Germination promotion device and germination promotion method

Abstract

For example, users interested in propagating seaweed have attempted to collect seaweed seeds and germinate and grow them in aquariums or aquaculture tanks in nursery facilities. However, the factors important for the germination and growth of seaweed seeds have yet to be elucidated, and there is a problem that the germination rate of seaweed seeds is low. On the other hand, there have been reports that the germination rate of some plants growing on land has increased by applying ultrasound or vibration to the seeds of those plants, but there are no actual examples of this happening for seaweed. [Solution] An ultrasonic transmitter 10 is positioned facing seaweed seeds A present in water. An ultrasonic control unit 20 uses the ultrasonic transmitter 10 to irradiate the seaweed seeds A with ultrasonic waves in the frequency range of 10 kHz to 100 kHz, thereby promoting germination of the seaweed seeds. This makes it possible to promote germination of seaweed seeds using an inexpensive ultrasonic transmitter.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a germination promotion device and a germination promotion method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are techniques for promoting the germination and growth of plant seeds using ultrasound. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 45-008604 (Patent Document 1) discloses an ultrasound irradiation treatment method for seeds, in which seeds of various plants are immersed in an aqueous solution of a corresponding plant growth regulator and then irradiated with ultrasound. This is said to promote seed germination and growth and increase the yield.

[0003] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 01-199504 (Patent Document 2) discloses a germination accelerator comprising a sterilization / cleaning tank, an ozone supplying device, a first ultrasonic irradiation device, a seed soaking tank, a heater, a second ultrasonic irradiation device, and a controller. The sterilization / cleaning tank is filled with water large enough to soak a large number of seeds, and the ozone supplying device filters the water in the sterilization / cleaning tank and supplies ozone to the water. The first ultrasonic irradiation device irradiates ultrasonic waves into the sterilization / cleaning tank, and the seed soaking tank is filled with water large enough to soak a large number of seeds. The heater adjusts the water temperature in the seed soaking tank, and the second ultrasonic irradiation device irradiates ultrasonic waves into the seed soaking tank. The controller controls the operation of the ozone supplying device, the first ultrasonic irradiation device, the heater, and the second ultrasonic irradiation device. This is said to reduce the seed soaking time to approximately one-tenth of the conventional time and improve the germination rate without the use of germination promoters.

[0004] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 9-65711 (Patent Document 3) discloses a germination promoter that treats seeds soaked in water at low temperature, stimulates the seed coat tissue with ultrasound, and then applies intermittent light to promote germination. This is said to be able to promote germination of small, lightweight seeds.

[0005] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 9-140220 (Patent Document 4) discloses a method for promoting germination of gel-coated seeds by ultrasonic treatment, which is said to enable rapid promotion of germination of gel-coated seeds.

[0006] Furthermore, JP 2015-524250 A (Patent Document 5) discloses an ultrasonic treatment and deposition process comprising an immersion step, an acoustic energy introduction step, and an ultrasonic treatment step. The immersion step involves immersing seeds in water or a solution consisting of water and other nutrients, and the acoustic energy introduction step involves introducing acoustic energy into the liquid at a frequency and energy density sufficient to generate cavitation in the liquid. The ultrasonic treatment step involves treating the seeds with ultrasound for a period of time sufficient to cause changes in the seeds so that the uptake rate of substances into the seeds is increased. This allows water or other substances to be absorbed into the seeds along with solutes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 45-008604 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 01-199504 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-65711 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-140220 [Patent Document 5] Special Publication No. 2015-524250 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In recent years, the importance of seaweeds, which can store carbon dioxide, has been increasing, and the cultivation and planting of seed plants such as eelgrass and sugamo has been increasing. Therefore, for example, users who are interested in propagating seaweeds have been collecting seaweed seeds and attempting to germinate and grow them in aquariums or aquaculture tanks in nursery facilities.

[0009] However, the factors important for the germination and growth of seaweed seeds have yet to be elucidated, and the germination rate of seaweed seeds remains low. While there have been reports that applying ultrasound or vibration to the seeds of some terrestrial plants has increased the germination rate of the plants, there have been no examples of this happening for seaweed. While the technologies described in Patent Documents 1-5 promote seed germination by applying external forces, including ultrasonic irradiation, to plant seeds, it is unclear whether these technologies are effective for seaweed.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a germination promotion device and a germination promotion method that can promote the germination of seaweed seeds using an inexpensive ultrasonic transmitter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The germination promotion device according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic control unit. The ultrasonic transmitter is positioned to face seaweed seeds present in water. The ultrasonic control unit uses the ultrasonic transmitter to irradiate the seeds with ultrasonic waves having a frequency in the range of 10 kHz to 100 kHz, thereby promoting germination of the seeds.

