Plant Treatment Equipment

Abstract

To provide an apparatus that is capable of processing a large number of plants, and at the same time, efficiently irradiating individual plants with ultraviolet light.SOLUTION: A plant processing apparatus comprises: plant holding parts capable of holding plants; an ultraviolet light irradiation part which irradiates plants held by the plant holding parts with light including ultraviolet light in a wavelength region of 270nm or more and 290nm or less; a plant immersion part which holds liquid constituted by including water, and immersing plants held by the plant holding parts into the liquid; or a liquid ejection part which eject the liquid toward the plants held by the plant holding parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating plants, and more particularly to an apparatus for subjecting plants to ultraviolet light irradiation treatment. [Background technology]

[0002] Phenolic compounds (e.g., polyphenols) in plants have been shown to have various physiological activities, such as antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, and antihypertensive activity, and have attracted much attention in recent years, coupled with the growing health consciousness. For example, anthocyanins and resveratrol are known to have antioxidant activity. Anthocyanins are responsible for the coloring of plants. Cannabinoids (terpene phenolic compounds found in cannabis) are used as raw materials for pharmaceuticals.

[0003] Therefore, techniques have been developed to increase the amount of phenolic compounds contained in plants. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for efficiently increasing the amount of phenolic compounds in a plant by irradiating the plant with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range (270 nm or more and 290 nm or less). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO / 2018 / 199307 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to apply the method described in Patent Document 1 on an industrial scale, it is desirable to develop an apparatus that can treat many plants and efficiently irradiate each individual plant with ultraviolet light. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, in a first aspect, there is provided a plant treatment device (hereinafter also referred to as "device of the first aspect") comprising a plant holding unit capable of holding a plant, an ultraviolet light irradiation unit that irradiates the plant held in the plant holding unit with light containing ultraviolet light in a wavelength range of 270 nm or more and 290 nm or less, and a plant immersion unit that holds a liquid containing water and immerses the plant held in the plant holding unit in the liquid, or a liquid injection unit that sprays the liquid toward the plant held in the plant holding unit.

[0007] According to the present invention, in a second aspect, there is provided a plant treatment device (hereinafter also referred to as "device of the second aspect") comprising a plant holding unit capable of holding a plant, an ultraviolet light irradiation unit that irradiates light containing ultraviolet light in a wavelength range of 270 nm or more and 290 nm or less toward the plant held in the plant holding unit, and an irradiation control unit that controls at least one of the irradiation amount, wavelength, and irradiation position of the ultraviolet light based on color information of the plant. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the devices of the first and second aspects of the present invention (hereinafter collectively referred to as "devices of the present invention"), it is possible to treat many plants and simultaneously efficiently irradiate ultraviolet light onto each individual plant. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 shows a first embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 shows a second embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 shows a third embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5] 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 shows a sixth embodiment of the method according to the second aspect of the present invention. [Figure 7]7 shows a seventh embodiment of the method according to the second aspect of the present invention. [Figure 8] 8 shows an eighth embodiment of the method according to the second aspect of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] <Device of the First Aspect> The device of a first aspect of the present invention is a plant treatment device characterized by comprising a plant holding unit capable of holding a plant, an ultraviolet light irradiation unit that irradiates the plant held in the plant holding unit with light containing ultraviolet light in a wavelength range of 270 nm or more and 290 nm or less (hereinafter also referred to as "ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range"), and a plant immersion unit that holds a liquid containing water and immerses the plant held in the plant holding unit in the liquid, or a liquid injection unit that sprays the liquid toward the plant held in the plant holding unit.

[0011] Before, during, and / or after irradiation with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range, the plant held in the plant holder (i.e., the plant to be treated) is immersed in a liquid containing water, or the liquid is sprayed onto the plant. This prevents or reduces the temperature rise of the plant due to irradiation and / or reduces the temperature of the plant that has risen due to irradiation, thereby enabling the plant to be continuously irradiated with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range or to be irradiated intermittently at short intervals. As a result, the plant treatment efficiency can be improved. In addition, the plant can be prevented from drying out, maintaining its freshness.

[0012] (Plant holding part) The plant holder is capable of holding a plant. The plant holder can have any configuration capable of holding a plant (the entire plant body or parts or cells thereof). The manner in which the plant holder holds the plant is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, placing, containing, clamping, or grasping. Furthermore, the plant holder does not need to directly support the plant, but can also be something that supports it indirectly, such as a container that holds the plant suspended in a liquid (particularly a water current) or air current.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plant holder has a structure and size that allows a plant to be placed thereon. The placement surface of such a plant holder (plant placement portion) may be, for example, the upper surface of a floor, shelf, or stand, or at least a portion of the inner bottom surface of a container, tray, or basket. The placement surface is not limited to a single continuous surface, but may be composed of multiple separate surfaces, or may be a virtual surface such as the upper surface of a mesh or lattice panel. The shape of the plant placement portion is not particularly limited.

[0014] In some other embodiments, the plant holder has a structure and size that allows a plant to be accommodated therein. The shape of such a plant holder (plant container) is not particularly limited. The plant container may also serve as a storage or repositories (including large-scale storage such as that installed at collection points and small-scale storage such as that installed in the backyard of a store). The plant container may be stationary or may be mobile or transportable (e.g., a shipping container or the trunk of a truck). This allows the time during transportation or transport to be used for treating the plants (e.g., treatment to increase the amount of phenolic compounds), thereby improving time efficiency and ultimately improving the freshness of the plants after treatment. The plant container may be equipped with an atmosphere control mechanism that controls the temperature and / or humidity of the internal atmosphere. When the plants are in the form of cells, the plant container may be an incubator. When the plant holding portion is a container capable of holding a plant in liquid therein, it can also serve as the liquid holding area of the plant immersion portion.

[0015] When a component constituting the plant holder is located in a position that prevents the ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range from being irradiated from the ultraviolet light irradiator onto a plant held in the plant holder, it is preferable that the component be made of a material that is substantially transparent to ultraviolet light in the wavelength range of 270 nm to 290 nm, or have one or more openings (e.g., a mesh structure) that allow the ultraviolet light to pass through. Here, "substantially transparent to ultraviolet light in the wavelength range of 270 nm to 290 nm" means that the ultraviolet light is transmitted through at least 50%, for example, at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, and more preferably at least 90%. Therefore, the plant holder may be configured, for example, with a mesh- or lattice-like mounting surface and / or walls.

[0016] The plant holder may be part of a plant transport mechanism that transports plants to the irradiation area of the ultraviolet light irradiation unit, the liquid holding area of the plant immersion unit, or the spray area of the liquid spray unit. This allows for continuous treatment of a large number of plants. The plant transport mechanism may transport plants mechanically or by water or air current. For example, the plant holding section includes the upper surface of a mesh conveyor that is arranged so that at least a portion of it passes through the liquid holding area of the plant immersion section or the spray area of the liquid spray section.

[0017] The plant holder may have a plant displacement mechanism that displaces the plant held in the plant holder so as to change the light-receiving area of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet light irradiator. This allows the light-receiving area of the plant held in the plant holder to be enlarged for ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range. Even when ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range is irradiated toward the plant from only one direction (e.g., from above), the entire surface of the plant can be the light-receiving area. As a result, the device of this embodiment allows efficient irradiation of ultraviolet light to individual plants, thereby efficiently increasing, for example, the amount of phenolic compounds in the plants. The plant displacement mechanism may be a mechanism that displaces plants by vibration, tilting, or rotation, by flow (air current or water current), and / or by mechanical contact. The plant displacement mechanism may be configured to include, for example, a baffle plate, a flow generating mechanism (e.g., one equipped with a screw, a fan, or a liquid or air jet (collectively referred to as a "fluid jet")), a vibration member that imparts vibration to the plant-holding portion, a swinging member that imparts swinging motion to the plant-holding portion, a tilting member that tilts the plant-holding portion, or a roller member that comes into contact with the plant to rotate the plant.

