative to the main stem of the fruit vegetable plant is referred to as the Nth inflorescence, and the fruit inflorescence formed in the Nth tier is referred to as the Nth fruit inflorescence.

[0043] It is preferable to pinch the top of the fruit vegetable plant at a desired time after the formation of the inflorescence or the fruit cluster. Pinching the top of the stem of the fruit vegetable plant is performed by pinching the top of the stem to stop the stem from growing.

[0044] After topping, it is preferable to harvest the fruit at a desired time.

[0045] The cultivation period is not particularly limited, but is preferably 70 to 300 days, more preferably 80 to 200 days, even more preferably 80 to 150 days, and particularly preferably 90 to 120 days.

[0046] (Nutrient solution) In the cultivation process, a nutrient solution is used.

[0047] The nutrient solution can be prepared to the desired fertilizer composition by appropriately selecting and mixing single fertilizers. The fertilizer composition of the culture solution can be adjusted using a mixing program such as "Best Blend" provided by the NPO Japan Hydroponic Culture Research Association. The component composition of the nutrient solution can be adjusted to have the desired component content by properly mixing single fertilizers. The components in the nutrient solution can be quantified using ion chromatography or high-frequency inductively coupled plasma (ICP) method.

[0048] In the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants disclosed herein, a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity of 5.5 dS / m or more (hereinafter also referred to as a "high EC nutrient solution") is used for a period of 3 days or more from after planting to the flowering of the first inflorescence. Hereinafter, the period in which the high EC nutrient solution is used is also referred to as the "high EC nutrient solution use period." In addition, during the period from the flowering of the first inflorescence to harvest, a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity 1.5 dS / m or more lower than that of the specific nutrient solution (hereinafter also referred to as a "low EC nutrient solution") is used. Hereinafter, the period in which the low EC nutrient solution is used is also referred to as the "period of using the low EC nutrient solution."

[0049] The specific nutrient solution can be prepared by adding salts such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium sulfate, etc. Among them, from the viewpoints of high yield, high sugar content, etc., it is preferable that the specific nutrient solution contains sodium chloride.

[0050] From the viewpoint of achieving high yield and high sugar content, it is preferable that the one inflorescence used as the standard for using the specific nutrient solution is the first inflorescence.

[0051] In other words, it is preferable to use a high EC nutrient solution for a period of 3 days or more from after planting until the flowering of the first inflorescence, and to use a low EC nutrient solution from the flowering of the first inflorescence until harvest.

[0052] By using a high EC nutrient solution for 3 days or more until the first inflorescence blooms, it is possible to improve the yield and sugar content of the fruit that grows on the inflorescence formed from the first inflorescence. Furthermore, it is also possible to improve the yield and sugar content of the fruit that grows on the inflorescence formed from the inflorescence (second inflorescence, third inflorescence, etc.) that is formed after the first inflorescence.

[0053] The period of use of the high EC nutrient solution is 3 days or more, and from the viewpoint of high yield, high sugar content, etc., it is preferably 10 days or more, and more preferably 20 days or more. The upper limit of the period of use of the high EC nutrient solution is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 40 days.

[0054] The electrical conductivity of the high EC nutrient solution is 5.5 dS / m or more, and from the viewpoint of high yield, high sugar content, etc., it is preferably 7.0 dS / m or more, and more preferably 8.0 dS / m or more. The upper limit of the electrical conductivity of the high EC nutrient solution is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 12 dS / m.

[0055] The period of use of the low EC nutrient solution is not particularly limited, but is preferably 7 days or more, more preferably 40 days or more, from the viewpoint of high yield, high sugar content, etc. The upper limit of the period of use of the low EC nutrient solution is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 300 days.

[0056] The absolute value of the difference in electrical conductivity between the high EC nutrient solution and the low EC nutrient solution is 1.5 dS / m or more, and from the viewpoint of high yield, high sugar content, etc., it is more preferably 3.0 dS / m or more. The upper limit of the absolute value of the difference is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 5.0 dS / m.

[0057] The electrical conductivity of the low EC nutrient solution is preferably 0.50 dS / m to 3.0 dS / m, and more preferably 1.0 dS / m to 2.5 dS / m.

[0058] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, it is preferable to change the nutrient solution only once. Specifically, it is preferable to use a high EC nutrient solution for a period of 3 days or more from planting until the first inflorescence blooms, and then use a low EC nutrient solution for a period of 7 days or more from the first inflorescence blooms until harvest.