[0012] The germination promotion method of the present invention includes a placement step and an ultrasonic control step. The placement step involves placing an ultrasonic transmitter facing seaweed seeds present in water. The ultrasonic control step involves using the ultrasonic transmitter to irradiate the seeds with ultrasonic waves having a frequency in the range of 10 kHz to 100 kHz, thereby promoting germination of the seeds. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to promote the germination of seaweed seeds using an inexpensive ultrasonic transmitter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a germination promotion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a germination promotion method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of germination of seaweed seeds during and after ultrasonic irradiation by a germination promotion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are perspective and plan views showing an example of germination of seaweed seeds during and after ultrasonic irradiation when a germination promotion device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a land-based aquaculture tank. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are front views showing an example of germination of seaweed seeds during and after ultrasonic irradiation when a germination promotion device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the sea. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are plan views showing an example of germination of seaweed seeds during and after ultrasonic irradiation when a germination promotion device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the sea. [Figure 7] 1 is a graph showing an example of experimental results in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. [Figure 8] 8A is a graph showing an example of experimental results in Examples 2-4, and FIG. 8B is a graph showing an example of experimental results in Examples 5-7. [Figure 9] 9A is a graph showing an example of experimental results in Examples 8-9, and FIG. 9B is a graph showing an example of experimental results in Examples 10-11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to help understand the present invention. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, a germination promotion device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an ultrasonic transmitter 10 and an ultrasonic control unit 20. First, the ultrasonic transmitter 10 is positioned facing seaweed seeds A present in water. Here, a water tank 30 is filled with water, and seaweed seeds A are placed in the water.

[0017] Here, there is no particular limitation on the configuration of the ultrasonic transmitter 10, but examples include ultrasonic vibrators using piezoelectric ceramics, etc. Furthermore, there is no particular limitation on the arrangement of the ultrasonic transmitter 10, but for example, as shown in Fig. 1, the ultrasonic transmitter 10 may be arranged on the water surface of the water tank 30 or may be arranged underwater in the water tank 30. Furthermore, it is preferable that the ultrasonic transmitter 10 is waterproof.

[0018] There is no particular limitation on the type of water in the aquarium 30, but examples include fresh water, seawater, and artificial seawater depending on the type of seaweed seed A. Seaweed is a seed plant, and there is no particular limitation on the type of seaweed, but examples include eelgrass and sugamo.

[0019] Moreover, the ultrasonic control unit 20 uses the ultrasonic transmitter 10 to irradiate the seeds A with ultrasonic waves having a frequency in the range of 10 kHz to 100 kHz, thereby promoting germination of the seeds A.

[0020] Here, the ultrasonic control unit 20 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transmitter 10 and controls the vibration of the ultrasonic transmitter 10. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the ultrasonic control unit 20, but for example, as shown in Fig. 1, a configuration including a setting unit 21, a signal generating unit 22, and an amplifier unit 23 can be adopted.

[0021] Here, the setting unit 21 sets the frequency, irradiation time, sound pressure, irradiation frequency, waveform, etc. of the ultrasonic waves in response to user operations. Furthermore, the signal generating unit 22 generates a signal based on the settings of the setting unit 21. Here, the signal generating unit 22 can use, for example, a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit or an oscillator circuit. Furthermore, the amplifier unit 23 amplifies the signal generated by the signal generating unit 22 and transmits the amplified signal to the ultrasonic transmitter 10. In this way, the ultrasonic transmitter 10 can irradiate the seaweed seeds A with ultrasonic waves based on the signal from the ultrasonic control unit 20. Furthermore, the amplifier unit 23 can be provided appropriately as needed.

[0022] Furthermore, the ultrasound control unit 20 is configured, for example, with a CPU, a dedicated circuit, etc., and has a built-in CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and the CPU uses, for example, the RAM as a work area to execute programs stored in the ROM, etc. Furthermore, for each control unit described later, the CPU executes a program to realize the function of that control unit.

[0023] Next, the configuration and execution procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. First, as shown in Figure 3, a user pours water into an aquarium 30 in which seaweed (e.g., eelgrass) seeds A can germinate, and places the seaweed seeds A on the inner bottom surface of the aquarium 30 (Figure 2: S101). Here, the user removes the seaweed seeds A that have been stored in a refrigerator in advance and places them on the inner bottom surface of the aquarium 30.