[0018] One specific example of a plant holder having a plant displacement mechanism includes a rotary drum rotatably supported around a horizontal or inclined axis. The rotary drum may be provided with a baffle plate on its inner peripheral wall. The provision of the baffle plate can promote displacement of plants inside the drum. The rotary drum may be rotated, for example, by a drive mechanism that rotates the rotary shaft, or by a drive mechanism that rotates rollers that contact the outer periphery of the drum.

[0019] The plant-holding part can hold the plant in a substantially shaded state (more preferably in a shaded state) preferably at least during ultraviolet light irradiation, more preferably at least during and after ultraviolet light irradiation. In this specification, "substantially shaded" means that the photosynthetic photon flux density is at a level at which photosynthesis does not occur in the irradiated plant, more specifically, a photosynthetic photon flux density of ≦10 μmol / m 2 / s, and "light-shielded" means that light other than the light from the ultraviolet light irradiating section is blocked. Thus, the plant holder may be provided within a light-tight or substantially light-tight housing (if present) of the device of the present invention, or may be a light-tight or substantially light-tight plant container, or may be configured to be transported through a light-tight or substantially light-tight pathway, at least in part. By keeping the plant in a substantially shaded or shaded state at least during UV light irradiation, photosynthesis of the plant can be substantially prevented, thereby avoiding energy consumption by photosynthesis and activation of other synthetic systems, and as a result, the effects of UV light irradiation in a specific wavelength range by the present device (e.g., increasing the amount of phenolic compounds in the plant) can be achieved more efficiently.

[0020] (Ultraviolet light irradiation section) The ultraviolet light irradiation unit irradiates light containing ultraviolet light in the wavelength range of 270 nm or more and 290 nm or less toward the plant held in the plant holder (also referred to as the "plant to be irradiated" in the "ultraviolet light irradiation unit" section). The ultraviolet irradiation unit includes at least one light source that emits ultraviolet light in at least a specific wavelength range. Examples of such light sources include light-emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes (LDs), xenon lamps, fluorescent lamps, incandescent lamps, metal halide lamps, and high-pressure mercury lamps. The ultraviolet irradiation unit may include a filter whose transmittance for light in the wavelength range of 270 nm to 290 nm is greater than its transmittance for light in the wavelength range of 200 nm to 260 nm and / or 310 nm to 400 nm.

[0021] From the viewpoint of preventing adverse effects on plants (e.g., cell damage), the ultraviolet irradiation unit preferably irradiates light in the wavelength range of 200 nm or more and 260 nm or less at an irradiation amount that is less than 20% of the irradiation amount of ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range, more preferably at less than 10%, even more preferably at less than 5%, and most preferably at less than 1%. Furthermore, light in the wavelength range of 310 nm to 400 nm does not contribute to increasing the amount of phenolic compounds in plants and may even damage the plants. Therefore, when using this device to increase the amount of phenolic compounds in plants, the ultraviolet irradiation unit preferably irradiates light in the wavelength range of 310 nm to 400 nm at an irradiation amount that is less than 50% of the irradiation amount of ultraviolet light in the specific wavelength range, more preferably less than 40%, more preferably less than 30%, more preferably less than 20%, more preferably less than 10%, and most preferably less than 5%.

[0022] The amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto plants in a specific wavelength range is, for example, 1,500 μmol / m 2 More than 1,000,000μmol / m 2 More specifically, 1,500 μmol / m 2 More than 50,000 μmol / m 2 It can be set to: For example, ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range is 0.01 μmol / m 2 / s or more 1000μmol / m 2 / s or less, more specifically 0.01 μmol / m 2 / s or more 100μmol / m 2 It is irradiated with a photon flux density of 0.01 μmol / m 2 If the dose is less than 1000 μmol / m / s, the effect of irradiation with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range may not be fully achieved, and for example, an increase in the amount of phenolic compounds in plants may not be achieved efficiently. 2 If the dose exceeds 0.1 μmol / m / s, early damage to the plant may be induced. 2 / s or more 20μmol / m 2 / s or less, more preferably 1 μmol / m 2 / s or more 5μmol / m 2 / s or less photon flux density.

[0023] Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or laser diodes (LDs) are particularly preferred as light sources emitting ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range. When using LEDs or LDs, it is possible to easily irradiate plants with light in a wavelength range that is useful (e.g., for increasing the amount of phenolic compounds in plants) while avoiding irradiation of plants with light in a wavelength range that is not useful (e.g., may be exclusively harmful) (e.g., for increasing the amount of phenolic compounds in plants). Furthermore, the use of LEDs or LDs is also preferable from the standpoints of energy efficiency and economy due to their energy intensiveness, low heat generation, low power consumption, and long life. Additionally, it is easy to control or manage the illuminance or amount of irradiation. The ultraviolet light irradiation unit may be configured to include two or more light sources having different main peak wavelengths in the wavelength range of 270 nm or more and 290 nm or less. By including two or more light sources having different main peak wavelengths, the ultraviolet light irradiation unit can irradiate the plant with ultraviolet light of a wavelength more suitable for treating the plant depending on the type and / or condition of the plant, and can irradiate the plant with ultraviolet light of a wavelength that can more efficiently increase the amount of phenolic compounds in the plant (in terms of energy efficiency and / or cell damage).

[0024] The light source may be in any form and can be appropriately designed depending on the size of the area to be irradiated and / or the arrangement of the area to be irradiated and the light source. The ultraviolet irradiation unit may be configured with an array, matrix, or cluster of light sources. In this case, the on / off and / or illuminance of the multiple light sources constituting the array, matrix, or cluster may be controlled individually or line by line. The light sources in the array, matrix or cluster may be controlled based on information related to the plant to be illuminated, which may be color information of the plant, or color information and position information related to the color information.

[0025] The light source constituting the ultraviolet light irradiation unit can be positioned anywhere so that ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength emitted from the ultraviolet light irradiation unit can be irradiated onto the plant held in the plant holder when the plant holder is in a predetermined position. If the plant is held in a container, the light source may be positioned inside the container or outside the container (provided that the container is made of a material that is substantially transparent to ultraviolet light in the wavelength range of 270 nm to 290 nm). For example, if the plant holder is a rotary drum, the ultraviolet light irradiation unit (light source) may be located inside the rotary drum so as to irradiate ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range onto a lower interior region of the rotary drum. Furthermore, for example, if the plant is held in a mesh container (e.g., a cage), the light source can be positioned outside and / or inside the mesh container. The ultraviolet light irradiation unit may irradiate the target plant from any direction (one direction or two or more directions) around the plant as long as it can irradiate the target plant with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range. It is preferable that the ultraviolet light irradiation unit irradiates the target plant with ultraviolet light from two directions. Irradiation from two directions, particularly from opposing directions (for example, up and down, left and right, or front and back), makes it possible to efficiently irradiate a wider area of the target plant with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range.

[0026] The ultraviolet light irradiation unit may irradiate the target plant with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range as continuous light, intermittent light, or a combination thereof. The ultraviolet light irradiation unit preferably irradiates the target plant with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range as intermittent light. Irradiating the target plant with intermittent light can prevent or reduce temperature increases in the target plant and / or the light source. Specific examples of intermittent light include a pulse width of 100 ms or less, more specifically 50 ms or less, more specifically 20 ms or less, more specifically 10 ms or less, and a duty ratio of 50% or less, more specifically 40% or less, more specifically 30% or less, more specifically 20% or less, more specifically 10% or less, and more specifically 5% or less.

[0027] The ultraviolet light irradiation unit is preferably arranged so that its irradiation area overlaps the liquid retention area of the plant immersion unit or the injection area of the liquid injection unit, and more preferably, irradiates ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range toward plants in the liquid retention area or plants in the liquid injection atmosphere of the liquid injection unit. According to this preferred embodiment, temperature rise in plants irradiated with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range can be efficiently prevented or reduced, making it possible to irradiate the plants with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range continuously for a longer period of time or intermittently at shorter intervals. As a result, use of the device of this embodiment can further improve plant treatment efficiency (e.g., production takt (time efficiency) of plants with increased amounts of phenolic compounds).