[0059] <Seedling raising process> The method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to the present disclosure can include a seedling raising step, in which the germinated fruit vegetable plant body is grown into a fruit vegetable plant seedling.

[0060] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, it is preferable to raise seedlings of fruit vegetable plants by the hydroponic method, and it is more preferable to raise seedlings by the flooded liquid hydroponic method.

[0061] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, it is preferable to use a nutrient solution other than the specific nutrient solution (a nutrient solution having a nitrogen concentration of more than 10 ppm by mass) in the seedling raising step.

[0062] In the seedling raising process, the light period and the dark period can be switched by irradiating the germinating fruit vegetable plants with artificial light, and it is preferable to adjust the temperature conditions in the light period and the dark period. For example, the temperature conditions can be adjusted to two or more types of temperature conditions, that is, the light period temperature and the dark period temperature. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the upper limit of the photoperiod temperature is preferably 29°C or lower, more preferably 28.5°C or lower, and even more preferably 28°C or lower. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the lower limit of the photoperiod temperature is preferably 15°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, and even more preferably 25°C or higher. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the upper limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 25°C or lower, more preferably 23°C or lower, and even more preferably 22°C or lower. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the lower limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 10°C or higher, more preferably 13°C or higher, and even more preferably 15°C or higher. The light source, wavelength, etc. of the artificial light can be those described in the cultivation process.

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

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

[0065] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and high sugar content, the light intensity of artificial light irradiated to the fruit vegetable plants after germination during the seedling raising process is set at 200 μmol / m 2 / s~800μmol / m 2 / s, and 250 μmol / m 2 / s~600μmol / m 2 / s is more preferable.

[0066] Artificial light may be applied to the sprouted fruit vegetable plant from above or from the side, but from the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, space utilization efficiency, etc., it is preferable to apply artificial light from above. Artificial light may also be irradiated from both the side and top directions.

[0067] From the viewpoint of shortening the time until harvest, the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment during the seedling raising step is preferably 300 ppm by volume to 2000 ppm by volume, and more preferably 400 ppm by volume to 1500 ppm by volume.

[0068] The period of the seedling raising process is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of growth after planting and shortening the time until buds appear, it is preferably 5 to 40 days, more preferably 10 to 35 days, even more preferably 12 to 30 days, and particularly preferably 15 to 33 days.

[0069] When the seedling cultivation process is carried out by a hydroponic method, the support for supporting the fruit vegetable plants after germination is not particularly limited, but a material having appropriate water permeability and water retention is preferable, and a support base provided with a urethane sponge, a phenolic resin sponge, rock wool, or a water-retaining sheet is more preferable.

[0070] <Germination process> The method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to the present disclosure can include a germination step, in which seeds of the fruit vegetable plant to be used in the germination step are germinated.

[0071] The germination method is not particularly limited, and can be carried out by a conventionally known method. For example, the seedlings may be sowed on a support that has been sufficiently moistened with water, and then stored in a dark place. Examples of the support include the same supports as those used in the seedling raising process.

[0072] In addition, it is preferable to select seeds of fruit vegetable plants that have been confirmed to have germinated and that are at a similar stage of growth, and then raise the seeds. This allows the fruit to be harvested at the same time, improving cultivation efficiency.

[0073] The temperature for the germination process varies depending on the type and variety of the fruit vegetable plant used, but for commercially available seeds, this is generally disclosed as the germination temperature. If the germination temperature is unknown, it is also possible to confirm it experimentally. Depending on the type and variety of the fruit vegetable plant used, some require treatment such as breaking dormancy in order to germinate. Some require light of a specific wavelength during the germination process, while others require darkness, and some will germinate in either case. These can also be known in the same way as the germination temperature.

[0074] The relative humidity during the germination process is preferably 70% to 100%, and particularly preferably 80% to 95%. By keeping the humidity within this range, the plant body can be prevented from drying out during the germination stage, and growth can be improved.

[0075] The period required for the germination process is not fixed, but is preferably the period from rooting to the start of hypocotyl elongation, which is usually about several days to a week. By allocating this period to the germination process, the roots can grow sufficiently and excessive hypocotyl elongation can be avoided, so that the seedlings grow well in the subsequent seedling raising process and the period until flowering can be shortened, which is preferable.