[0024] Once the user has completed placing the seaweed seeds A, the user then places the ultrasonic transmitter 10 on the water surface of the aquarium 30 (FIG. 2: S102). Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the user places the ultrasonic transmitter 10 so that the transmission direction of the ultrasonic transmitter 10 faces the seeds A on the inside bottom surface of the aquarium 30. Here, the ultrasonic transmitter 10 may be placed on the water surface of the aquarium 30, for example, by the user installing it on the outer bottom surface of a predetermined floating body and floating the floating body on the water surface of the aquarium 30, or the ultrasonic transmitter 10 may be placed on the water surface of the aquarium 30 by preparing a fixing member for fixing the ultrasonic transmitter 10 in advance and using the fixing member to fix the ultrasonic transmitter 10 in a state where the ultrasonic transmitter 10 is in contact with the water surface of the aquarium 30, thereby placing the ultrasonic transmitter 10 on the water surface of the aquarium 30.

[0025] Now, when the user has completed the placement of the ultrasonic transmitter 10, the user then inputs the ultrasonic wave irradiation conditions into the ultrasonic control unit 20, and the ultrasonic control unit 20 accepts the ultrasonic wave irradiation conditions (FIG. 2: S103).

[0026] Here, there is no particular limitation on the reception method of the ultrasound control unit 20, but for example, if the ultrasound control unit 20 is equipped with a setting unit 21, when the user inputs the ultrasound irradiation conditions into the ultrasound control unit 20, the setting unit 21 of the ultrasound control unit 20 receives and sets the input ultrasound irradiation conditions.

[0027] Among the ultrasonic irradiation conditions, the ultrasonic frequency is set within the range of 10 kHz to 100 kHz, but from the viewpoint of promoting germination of seaweed seeds A, it is more preferable that the ultrasonic frequency be within the range of 20 kHz to 80 kHz. Here, if the ultrasonic frequency exceeds 100 kHz, not only will the effect of promoting germination of seaweed seeds A not be obtained, but germination of the seaweed seeds may be inhibited. Furthermore, if the ultrasonic frequency is less than 10 kHz, the effect of promoting germination of seaweed seeds A may not be obtained.

[0028] Furthermore, among the ultrasonic irradiation conditions, the irradiation time per session is not particularly limited, but is preferably within the range of 10 to 120 minutes, for example. From the viewpoint of promoting germination of seaweed seed A, the ultrasonic irradiation time per session is more preferably within the range of 10 to 60 minutes. Here, if the ultrasonic irradiation time per session exceeds 120 minutes, although the effect of promoting germination of seaweed seed A can be obtained, the ultrasonic irradiation time becomes longer, and the efficiency of promoting germination of seed A as a whole becomes worse, which is not preferable. Furthermore, if the ultrasonic irradiation time per session is less than 10 minutes, the effect of promoting germination of seaweed seed A may not be obtained.

[0029] Furthermore, among the conditions for ultrasonic irradiation, the underwater standard sound pressure is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of 120 dB to 160 dB, for example. From the viewpoint of promoting germination of seaweed seeds A, the underwater standard sound pressure is more preferably in the range of 140 dB to 150 dB. Here, if the underwater standard sound pressure exceeds 160 dB, not only will the effect of promoting germination of seaweed seeds A not be obtained, but germination of the seaweed seeds may be inhibited. Furthermore, if the underwater standard sound pressure is less than 100 dB, the effect of promoting germination of seaweed seeds A may not be obtained.

[0030] Furthermore, among the ultrasonic irradiation conditions, there is no particular limitation on the frequency of ultrasonic irradiation, but for example, it may be once a day or multiple times a day, but once a day is preferred from the viewpoint of the efficiency of promoting germination of Seed A. Furthermore, among the ultrasonic irradiation conditions, there is no particular limitation on the ultrasonic irradiation period, but for example, it may be one day, two days, three days, one week, etc., but from the viewpoint of the efficiency of promoting germination of Seed A, several days, such as one to three days, are preferred. Furthermore, among the ultrasonic irradiation conditions, there is no particular limitation on the ultrasonic vibration waveform, but examples thereof include a sine wave, a square wave, a triangular wave, etc.

[0031] Now, when the ultrasound control unit 20 has completed accepting the ultrasound irradiation conditions, in response to a user operation (e.g., input of the start key, etc.), the ultrasound control unit 20 generates an ultrasound signal based on the accepted ultrasound irradiation conditions (Figure 2: S104).