[0028] The illuminance and irradiation time (or irradiation amount) of the ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range emitted from the ultraviolet light irradiation unit can be controlled by, for example, a pulse width modulation circuit and / or a timer. The ultraviolet light irradiation unit may include any optical component such as a lens, a reflecting mirror, a mask, or a diffusion plate. The irradiation area of the ultraviolet light irradiation unit is preferably substantially in a light-shielded state, more preferably in a light-shielded state.

[0029] (Plant soaking section) The plant immersion section holds a liquid containing water, and the plant held in the plant holding section is immersed in the liquid. The plant-immersing section can have any configuration that can hold or store a liquid and can position the plant held in the plant-holding section within the liquid-holding region (liquid-holding region). A liquid containing water is stored within the liquid-holding region of the plant-immersing section. The plant immersion section is configured, for example, with a container or tank capable of holding liquid. The liquid holding area of the plant immersion part may be a container that constitutes the plant holding part and that is capable of holding a plant in liquid therein, or a part of the container (for example, a lower area of a plant storage container).

[0030] The plant immersion section may be equipped with a water current generating mechanism that can transport or float the plants in a certain direction in the liquid. The plant immersion unit may include a mechanism for introducing and / or removing the plant held in the plant holder from the liquid holding area. When the plant holder constitutes a part of a plant transport mechanism, the plant transport mechanism may also serve as this mechanism, and a part of the mechanism may pass through the liquid holding area of the plant immersion unit.

[0031] (Liquid injection part) The liquid spraying unit sprays a liquid containing water toward the plant held in the plant holder. The liquid spraying unit may have any configuration that can spray liquid toward the plant held in the plant holder. The liquid spraying unit may spray from any direction (one direction or two or more directions) around the plant held in the plant holder, but preferably from above. The spray can be hydraulic and / or pneumatic. The spray pattern can be any shape, such as linear, flat, or full cone. The spray can be continuous or intermittent. When the plant held in the plant holder is transported by a plant transport mechanism, the spray area of the liquid spray unit can be provided along (at least one section of) the transport path of the plant transport mechanism. When the plant is held in a container, the spray area of the liquid spray unit can be the entire interior of the container or a part of it (for example, a lower region of the plant container).

[0032] The liquid spraying unit has, for example, one or more nozzles for spraying liquid toward the plant held in the plant holder. The nozzles are configured to be able to spray liquid or a mixture of liquid and gas. The nozzles are, for example, one-fluid nozzles or two-fluid nozzles. The liquid ejection unit may eject the liquid in a mist state. The liquid spraying unit may function as the plant displacement mechanism described above.

[0033] The liquid held in the liquid immersion unit or sprayed from the liquid spray unit may be water or water containing at least one substance selected from a precursor substance of a phenolic compound and a plant hormone. In the latter case, biosynthesis in the plant (e.g., biosynthesis of phenolic compounds) can be promoted, allowing the plant to be treated efficiently with this device, and for example, the amount of phenolic compounds in the plant can be increased. Precursor substances include amino acids such as phenylalanine and tyrosine. Plant hormones include abscisic acid, a hormone that promotes biosynthesis. The liquid containing water may contain additives such as alcohol for sterilization purposes, surfactants for improving water uptake, acids such as vinegar and citric acid for antibacterial / bacteriostatic purposes, sugars, vitamins, inorganic salts as energy sources, and plant aging hormone inhibitors for preventing plant aging.

[0034] (Other configurations) The device according to the first aspect may further include an irradiation control unit that controls at least one of the irradiation amount, wavelength, and irradiation position of ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range based on color information of the plant. The irradiation control unit is as described below for the device according to the second aspect of the present invention. In the following, all of the matters described with respect to the apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention are intended to be descriptions with respect to the apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] <Second viewpoint device> A second aspect of the present invention is a plant treatment device comprising: a plant holder capable of holding a plant; an ultraviolet light irradiation unit that irradiates the plant held in the plant holder with light containing ultraviolet light in a wavelength range of 270 nm or more and 290 nm or less; and an irradiation control unit that controls at least one of the irradiation amount, wavelength, and irradiation position of the ultraviolet light based on color information of the plant.

[0036] The plant holder in the device of the second aspect is as described for the device of the first aspect, except where the context clearly makes this inappropriate. The ultraviolet light irradiation unit in the device of the second aspect is as described for the device of the first aspect, except where it is clearly inappropriate in the context.

[0037] (Irradiation control unit) The irradiation control unit controls at least one of the irradiation amount, wavelength, and irradiation position of ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range that is irradiated from the ultraviolet light irradiation unit toward a plant held in a plant holder (also referred to as an "irradiation target plant" in the section "irradiation control unit"), based on color information of the irradiation target plant. More specifically, the irradiation control unit can specify, based on color information, which of multiple light sources (e.g., an array, matrix, or cluster of light sources) included in the ultraviolet light irradiation unit should emit light. The color information may be input to the illumination control unit by a user, or may be transmitted from a color sensor external to the device or a color sensor provided in the device. Alternatively, the color information may be input by reading a color information code previously assigned to the plant. Position information related to the color information may also be input to the illumination control unit along with the color information.

[0038] The color information is preferably information regarding the green absorption of the irradiated plant. Since many anthocyanins present in plants have an absorption maximum at 280 nm, if the irradiated plant contains a large amount of anthocyanins, the irradiated ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range may be absorbed by the anthocyanins, potentially preventing the plant from achieving the desired effect of ultraviolet light irradiation in that specific wavelength range (e.g., preventing the plant from contributing to an increase in phenolic compounds). Therefore, information regarding the amount of anthocyanins in the irradiated plant is useful for more accurately determining the effect of ultraviolet light irradiation in that specific wavelength range (e.g., the effect of increasing phenolic compounds). Meanwhile, since anthocyanins also have an absorption peak in the green wavelength range, information regarding the green absorption of the irradiated plant may reflect the amount of anthocyanins in the plant. Therefore, since the color information is information regarding the green absorption of the plant to be irradiated, it becomes possible to appropriately select at least one of the irradiation amount, wavelength, and irradiation position of ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range that is more effective in irradiating the plant with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range (e.g., increasing the amount of phenolic compounds), and as a result, the energy efficiency of plant treatment using this device (e.g., treatment to increase the amount of phenolic compounds in the plant) can be improved.

[0039] The irradiation control unit may control the ultraviolet light irradiation unit, or, if applicable, the plant transport mechanism, or both. When the ultraviolet light irradiation unit is configured with multiple light sources, the irradiation control unit may control the multiple light sources collectively or independently.

[0040] For example, the irradiation control unit controls the irradiation of a plant with a higher green absorption by ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range at a higher irradiation dose. By irradiating the plant with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range at a higher irradiation dose, even if some of the light is absorbed by anthocyanins, the desired level of irradiation effect of ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range (e.g., increased amount of phenolic compounds) can be achieved. The control of the irradiation dose of ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range by the irradiation control unit can be achieved by controlling the ultraviolet light irradiation unit and / or, if applicable, the plant transport mechanism. It is preferable that the irradiation control unit controls the ultraviolet light irradiation unit so as not to affect the production takt time (cycle time). In this preferred embodiment, the irradiation dose can be controlled by increasing or decreasing the illuminance of the light source included in the ultraviolet light irradiation unit. When the ultraviolet light irradiation unit is configured with multiple light sources, the irradiation dose can be controlled by increasing or decreasing the illuminance and / or light emission time of each light source and / or by increasing or decreasing the number of emitting light sources.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, the irradiation control unit controls irradiation of a plant with a higher green absorption by ultraviolet light having a longer wavelength within the wavelength range of 270 nm to 290 nm. By irradiating the plant with ultraviolet light having a longer wavelength, the effects of irradiation of the plant with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range (e.g., an increase in the amount of phenolic compounds) can be efficiently achieved while avoiding cell damage (e.g., DNA damage) caused by light with a shorter wavelength. In this embodiment, the irradiation control unit can specify, based on the color information, the light source to be emitted from two or more (more specifically, two or three) light sources provided in the ultraviolet light irradiating unit, each having a different dominant peak wavelength within the wavelength range of 270 nm to 290 nm. (This may be two or three light sources.) In this example, the irradiation control unit may control both the wavelength and the irradiation amount of ultraviolet light in the specific wavelength range.