[0076] <Fruit sugar content> In one embodiment of the fruit vegetable cultivation method of the present disclosure, the fruit vegetable plant is a tomato, and the Brix sugar content of the tomato is preferably 5.0 mass% or more, more preferably 5.5 mass% or more, even more preferably 6.0 mass% or more, and particularly preferably 7.0 mass% or more.

[0077] In this disclosure, "Brix sugar content" refers to the refractive index measured at 20°C using a saccharometer or refractometer, etc., converted into a mass percentage of the sucrose solution based on the conversion table of the International Commission on Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis (ICUMSA). For example, if 100 g of solution contains x g of sucrose (water = 100 - x g), the Brix sugar content is x%.

[0078] In this disclosure, the Brix sugar content of a tomato is measured by cutting the tomato in half along any plane in the lengthwise direction (direction perpendicular to the equatorial plane) and using a sugar content meter (Atago Sugar Content Meter). EXAMPLES

[0079] The above embodiment will be specifically described below with reference to examples, but the above embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0080] <Preparation of nutrient solutions A to E> By mixing the single fertilizer, nutrient solution A containing the following components was prepared. No.3 - :430 mass ppm K + :177 mass ppm PO43- :100 mass ppm Ca 2+ :90 mass ppm SO4 2- :76 mass ppm Mg 2+ :25 mass ppm Mo: 30 mass ppb Zn: 150 mass ppb Fe:1750 mass ppb Cu: 80 mass ppb B: 350 mass ppb Mn: 560 mass ppb Ni: 50 mass ppb

[0081] The electrical conductivity (EC) of nutrient solution A was 2.2 dS / m. Sodium chloride was added to the nutrient solution A so as to obtain the electrical conductivity shown in Table 1, and nutrient solutions B to E were prepared.

[0082] [Table 1]

[0083] <Example 1> (Germination process) Tomato seeds (variety: Momotaro York (registered trademark), manufactured by Takii Seed Co., Ltd.) were sown on support A (5 cm x 5 cm x 2 cm polyurethane foam) sufficiently saturated with pure water, and stored in a dark environment at a temperature of 28°C and a relative humidity of 70% for 3 days to allow them to germinate, and tomato plant seedlings were obtained.

[0084] (Seedling raising process) The tomato seedlings obtained in the above germination process were transplanted into a fruit vegetable plant hydroponic cultivation device equipped with an artificial light irradiation device and a culture solution tank containing nutrient solution A, and the seedlings were grown for 22 days by the flooded liquid hydroponic method.

[0085] (Cultivation process) The obtained tomato plant seedlings (40 plants) were planted in an environment where temperature, humidity, and light intensity could be controlled, and cultivation was started under the following condition 1. During the cultivation period, in accordance with the usual method, pruning (side shoot pruning, leaf removal, etc.) and training were performed with single-stem training, and when one inflorescence (first inflorescence) was attached to the main branch and flowering of the first inflorescence was confirmed (45 days after sowing), the nutrient solution supplied was changed from nutrient solution B to nutrient solution A. Thereafter, when two inflorescences (second and third inflorescences) were attached to the main branch and flowering of the third inflorescence was confirmed, the top of the third inflorescence was pinched off, leaving the top two leaves. 120 days after sowing, the fruits that had grown on the first to third tiers of fruit tassels were harvested in sequence. The fruits were removed from each tassel so that the number of fruits was four, and the tomato fruits that had borne fruit by the third tassel were harvested, completing the cultivation.

[0086] [Condition 1] Light source: Ryoden Corporation, plant growth LED 4-color type, PGL-200DWBF26D Light intensity: 500 μmol / m 2 ·s Light composition: Compliant with the light emission behavior of the above LEDs ·Light / dark cycle (light period / dark period): 16 hours / 8 hours ·Temperature: 27℃ (light period), 19℃ (dark period) Relative humidity: 70% Carbon dioxide concentration: 1000ppm · Nutrient solution used: Nutrient solution B

[0087] <Example 2> Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the nutrient solution supplied was changed from nutrient solution B to nutrient solution D when the first inflorescence was confirmed to have bloomed (45 days after sowing).

[0088] <Example 3> Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that when cultivation was started under Condition 1, nutrient solution E was used as the nutrient solution.