[0032] Here, there is no particular limitation on the method of generating an ultrasonic signal by the ultrasonic control unit 20, but for example, if the ultrasonic control unit 20 is equipped with a signal generation unit 22, the signal generation unit 22 of the ultrasonic control unit 20 can generate an ultrasonic signal based on the set ultrasonic irradiation conditions in response to a user operation, for example, using a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit or an oscillator circuit.

[0033] Now, when the ultrasonic control unit 20 generates an ultrasonic signal, the ultrasonic control unit 20 vibrates the ultrasonic transmitter 10 based on the generated ultrasonic signal to generate ultrasonic waves, and uses the ultrasonic transmitter 10 to irradiate the seed A with ultrasonic waves having a frequency in the range of 10 kHz to 100 kHz (Figure 2: S105).

[0034] Here, there is no particular limitation on the method of ultrasonic irradiation by the ultrasonic control unit 20, but for example, if the ultrasonic control unit 20 is equipped with an amplifier unit 23, the amplifier unit 23 amplifies the generated ultrasonic signal and transmits it to the ultrasonic transmitter 10. Here, the amplifier unit 23 can change the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave by adjusting the amplification factor of the ultrasonic signal based on the set ultrasonic irradiation conditions. Then, the ultrasonic transmitter 10, which receives the amplified ultrasonic signal from the amplifier unit 23, irradiates the ultrasonic wave toward the seed A. It should be noted that the amplifier unit 23 can be provided as needed.

[0035] Here, among the ultrasonic irradiation conditions, the ultrasonic frequency is set to be within the range of 10 kHz to 100 kHz, but other conditions, such as the irradiation time per irradiation, the standard sound pressure in water, the frequency of ultrasonic irradiation, the ultrasonic irradiation period, and the ultrasonic vibration waveform, correspond to the irradiation conditions input by the user.

[0036] When the ultrasonic control unit 20 completes the ultrasonic irradiation, the seaweed seeds A in the water that have been irradiated with ultrasonic waves are stimulated to germinate (FIG. 2: S106). In other words, the seaweed seeds A are stimulated by the ultrasonic waves and begin to germinate and grow, as shown in FIG.

[0037] As a result, the present invention makes it possible to promote germination of seaweed seeds A using an inexpensive ultrasonic transmitter 10. In particular, by setting the ultrasonic frequency within the range of 10 kHz to 100 kHz, the present invention makes it possible to use an inexpensive, commercially available ultrasonic transmitter 10 and effectively promote germination of seaweed seeds A.

[0038] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is not necessary to continuously irradiate the seaweed seeds A with ultrasound; simply irradiating the seaweed seeds A with ultrasound for an initial specified period is effective in promoting germination, so anyone can easily carry out this method and can increase the germination efficiency of the seaweed seeds A.

[0039] In the above-described embodiment, an aquarium 30 having a predetermined size was assumed, but this is not limited to this. In the present invention, similar effects can be obtained even if, for example, a relatively large land-based aquaculture tank 40 is assumed.

[0040] For example, a user conducting land-based aquaculture prepares an aquaculture tank 40, fills the tank 40 with water corresponding to seaweed seeds A, and places the seaweed seeds A in the aquaculture tank 40 as shown in FIG. 4 . There are no particular limitations on the method for placing the seaweed seeds A in the aquaculture tank 40. For example, if the inside bottom surface of the aquaculture tank 40 has multiple predetermined depressions spaced at predetermined intervals, the user places the seaweed seeds A in each depression. There are no particular limitations on the material for the depressions. Examples include resin, metal, and wood. Alternatively, if artificial soil with a predetermined thickness is available, the user can place the artificial soil on the inside bottom surface of the aquaculture tank 40 and place the seaweed seeds A in the depressions previously prepared on the surface of the artificial soil. This allows the user to place the seaweed seeds A.

[0041] Furthermore, since the size of the aquaculture tank 40 is in the range of several meters to several tens of meters, for example, the user can divide the inner bottom surface of the aquaculture tank 40 into multiple sections and place seaweed seeds A in each of the multiple sections. Here, there is no particular limitation on the size of the sections, but it is preferable to set it to a size that corresponds to the irradiation range B of one ultrasonic wave or a size that is included in the irradiation range B of one ultrasonic wave. For example, in Figure 4, the inner bottom surface of the aquaculture tank 40 is divided into 12 sections and four seaweed seeds A are placed in each section.