[0042] Furthermore, for example, the irradiation control unit controls irradiation of ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range to plants or regions thereof where green absorption is lower than a predetermined level. This allows for increased amounts of phenolic compounds in individual plants or regions of the same plant, thereby improving energy efficiency by reducing unnecessary irradiation and further enabling the quality of treated plants (e.g., quality related to the amount of phenolic compounds (more specifically, color development)) to be uniformed, resulting in a reduction in crops that are unsuitable for shipping or of low quality and an improvement in crop yield. In this embodiment, the irradiation control unit can specify the light source to emit light based on color information and position information related to the color information.

[0043] (color sensor) The device according to the second aspect preferably further includes a color sensor that acquires color information about the plant held in the plant holder and transmits the color information to the irradiation control unit. In this case, it is more preferable that the plant holder constitutes a part of a plant transport mechanism that transports the plant held in the plant holder to the sensing area of the color sensor and the irradiation area of the ultraviolet light irradiation unit. This allows the device to efficiently and reliably select plants to be treated with ultraviolet light (e.g., plants in which the amount of phenolic compounds should be increased) and / or determine at least one of the amount and / or wavelength and / or irradiation position of ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range to be irradiated. The color sensor acquires intensity information of at least one RGB (red, green, blue) component contained in the received light and outputs it to the irradiation control unit. The color sensor may be a multicolor sensor or a monochromatic sensor, but is preferably one that can detect green. The color sensor may be, for example, a photodiode, a photomultiplier tube, a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, etc. When a two-dimensional color sensor (e.g., a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, etc.) is used, position information associated with the color information can also be obtained along with the color information.

[0044] (Other configurations) The device of the second aspect may further include a plant immersion unit that holds a liquid containing water and immerses the plant held in the plant holder in the liquid, or a liquid spray unit that sprays the liquid toward the plant held in the plant holder. The plant immersion unit and the liquid spray unit are as described above for the device of the first aspect of the present invention. In the above, all of the matters described with respect to the device of the first aspect are also intended to be descriptions with respect to the device of the second aspect, unless it is clearly inappropriate in the context.

[0045] (phenolic compounds) In this specification, the phenolic compound is not particularly limited as long as it can be naturally synthesized in the plant used, and may be, for example, a phenylpropanoid, a polyphenol, or a terpene phenol. Polyphenols include, for example, flavonoids, stilbenoids, tannins, and lignans. Flavonoids include, for example, anthocyanins, flavans (e.g., catechins), flavones, isoflavones, and flavonols. Stilbenoids include, for example, resveratrol. Terpene phenols include, for example, cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol.

[0046] Anthocyanins are glycosides in which a sugar chain (e.g., glucose, galactose, rhamnose) is bound to an anthocyanidin. Common anthocyanidins found in plants include pelargonidin, cyanidin, peonidin, delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin. Anthocyanins are red-to-purple-to-blue pigments widely present in the plant kingdom, and are used as plant colorants (e.g., in foods). They are also known as antioxidants, making them one of the phenolic compounds suitable for increasing in plants using the device of the present invention.

[0047] Resveratrol is a phytoalexin, also known as an antioxidant, and has been reported to have various biological effects, making it one of the phenolic compounds suitable for increasing in amounts in plants using the device of the present invention. Cannabinoids are physiologically active substances found in cannabis that are used for medicinal purposes and are therefore one of the preferred phenolic compounds to increase in the plant using the device of the present invention.

[0048] As used herein, "an increase in the amount of phenolic compounds" refers to an increase in the amount of phenolic compounds, for example, an increase of 10% or more, preferably 20% or more, more preferably 50% or more, and more preferably 100% or more, compared to a plant that is not irradiated with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range (excluding light contained as a component of sunlight). Note that "an increase in the amount of phenolic compounds" also includes the new synthesis of phenolic compounds that were not synthesized before irradiation after irradiation. The phenolic compound may be quantified by any known method, for example, by chromatography. Chromatography includes liquid chromatography (e.g., HPLC). The liquid chromatography may be reversed-phase chromatography.

[0049] (plant) As used herein, the plant is not particularly limited as long as it can produce phenolic compounds. The plant may be, for example, a plant having a UVR8 photoreceptor. The plant may be a vegetable, fruit tree, ornamental plant, or medicinal plant, such as a plant of the Brassicaceae family (particularly Brassica and Radish), Solanaceae family (particularly Solanum), Berberidaceae (particularly Ophiopogon), Theaceae family (particularly Camellia), Fabaceae (particularly Glycine max), Rutaceae (particularly Citrus), Vitaceae (particularly Vitis), Rosaceae (particularly Rubus), Asteraceae (particularly Lamiaceae), Lamiaceae (particularly Perilla), or Cannabaceae (particularly Cannabis sativa). Specific examples include grapes, cannabis, cherries, peaches, apples, strawberries, tea plants, lettuce (e.g., leaf lettuce), perilla (e.g., red perilla), podophyllum, soybeans, sudachi (citrus fruit), cabbage, broccoli, komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), bok choy, radish, turnip, tomato, eggplant, and Arabidopsis thaliana.

[0050] The plant may be a harvested plant, a part thereof, or cells from the part, as long as the plant has a functioning phenolic compound synthesis system. The plant part may be, for example, a leaf, stem, fruit, pericarp, petal or corolla, or a part having trichomes. A part of a plant in which the amount of a desired phenolic compound is to be increased and that has a high ability to synthesize the phenolic compound can be appropriately selected and used in the device of the present invention. One form of plant that can be enriched with anthocyanins or resveratrol is grape berries and / or skins or cells therefrom.One form of plant that can be enriched with cannabinoids is Cannabis leaves and / or corollas.

[0051] When plants with increased phenolic compound content using the device of the present invention are used, for example, as raw materials for pharmaceuticals or supplements, or for high-value-added and / or highly functional processed foods, the plants used in the device of the present invention may be pre-cut, crushed, or pulverized, as long as the phenolic compound synthesis system remains functional. Alternatively, cells may be extracted from the plant using tissue culture. This allows for a larger surface area for receiving ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range and / or allows for mass processing, thereby enabling more efficient phenolic compound production. For example, grapes used in winemaking may be broken into berries using a destemmer, or the skins may be used to increase anthocyanins or resveratrol production using the device of the present invention. Furthermore, for example, when using cannabis for obtaining pharmaceutical raw materials, the harvested corollas and leaves may be finely chopped and then used to increase cannabinoid content using the device of the present invention. Plants in which the amount of phenolic compounds has been increased by the device of the present invention can also be provided as high-value-added and / or highly functional agricultural crops themselves.