[0089] <Example 4> When starting cultivation under condition 1, nutrient solution A was used as the nutrient solution, and cultivation was continued for 7 days (26th to 32nd days after sowing). After 7 days, the nutrient solution supplied was changed from nutrient solution A to nutrient solution E, and cultivation was continued for 3 days (33rd to 35th days after sowing). Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that after 3 days, the nutrient solution supplied was changed from nutrient solution E to nutrient solution A.

[0090] <Example 5> When starting cultivation under condition 1, nutrient solution A was used as the nutrient solution, and cultivation was continued for 5 days (26th to 30th days after sowing). After 5 days, the nutrient solution supplied was changed from nutrient solution A to nutrient solution E, and cultivation was continued for 20 days (31st to 50th days after sowing). When the flowering of the second inflorescence was confirmed (50th day after sowing), the nutrient solution supplied was changed from nutrient solution E to nutrient solution A. After that, two inflorescences (third and fourth inflorescences) were attached to the main branch, and when the flowering of the fourth inflorescence was confirmed, the top of the fourth inflorescence was pinched off, leaving only the upper two leaves. On the 127th day after sowing, the fruits that had grown on the first to fourth tiers of inflorescences were harvested in sequence. The fruits were removed from each tassel so that the number of fruits was four, and the tomato fruits that had borne fruit by the fourth tassel were harvested to terminate cultivation.

[0091] <Comparative Example 1> Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that when cultivation was started under Condition 1, nutrient solution C was used as the nutrient solution.

[0092] <Comparative Example 2> When starting cultivation under condition 1, nutrient solution E was used as the nutrient solution, and cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the nutrient solution was not changed.

[0093] <Comparative Example 3> Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that when cultivation was started under Condition 1, nutrient solution A was used as the nutrient solution and the nutrient solution was not changed.

[0094] <<Evaluation>> [Average number of fruits, average fruit weight and average yield] The average number of fruits harvested per plant, the average weight per fruit (average fruit weight), and the average weight of fruits harvested per plant (average yield) were calculated in the examples and comparative examples.

[0095] [Average Brix sugar content] The harvested tomatoes were cut in half lengthwise (perpendicular to the equator), one half was crushed to make juice, and the other half was measured using a sugar content meter (Atago sugar content meter). The average Brix sugar content of each fruit was calculated. In Example 5, the average value of fruits harvested on the second to fourth tiers was used.

[0096] The evaluation results are shown in Table 2.

[0097] Table 2 shows the nutrient solutions used in the seedling raising and cultivation processes, and the number of days the nutrient solutions were used. The top row in the nutrient solution column indicates the type of nutrient solution, and the bottom row indicates the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution (unit: "dS / m"). The cultivation process was divided into the period from planting to the time when the first inflorescence was confirmed to flowering, the period from the time when the first inflorescence was confirmed to the time when the second inflorescence was confirmed to flowering, and the period from the time when the second inflorescence was confirmed to harvest.

[0098] [Table 2]

[0099] As shown in Table 2, in Examples 1 to 5, a nutrient solution with an electrical conductivity of 5.5 dS / m or more was used for a period of 3 days or more from planting to the flowering of the first inflorescence, and a nutrient solution with an electrical conductivity 1.5 dS / m or more lower than the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution was used for the period from the flowering of the first inflorescence to harvest. This demonstrated that fruits with high sugar content could be harvested in high yields.

[0100] On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, since a nutrient solution with an electrical conductivity of 5.5 dS / m or more was not used, it was found that the sugar content of the harvested fruits was low. In Comparative Example 2, since only the nutrient solution having an electric conductivity of 8.0 dS / m was used in the cultivation process, it was found that the yield was low. In Comparative Example 3, since only a nutrient solution with an electrical conductivity of 2.2 dS / m was used in the cultivation process, it was found that the sugar content of the harvested fruits was low.

[0101] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-027722, filed on February 24, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, all documents, patent applications and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity of 5.5 dS / m or more is used for a period of 3 days or more from the time of planting to the time of flowering of one inflorescence, A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, comprising using a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity that is at least 1.5 dS / m lower than the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution during the period from flowering of the one inflorescence to harvest.

2. The method for cultivating fruit vegetable plants according to claim 1 , wherein the one inflorescence is a first inflorescence.

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

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

5. 3. The method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to claim 1, further comprising a step of irradiating the fruit vegetable plant with artificial light.

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