[0042] Then, the user floats a floating body 50 incorporating the germination promotion device 1 of the present invention on the water surface of the aquaculture tank 40 and installs it so that the ultrasonic transmitter of the germination promotion device 1 faces the seaweed seeds A on the inside bottom of the aquaculture tank 40.

[0043] Here, the floating body 50 refers to a floating device that can move around on the water surface based on user operation or preset conditions, and can be, for example, an underwater drone that moves on the water surface by rotating a screw. The floating body 50 may also move on the water surface automatically, or, for example, a floating ring 50 incorporating the germination promotion device 1 may be prepared, and the user may operate a control rod connected to the floating ring 50 on the water surface of the aquaculture tank 40, causing the floating ring 50 to move on the water surface.

[0044] The user sets a predetermined path P that allows the user to visit all of the compartments of the aquaculture tank 40 in order, and moves the floating body 50 floating in the aquaculture tank 40 along the predetermined path P. When the floating body 50 is positioned on the top surface of the first compartment, the ultrasonic control unit 20 of the germination promotion device 1 incorporated in the floating body 50 uses the ultrasonic transmitter 10 to irradiate ultrasonic waves toward the seaweed seeds A. When the ultrasonic control unit 20 completes the irradiation of ultrasonic waves, the floating body 50 moves to the top surface of the second compartment next to the first compartment, and the ultrasonic control unit 20 uses the ultrasonic transmitter 10 to irradiate ultrasonic waves toward the seaweed seeds A. By repeatedly moving the floating body 50 and irradiating ultrasonic waves in each compartment along the predetermined path P, the germination promotion device 1 can promote the germination of all of the seaweed seeds A placed in the aquaculture tank 40.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an aquaculture tank 40 was assumed, but this is not limited to this. In the present invention, the same effects can be obtained even if the sea (for example, shallow waters where the irradiated ultrasound can reach or a beach where seaweed is present) is assumed.

[0046] For example, if a user is using a vessel (small vessel, boat, yacht, water drone, etc.) Outside The germination promotion device 1 according to the present invention is placed on the bottom of the ship, and the ship is set out to sea. There is no particular limitation on the method of installing the germination promotion device. For example, as shown in FIG. Bud promotion The propulsion device 1 (ultrasonic transmitters 10) may be arranged in a fan shape in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the ship 60, or a plurality of transmitters may be arranged. Bud promotion The advancing device 1 can be arranged linearly on an auxiliary rod extending in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the ship 60. This makes it possible to expand the range over which ultrasonic waves are irradiated at one time.

[0047] The user then inputs the ultrasonic wave irradiation conditions into the germination promotion device 1, which causes the ultrasonic control unit 20 of the germination promotion device 1 to use the ultrasonic transmitter 10 to irradiate the seabed with ultrasonic waves in the frequency range of 10 kHz to 100 kHz. If seaweed seeds A are present on the seabed, the seaweed seeds A will receive the ultrasonic waves and be stimulated. In particular, the present invention can promote the germination of seaweed seeds A by irradiating them with ultrasonic waves only once, making it possible to very simply increase the germination efficiency of seaweed seeds A present on the seabed and promote the cultivation and proliferation of seaweeds.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6 , for example, a user uses a map of the ocean to pre-set a predetermined route Q in the sea, and moves a ship 60 incorporating the germination promotion device 1 along the predetermined route Q. When the ship 60 has moved a predetermined distance, the ultrasonic control unit 20 of the germination promotion device 1 incorporated in the ship 60 uses the ultrasonic transmitter 10 to irradiate ultrasonic waves toward seaweed seeds A present on the seabed. The predetermined distance is set, for example, based on the range of a single ultrasonic wave irradiation. When the ultrasonic control unit 20 completes the ultrasonic wave irradiation, the ship 60 then moves a predetermined distance along the predetermined route Q, and the ultrasonic control unit 20 uses the ultrasonic transmitter 10 to irradiate ultrasonic waves toward seaweed seeds A present on the seabed. By repeatedly moving the ship 60 and irradiating ultrasonic waves along the seabed present on the predetermined route Q, the germination promotion device 1 can promote the germination of all seaweed seeds A present on the seabed. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, seaweed seeds A present in an area C through which a ship 60 has passed are irradiated with ultrasound and eventually begin to germinate, promoting the proliferation of seaweed. [Example]

[0049] Examples and comparative examples of the present invention will be specifically described below, but the application of the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0050] A confirmation experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of ultrasound irradiation on promoting the germination of seaweed seed A. In the confirmation experiment, artificial seawater was placed in an aquarium (45 cm wide, 30 cm deep, 30 cm high), and 20 eelgrass (seaweed) seeds were placed on the inside bottom of the aquarium, and the germination of the eelgrass seeds was observed.