[0052] In order to more efficiently increase the amount of phenolic compounds in plants using the device of the present invention, it is preferable, although not essential, to use fresh plants. The freshness of plants suitable for the device of the present invention can be evaluated from the following perspectives. (1) Time after harvest: Within two weeks of harvest, preferably within one week, more preferably within 24 hours, and even more preferably within 12 hours. (2) Color of the cut: No discoloration (3) Water transpiration (based on weight): The rate of change in weight from immediately after harvest should be less than 5%, preferably less than 1%. (4) Chlorophyll decomposition (based on chlorophyll amount, fluorescence amount, or photosynthetic yield): Particularly suitable for plants (especially leaves) that contain a lot of chlorophyll, such as leaf lettuce and cannabis. For example, the rate of change in chlorophyll content measured using a chlorophyll content meter (DUALEX SCIENTIFIC+) from immediately after harvest is less than 5%, preferably less than 1%. The rate of change in photosynthetic yield measured using a photosynthetic yield meter (MINI-PAM II) from immediately after harvest is 5% or less, preferably 1% or less. (5) Sugar and acidity: Particularly suitable for fruits such as grapes and apple peels. - The rate of change in sugar content and acidity measured using a sugar-acidity meter, for example, from immediately after harvest is within ±5%, preferably within ±1%. (6) Vitamin C content: The change in vitamin C content measured using the indophenol or xylene method from immediately after harvest must be less than 5%, preferably less than 1%. (7) Respiration (carbon dioxide) volume: The rate of change in respiration (carbon dioxide) volume measured by gas chromatography or a CO2 meter from immediately after harvest should be less than 5%, preferably less than 1%. (8) Hardness: Particularly suitable for fruits such as grapes and apples. The change in hardness measured by a hardness meter or the like from immediately after harvest should be 5% or less, preferably 1% or less.

[0053] When DNA is exposed to UV light, two consecutive pyrimidine bases (C or T) undergo a characteristic structural change (damage), resulting in the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and 6-4 photoproducts (6-4PPs). This structural change is also observed in outdoor-grown plants exposed to solar UV light. 6-4 photoproducts are converted to Dewar photoproducts (Dewar PPs) when exposed to long-wavelength UV light (UVA: 320-400 nm), but are not converted to Dewar PPs when exposed to short-wavelength UVB light. Therefore, the content of Dewar PPs or the ratio of 6-4PP and CPD to CPD and Dewar PP can be used as an indicator to determine whether a plant has been exposed to UVA. Thus, plants irradiated with ultraviolet light in the specific wavelength range used in the device of the present invention (or the method described in International Publication No. WO / 2018 / 199307) can be distinguished from plants irradiated with UVA in the following ways: (i) Dewar photoproducts are not detected in the former plants, or (ii) the (6-4 photoproduct / Dewar photoproduct) content ratio in the former plants is, for example, 100 or more, preferably 1000 or more, or (iii) the (cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer / Dewar photoproduct) content ratio in the former plants is 1000 or more, preferably 10,000 or more. The three types of photoproducts can be quantified by assays using antibodies (anti-CPD, anti-6-4PP, and anti-Dewar PP) (https: / / www.mabel.co.jp / products_services / reagents / mab / ). Furthermore, even if damaged DNA is ingested, it is thought to have no effect on the human body because it is broken down by DNA-degrading enzymes in saliva and digestive fluids.

[0054] <Specific embodiment> The device of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, which are schematic diagrams showing specific embodiments of the device of the present invention.

[0055] (Embodiment 1) One specific embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. This device (100) comprises a belt conveyor (112) constituting a plant holding section, two LED arrays (114) constituting an ultraviolet light irradiation section, and an immersion tank (116) constituting a plant immersion section, and may also comprise optional components such as a controller (118) and a camera (not shown). The belt conveyor (112) has a mesh or net-like belt portion that allows light to pass through. A portion of the belt conveyor (112) passes through the liquid holding area (underwater when water is stored) of the immersion tank (116).

[0056] Each LED array 114 includes an LED light source that emits ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range. Two or more types of light sources having different main peak wavelengths in the wavelength range of 270 nm to 290 nm may be used as the LED light source that emits ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range. The LED array (114) is disposed so as to irradiate the underwater section of the belt conveyor (112) with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range from above and below. That is, the ultraviolet irradiation area of the LED array (114) overlaps with the liquid holding area of the immersion tank (116). In the figure, the LED array (114) is disposed within the liquid holding area of the immersion tank (116) (i.e., so as to be submerged when water is stored), but it may be disposed outside the liquid holding area of the immersion tank (116) (i.e., so as not to be submerged when water is stored), as long as it is capable of irradiating the plants (P) with ultraviolet light in the specific wavelength range.

[0057] The immersion tank (116) is capable of holding a liquid and, in use, stores water, which may contain plant hormones and / or other additives, and, if the apparatus is used to increase the amount of phenolic compounds in plants, may additionally or alternatively contain precursors of the phenolic compounds to be increased. The controller 118 may control the LED array 114 based on the input color information of the plant P. The controller 118 may control the LED light sources included in the LED array 114 collectively or individually. The camera, for example, a CCD or CMOS camera, is placed on the belt conveyor 112 upstream of the immersion tank 116, photographs the plants P on the belt conveyor 112, and transmits image data including color information of the photographed plants P to the controller 118. Alternatively, the color information of the plants P may be input to the controller 118 by an operator without using a camera.

[0058] In the device (100) of this embodiment, a plant (P) to be irradiated with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range is placed on the upper surface of a belt conveyor (112). The plant (P) held on the belt conveyor (112) is transported by the belt conveyor (112) to an immersion tank (116) where it is immersed in water. The plant (P) is then transported to an ultraviolet irradiation area provided in the water, where it is irradiated with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range from an LED array (114) while still immersed in the water. The LED array (114) may irradiate the plant (P) with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range continuously or intermittently. The amount of irradiation of the plant (P) from the LED array (114) can be adjusted by a controller (118) by controlling the on / off and / or light emission intensity of the LED light sources based on color information of the plant (P). The belt conveyor (112) may be configured in a loop, and the plants (P) may again be irradiated with ultraviolet light from the LED array (114) in the immersion tank (116). Alternatively, the LED array (114) and the immersion tank (116) may be provided at two or more locations along the conveyance path of the belt conveyor (112). Some plants rise to the surface or float in the water. Therefore, the immersion tank (116) section of the belt conveyor (112) may be omitted. The upstream belt conveyor drops the plants (P) into the immersion tank (116), transporting them downstream with the water flow. The downstream belt conveyor then lifts the plants (P) out of the water downstream of the immersion tank (116). In this case, the upper LED array (114) is positioned above the water surface of the immersion tank (116). Alternatively, a water outlet may be provided upstream of the immersion tank (116) and a water intake may be provided downstream, with water drawn from the intake circulating through the water outlet. If the plants (P) in the immersion tank (116) are subject to irregular displacement due to the water flow, i.e., if the light-receiving surface of the plants (P) changes irregularly relative to the direction of light irradiation, one of the upper and lower LED arrays (114) may be omitted.

[0059] (Embodiment 2) One specific embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 2. This device (200) comprises a belt conveyor (212) constituting a plant holding unit, two LED arrays (214) constituting an ultraviolet light irradiation unit, and a plurality of spray nozzles (217) constituting a liquid spray unit, and may also comprise a controller (218) and a camera (not shown) as optional components. The belt conveyor (212) has a light-transmitting mesh or net-like belt portion, and is provided so that a portion of the belt conveyor (212) passes through the spray area of the spray nozzle (217). Each LED array 214 includes an LED light source that emits ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range. Two or more types of light sources having different main peak wavelengths in the wavelength range of 270 nm to 290 nm may be used as the LED light source that emits ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range. The LED array (214) is arranged so as to irradiate ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range from above and below in one section of the belt conveyor (212).

[0060] Each spray nozzle (217) can spray a mist of liquid, for example, a two-fluid nozzle. Each spray nozzle (217) is arranged so that its spray area overlaps the ultraviolet irradiation area of the LED array (214). Water is supplied to the spray nozzles (217) from a liquid supply system (not shown), and, if applicable, compressed air is also supplied from an air supply system (not shown). Plant hormones and / or other additives may be added to the water. When the device is used to increase the amount of phenolic compounds in plants, a precursor substance of the phenolic compound to be increased may also or alternatively be added to the water. The controller 218 may control the LED array 214 based on the input color information of the plant P. The controller 218 may control the LED light sources included in the LED array 214 collectively or individually. The camera, for example, a CCD or CMOS camera, is placed on the belt conveyor 212 upstream of the LED array 214, photographs the plants P on the belt conveyor 212, and transmits image data including color information of the photographed plants P to the controller 218. Alternatively, the color information of the plants P may be input to the controller 218 by an operator without using a camera.

[0061] In the device (200) of this embodiment, a plant (P) to be irradiated with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range is placed on the upper surface of a belt conveyor (212). The plant (P) held on the belt conveyor (112) is transported by the belt conveyor (212) to the ultraviolet light irradiation area of the LED array (214), where it is irradiated with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range from the LED array (214), and simultaneously water is sprayed from the spray nozzle (217). Each LED array (214) may irradiate the plant (P) with ultraviolet light continuously or intermittently. The amount of irradiation from the LED array (214) to the plant (P) can be adjusted by a controller (218) by controlling the on / off and / or light emission intensity of the LED light source based on color information of the plant (P). The belt conveyor 212 may be configured in a loop shape, and the plants P may again be irradiated with ultraviolet light from the LED array 214. Alternatively, the belt conveyor 212 may be configured such that the LED array 214 and the spray nozzle 217 are provided at two or more locations along the conveying path. Alternatively, air may be intermittently sprayed from the side of the plants (P), which causes the granular plants (P) to roll on the belt conveyor (212), thereby irregularly changing the light-receiving surface of the plants (P) relative to the direction of light irradiation, making it easier to uniformly irradiate the surface of the plants (P). In this case, the lower LED array (214) may be omitted.

[0062] (Embodiment 3) One specific embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 3. This device (300) comprises a rotary drum container (312) that serves both as a plant holding section and a plant immersion section, rollers (320) that rotate the container, an LED array (314) that constitutes an ultraviolet light irradiation section, and may optionally comprise a liquid injection nozzle (317). The rotary drum (312) is a cylindrical container capable of holding a predetermined amount of plants and liquid, and is supported for rotation about a horizontal axis. The rotary drum (312) has an opening for inserting and removing plants and a lid for opening and closing the opening at one axial end. In FIG. 3, the rotary drum (312) has a baffle plate on its inner peripheral wall, but if, for example, the internal shape of the cross section perpendicular to the horizontal axis is polygonal, a baffle plate may not be provided. The rollers 320 are mounted against the outer periphery of the rotary drum container 312 to drive the container to rotate about a horizontal axis.

[0063] The LED array (314) includes an LED light source that emits ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range. The LED light source that emits ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range may be two or more types of light sources having different dominant peak wavelengths in the wavelength range of 270 nm to 290 nm. The LED array (314) is disposed inside the rotary drum container (312) so as to be able to irradiate ultraviolet light in the specific wavelength range toward a lower region inside the container. The spray nozzle (317) can spray liquid, and may spray the liquid in the form of a mist. The spray nozzle (317) is positioned inside the rotating drum container (312) so that it can spray liquid toward a lower region inside the container. The spray nozzle (317) may be positioned so that its spray region overlaps with the ultraviolet irradiation region of the LED array (314). The spray nozzle is supplied with water from a liquid supply system (not shown) and, if applicable, compressed air from a gas supply system (not shown). The water may contain plant hormones and / or other additives, and when the device is used to increase the amount of phenolic compounds in plants, it may additionally or alternatively contain precursors of the phenolic compounds to be increased.

[0064] In the apparatus (300) of this embodiment, the plants (P) to be irradiated with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range are placed in a lower region inside the rotating drum container (312). Before, simultaneously with, or after the plants (P) are added, water is supplied to the rotating drum container (312), and the plants (P) are immersed in the water in the lower region (liquid holding region). Plant hormones and / or other additives may be added to the water. When the apparatus is used to increase the amount of phenolic compounds in plants, a precursor substance of the phenolic compound to be increased may also or alternatively be added. Water may be supplied from a spray nozzle (317). The plants (P) are immersed in water in a lower region of the rotary drum container (312) and are irradiated with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range from an LED array (314). The LED array (314) may irradiate the plants (P) with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range continuously or intermittently. Water may be sprayed from a spray nozzle (317) onto the irradiated plants (P).

[0065] Alternatively, the plants (P) contained in the rotary drum container (312) may be irradiated with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range by the LED array (314) without being immersed in water in advance, and water is sprayed onto the irradiated plants (P) from the spray nozzle (317). In this case, the spray nozzle (317) may be controlled by a spray controller (not shown) to spray water until the plants (P) in the ultraviolet light irradiation area of the LED array (314) are immersed in the water stored in the rotary drum container (312).

[0066] The device (300) of this embodiment may further include a controller (not shown) that controls the LED light sources included in the LED array (314) collectively or individually, and the controller may adjust the amount of irradiation from the LED array (314) to the plants (P) by controlling the on / off and / or light emission amount of the LED light sources.

[0067] (Embodiment 4) One specific embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 4. This device (400) comprises a container (412) constituting a plant holder, a flow generating mechanism (422) for generating a water or air current within the container, an LED array (414) constituting an ultraviolet light irradiation unit, and may optionally comprise a liquid injection nozzle (417). The container 412 is a container capable of holding a plant in water or in air. The container 412 has an opening through which the plant can be put in and out, and a door for opening and closing the opening. When the plant is held in water, the container 412 also serves as a liquid holding area for the plant immersion section. The flow generating mechanism 422 generates an upward current that can suspend the plants P contained in the container 412. The flow generating mechanism 422 is, for example, a jet nozzle that sprays liquid or air. In the figure, the jet nozzle 422 is provided at the bottom of the container, but it may also be provided on the peripheral wall.

[0068] The LED array 414 includes an LED light source that emits ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range. The LED light source that emits ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range may be two or more types of light sources having different main peak wavelengths in the wavelength range of 270 nm to 290 nm. The LED array 414 is disposed on the ceiling and / or peripheral wall of the container 412 so as to be able to irradiate ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range toward the inside of the container 412. In the drawing, the LED array 414 is disposed inside the container 412, but it may be disposed outside the container (for example, through a transparent glass) as long as it is able to irradiate ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range toward the plants (P).

[0069] The spray nozzle (417) can spray a liquid or a mixture of liquid and gas. The spray nozzle (417) is positioned inside the container (412) so that it can spray upward into the container. In the figure, the spray nozzle (417) is mounted on the inner peripheral wall of the container (412), but alternatively or additionally, it may be mounted on the ceiling and / or floor of the container. The spray nozzle is supplied with water from a liquid supply system (not shown) and, if applicable, compressed air from a gas supply system (not shown). The water may contain plant hormones and / or other additives, and, when the device is used to increase the amount of phenolic compounds in plants, may additionally or alternatively contain precursors of the phenolic compounds to be increased. The liquid spray nozzle 417 may function as a flow (water current) generating mechanism 422 when the plant is held underwater in the container 412. The liquid and gas spray nozzle 417 may function as a flow (air current) generating mechanism 422 when the plant is held under air in the container 412.

[0070] In the device (400) of this embodiment, the plant (P) to be irradiated with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range is placed in a lower region inside the container (412). Before, simultaneously with, or after the plant (P) is placed in the container (412), water is supplied to the container (412), and the plant (P) is immersed in the water. The water may contain plant hormones and / or other additives, and when the device is used to increase the amount of phenolic compounds in the plant, it may also or alternatively contain a precursor substance of the phenolic compound to be increased. Water may be supplied from a spray nozzle (417). The water current generated by the flow generating mechanism 422 causes the plant (P) immersed in water to float within the ultraviolet light irradiation area of the LED array 414 inside the container 412. The plant (P) floating in the water is irradiated with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range from the LED array 414. The LED array 414 may irradiate the plant (P) with ultraviolet light of the specific wavelength range continuously or intermittently.

[0071] Alternatively, the plant (P) contained in the container (412) is blown up by the airflow generated by the flow generating mechanism (422) and floats within the container (412) in the ultraviolet light irradiation area of the LED array (414). The plant (P) floating in the airflow is irradiated with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range from the LED array (414). Water or a mixture of water and gas is sprayed onto the irradiated plant (P) from the spray nozzle (417). Plant hormones and / or other additives may be added to the water. When the device is used to increase the amount of phenolic compounds in plants, a precursor substance of the phenolic compound to be increased may also or alternatively be added. The LED array (414) may irradiate the plant (P) with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range continuously or intermittently.

[0072] The device (400) of this embodiment may further include a controller (not shown) that controls the LED light sources included in the LED array (414) collectively or individually, and the controller may adjust the amount of irradiation from the LED array (414) to the plant (P) by controlling the on / off and / or light emission amount of the LED light sources.

[0073] (Embodiment 5) One specific embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 5. This device (500) comprises a basket-shaped container (512) constituting a plant holding section, a water tank (516) constituting a plant immersion section capable of accommodating the basket-shaped container therein, and a plurality of LED arrays (514) constituting an ultraviolet light irradiation section (Figure 5(A)). As shown in Fig. 5(B), the cage-like container (512) is an annular container capable of holding a plant therein, and has a hollow cavity into which an LED array (514) can be inserted. The cage-like container (512) has an opening for inserting and removing the plant and a lid for opening and closing the opening at one axial end. The water tank 516 is capable of holding a liquid and accommodating the basket-like container 512 therein, and when in use, stores water. The water may contain plant hormones and / or other additives, and when the device is used to increase the amount of phenolic compounds in plants, may additionally or alternatively contain precursors of the phenolic compounds to be increased.

[0074] Each LED array (514) includes an LED light source that emits ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range. The LED light sources that emit ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range may be two or more light sources having different dominant peak wavelengths in the wavelength range of 270 nm to 290 nm. One of the LED arrays (514) has a shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) that can be inserted into the hollow cavity of the cage-shaped container (512). This LED array (514) may be positioned at a central position on the bottom of the water tank (516) before the cage-shaped container (512) is placed in the water tank (516), or may be positioned so that it can be inserted into the hollow cavity of the cage-shaped container (512) after the container is placed in the water tank (516). The remaining LED arrays (514) are positioned on the inner surface of the water tank (516) so that they can irradiate the cage-shaped container (512) with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range from the periphery.

[0075] In the device (500) of this embodiment, a plant (P) to be irradiated with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range is placed inside a cage-shaped container (512). The plant (P) held in the cage-shaped container (512) is then placed in a water tank (516) that holds water, and while immersed in the water, the plant (P) is irradiated with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range from an LED array (514). The LED array (514) may irradiate the plant (P) with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range continuously or intermittently.

[0076] In the above, the basket-shaped container (512) is described as a plant holding section, and the water tank (516) is described as a plant immersion section. However, the water tank can also be described as a container capable of holding plants in liquid therein and serving as the liquid holding area of the plant immersion section, and the basket-shaped container can be described as a plant holding member provided in the water tank.

[0077] The device (500) of this embodiment may further include a controller (not shown) that controls the LED light sources included in the LED array (514) collectively or individually, and the controller may adjust the amount of irradiation from the LED array (514) to the plant (P) by controlling the on / off and / or light emission amount of the LED light sources. Alternatively, a circular light guide plate may be provided at the bottom of the aquarium (516), and the LED array (514) arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the aquarium (516) may be replaced with a cylindrical light guide plate, so that light from the central LED array (514) is guided from the bottom light guide plate to the surrounding light guide plates, and the light is irradiated onto the plants (P) from the surrounding light guide plates. In this case, optical fibers may be inserted into each light guide plate, allowing light to be efficiently guided to the top of the surrounding light guide plates. Furthermore, the outer circumferential surfaces of the surrounding light guide plates may be coated with a reflective film to efficiently irradiate light onto the plants (P). Alternatively, the basket-shaped container (512) may be omitted, and the aquarium (516) may comprise a container-shaped outer tube, a transparent inner tube located at the center of the bottom of the outer tube, and a spiral light guide plate located between the outer and inner tubes to connect them. With this configuration, a spiral plant-holding space is formed within the aquarium, and an LED array (514) is installed within the inner tube. Light is emitted from the inner tube and then passes through the spiral light guide plate into the plant-holding space. Furthermore, if the outer tube itself is constructed with a light guide plate, the direction of light emission toward the plants can be further expanded. In this case, optical fibers may be inserted into the light guide plate, or the outer periphery of the outer tube may be covered with a reflective film. In this case, the upper opening of the aquarium may serve as the plant introduction port, and an opening and lid for removing the plants may be provided at the bottom.

[0078] (Embodiment 6) One specific embodiment of the device according to the second aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 6. This device (600) comprises a belt conveyor (612) constituting a plant holding unit, an LED array (614) constituting an ultraviolet light irradiating unit, and a controller (618) constituting an irradiation control unit, and may also comprise a color sensor (624) as an optional component. The belt conveyor 612 transports the plants P to the ultraviolet light irradiation area of the LED array 614. The belt portion of the belt conveyor 612 may be in the form of a mesh or net that allows light to pass through. The LED array 614 includes a plurality of LED light sources that emit ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range. In the figure, the LED array 614 is arranged to irradiate ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range from above in one section of the belt conveyor 612, but if the belt conveyor is a mesh conveyor, the LED array 614 may be arranged to irradiate ultraviolet light from below as well.

[0079] The controller 618 receives input of color information of the plants P transported by the belt conveyor 612. Based on the input color information, the controller 618 controls the on / off and / or light emission levels of the multiple LED light sources included in the LED array 614. The controller 618 may control the multiple LED light sources included in the LED array 614 collectively or individually. The color sensor 624 acquires color information of the plants P transported by the belt conveyor 612 in front of the ultraviolet light irradiation area of the LED array 614 (upstream of the transport), and transmits the color information to the controller 618. If the device 600 does not have a color sensor, the color information may be input to the controller 618 by an operator or by reading a color information code previously assigned to the plants P.

[0080] In the device 600 of this embodiment, the plants P to be irradiated with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range are placed on the upper surface of a belt conveyor 612. The plants P held on the belt conveyor 612 are transported by the belt conveyor 612 to the ultraviolet light irradiation area of the LED array 614, where they are irradiated with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range from the LED array 614. The LED array 614 may irradiate the plants P with ultraviolet light continuously or intermittently. During transport from the placement position to the ultraviolet light irradiation area, color information of the plant (P) is input to the controller (618). Based on the input color information, the controller (618) controls the amount of ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range that is irradiated from the LED array (614) toward the plant (P). For example, the controller (618) increases or decreases the number of light sources that should emit light among the multiple LED light sources included in the LED array (614). Alternatively, the controller (618) increases or decreases the light emission amount of each LED light source.

[0081] The apparatus (600) may include the immersion tank described in embodiment 1 or the spray nozzle described in embodiment 2. In the apparatus of this embodiment, the immersion tank and the spray nozzle are arranged and function as described in embodiment 1 and embodiment 2, respectively.

[0082] (Embodiment 7) One specific embodiment of the device according to the second aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 7. This device (700) comprises a belt conveyor (712) constituting a plant holding unit, an LED array (714) constituting an ultraviolet light irradiation unit, and a controller (718) constituting an irradiation control unit, and may also comprise a color sensor (724) as an optional component. The belt conveyor 712 transports the plants P to the ultraviolet light irradiation area of the LED array 714. The belt portion of the belt conveyor 712 may be in the form of a mesh or net that allows light to pass through. The LED array (714) includes three types of LED light sources having different main peak wavelengths in the wavelength range of 270 nm to 290 nm. In Fig. 7, the LED array (714) is arranged so as to irradiate ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range from above in one section of the belt conveyor (712), but if the belt conveyor is a mesh conveyor, it may be arranged so as to be able to irradiate from below as well.

[0083] The controller 718 receives input of color information of the plants P transported by the belt conveyor 712. Based on the input color information, the controller 718 designates one of three types of LED light sources (or two types) included in the LED array 714 to emit light. At the same time, the controller 718 may control the light emission intensity of the LED light source to be emitted. The color sensor 724 acquires color information of the plants P conveyed by the belt conveyor 712 in front of the ultraviolet light irradiation area of the LED array 714, and transmits the color information to the controller 718. If the device 700 does not have a color sensor, the color information may be input to the controller 718 by an operator or by reading a color information code previously assigned to the plants P.

[0084] In the device 700 of this embodiment, the plants P to be irradiated with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range are placed on the upper surface of a belt conveyor 712. The plants P held on the belt conveyor 712 are transported by the belt conveyor 712 to the ultraviolet light irradiation area of the LED array 714, where they are irradiated with ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range from the LED array 714. The LED array 714 may irradiate the plants P with ultraviolet light continuously or intermittently. During the transport from the placement position to the ultraviolet light irradiation area, color information of the plant (P) is input to the controller 718. Based on the input color information, the controller 718 controls the wavelength of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the LED array 714 toward the plant (P).

[0085] The apparatus (700) may include the immersion tank described in embodiment 1 or the spray nozzle described in embodiment 2. In the apparatus of this embodiment, the immersion tank and the spray nozzle are arranged and function as described in embodiment 1 and embodiment 2, respectively.

[0086] (Embodiment 8) One specific embodiment of the device according to the second aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 8. This device (800) comprises a belt conveyor (812) constituting a plant holding unit, an LED array (814) constituting an ultraviolet light irradiation unit, a controller (818) constituting an irradiation control unit, and a CCD camera (824). The belt conveyor 812 transports the plants P from the sensing area of the CCD camera 824 to the ultraviolet light irradiation area of the LED array 814. The belt portion of the belt conveyor 812 may be in the form of a mesh or net that allows light to pass through. The LED array 814 includes an LED light source that emits ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range. The LED array 814 may include a lens system (not shown).

[0087] The controller 818 receives input of color information of plants transported by the belt conveyor 812 and position information associated with the color information from the CCD camera 824. Based on the input color information and position information, the controller 818 designates one of the multiple LED light sources included in the LED array 814 (the one corresponding to the position information) to emit light. The controller 818 may simultaneously control the light emission intensity of the LED light source to be emitted. If the LED array 814 includes a lens system, the controller 818 also controls the lens system. The CCD camera 824 acquires color information of the plants P transported by the belt conveyor 812 and position information associated with the color information in a sensing area provided in front of the ultraviolet light irradiation area of the LED array 814, and transmits the information to the controller 818. A CMOS camera may be used instead of the CCD camera.

[0088] In the device (800) of this embodiment, a plant (P) to be irradiated with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range is placed on the upper surface of a belt conveyor (812). The plant (P) held on the belt conveyor (812) is transported by the belt conveyor (812) to the sensing area of a CCD camera (824), where it is imaged by the CCD camera (824). Color information of the plant (P) and location information associated with the color information are acquired and sent to a controller (818). The plant (P) is then transported to the ultraviolet light irradiation area of the LED array (814), where it is irradiated with ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength range from the LED array (814). At this time, the controller (818) designates which LED light source in the LED array (814) should emit light based on the received location information, and controls the LED array (814) to emit light at a predetermined intensity based on the received color information. The LED array (814) may irradiate the plant (P) with ultraviolet light continuously or intermittently.

[0089] The apparatus (800) may include the immersion tank described in embodiment 1 and / or the spray nozzle described in embodiment 2. In the apparatus of this embodiment, the immersion tank and the spray nozzle are arranged and function as described in embodiment 1 and embodiment 2, respectively.

[0090] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are described as examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and that the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations and arrangements set forth in this specification or the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand and readily recognize that the specific configurations, means, methods, and devices described herein can be substituted with many others known in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should also be noted that aspects of the present invention described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated into different embodiments, even if not specifically described as such. That is, all embodiments and / or all features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination. [Industrial Applicability]

[0091] The apparatus of the present invention can be used for the efficient production of phenolic compounds (e.g., cannabinoids), which are pharmacologically active substances in medicinal plants such as cannabis. The device of the present invention can also be used to improve yields of agricultural products. Furthermore, plants (e.g., grape fruits and skins) that have had their phenolic compounds (e.g., polyphenols) increased using the device of the present invention can be used to produce high-value-added and / or highly functional agricultural crops and processed foods (e.g., beverages such as wine). [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 812 Plant holding part 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814 Ultraviolet light irradiation section 116, 516 Plant soaking section 217, 317, 417 Liquid injection part 118, 218, 618, 718, 818 Irradiation control unit 624, 724, 824 color sensor P. Plants in which the amount of phenolic compounds is to be increased by the device of the present invention

Claims

1. a plant holder capable of holding a plant; an ultraviolet light irradiation unit that irradiates light containing ultraviolet light in a wavelength range of 270 nm or more and 290 nm or less toward the plant held in the plant holder; an irradiation control unit that controls the ultraviolet light to be irradiated at a higher irradiation dose to plants having higher green absorption based on color information regarding green absorption of the plants; A plant treatment device comprising:

2. A plant holding part capable of holding a plant; an ultraviolet light irradiation unit that irradiates light containing ultraviolet light in a wavelength range of 270 nm or more and 290 nm or less toward the plant held in the plant holder; an irradiation control unit that controls irradiation of plants with higher green absorption with ultraviolet light having a longer wavelength within a wavelength range of 270 nm or more and 290 nm or less based on color information regarding the green absorption of the plants; A plant treatment device comprising:

3. A plant holding part capable of holding a plant; an ultraviolet light irradiation unit that irradiates light containing ultraviolet light in a wavelength range of 270 nm or more and 290 nm or less toward the plant held in the plant holder; an irradiation control unit that controls the ultraviolet light to be irradiated onto a plant or an area thereof having green absorption lower than a predetermined level based on color information regarding green absorption of the plant; A plant treatment device comprising:

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the irradiation control unit controls the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light irradiation unit.

5. the ultraviolet light irradiation unit is configured to include an array, matrix, or cluster of light sources; 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the illumination control unit specifies a light source to emit light based on the color information.

6. the ultraviolet light irradiation unit is configured to include two or more light sources having different main peak wavelengths in a wavelength range of 270 nm or more and 290 nm or less, 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the illumination control unit specifies a light source to emit light based on the color information.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a color sensor that acquires color information of the plant and transmits the information to the illumination control unit.

8. The device according to claim 7 , wherein the plant holder constitutes a part of a plant transport mechanism that transports the plant to a sensing area of the color sensor and an irradiation area of the ultraviolet light irradiation unit.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a plant immersion unit that holds a liquid comprising water and immerses the plant in the liquid, or a liquid injection unit that sprays the liquid toward the plant.

10. The device according to claim 9 , wherein the liquid contains at least one substance selected from precursor substances of phenolic compounds and plant hormones that promote biosynthesis.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a plant displacement mechanism that displaces the plant so that a light-receiving region of the plant for the ultraviolet light is changed.

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the ultraviolet light irradiation unit is configured so that the amount of light emitted in the wavelength range of 310 nm or more and 400 nm or less is less than 50% of the amount of light emitted by the ultraviolet light.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the ultraviolet light irradiation unit is configured so that the amount of light emitted in the wavelength range of 200 nm or more and 260 nm or less is less than 20% of the amount of light emitted by the ultraviolet light.

14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the ultraviolet light irradiation unit includes a light emitting diode or a laser diode as a light source of the ultraviolet light.

15. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, used to increase the amount of phenolic compounds in the plant.

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