[0051] Here, in the confirmation experiment, Example 1 was a case in which ultrasound under specified irradiation conditions (frequency: 70 kHz, sound pressure: 143 dB based on underwater standard) was irradiated to 20 seeds in water for one hour, and Comparative Example 1 was a case in which ultrasound was not irradiated to the 20 seeds, and Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were compared.

[0052] As a result, as shown in Figure 7, in Example 1, two seeds germinated on the 20th day after the day of ultrasonic irradiation, and a total of six seeds germinated on the 28th day. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, only one seed germinated on the 28th day after the start of the experiment. These results demonstrate that irradiating eelgrass seeds with ultrasonic waves under specified irradiation conditions can promote the germination of eelgrass seeds.

[0053] Next, in a confirmatory experiment, we investigated whether differences in the ultrasonic irradiation period (number of days of irradiation) would result in differences in the effect of promoting germination of seaweed seeds. Here, the ultrasonic irradiation conditions were as follows: ultrasonic frequency 70 kHz, underwater standard sound pressure 143 dB, irradiation time 1 hour, irradiation period 1 day (Example 2), irradiation period 2 days (Example 3), and irradiation period 3 days (Example 4).

[0054] As a result, as shown in Figure 8A, for all of Examples 2-4, three seeds germinated one day after the day of ultrasonic irradiation, and the number of germinated seeds increased as the number of days passed. Furthermore, for Examples 2-4, there was no significant difference in the change in the cumulative number of germinated seeds depending on the irradiation period.

[0055] In addition, in the confirmation experiment, Examples 5-7 were prepared under the same conditions as in Example 2-4, except that the ultrasonic irradiation time per session was changed from 1 hour to 3 hours.

[0056] As a result, as shown in Figure 8B, for all of Examples 5-7, 3 to 4 seeds germinated one day after the day of ultrasonic irradiation, and the number of germinated seeds increased as the number of days passed. Furthermore, for Examples 5-7, there was no significant difference in the change in the cumulative number of germinated seeds depending on the irradiation period.

[0057] These results show that the duration and time of ultrasound exposure do not have much effect on the germination promotion effect of seaweed seeds. For example, even if the ultrasound exposure time is one hour and the duration is one day, it is still effective in promoting the germination of seaweed seeds.

[0058] Furthermore, in a confirmatory experiment, we investigated whether differences in ultrasonic frequency would result in differences in the effect of promoting germination of seaweed seeds. Example 8 was a case in which the ultrasonic frequency was 50 kHz, the underwater standard sound pressure was 141 dB, the ultrasonic irradiation time was 30 minutes, and the ultrasonic irradiation period was 1 day. Example 9 was a case in which the ultrasonic frequency was 100 kHz, the underwater standard sound pressure was 152 dB, the ultrasonic irradiation time was 30 minutes, and the ultrasonic irradiation period was 1 day.

[0059] Example 10 was a case where the ultrasonic frequency was 50 kHz, the underwater standard sound pressure was 141 dB, the ultrasonic irradiation time was 1 hour, and the ultrasonic irradiation period was 1 day. Example 11 was a case where the ultrasonic frequency was 70 kHz, the underwater standard sound pressure was 143 dB, the ultrasonic irradiation time was 1 hour, and the ultrasonic irradiation period was 1 day.

[0060] As a result, as shown in Figure 9A, in Example 8, germination of seeds was observed from the first day after the day of ultrasonic irradiation, and in Example 9, germination of seeds was observed from the fifth day after the day of ultrasonic irradiation.

[0061] 9B, in Example 10, germination of seeds was observed from the second day after the ultrasonic irradiation, and in Example 11, germination of seeds was observed from the first day after the ultrasonic irradiation.

[0062] These results show that, for example, if the ultrasonic frequency is within the range of 10 kHz to 100 kHz, the ultrasonic irradiation time is short and even if the ultrasonic irradiation period is only one day, the germination of seaweed seeds is sufficiently promoted. [Industrial Applicability]

[0063] As described above, the germination promotion device and germination promotion method of the present invention are extremely useful not only in the marine field but also in the fields of global warming countermeasures and aquaculture, and are effective as a germination promotion device and germination promotion method that can promote the germination of seaweed seeds using an inexpensive ultrasonic transmitter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 Germination accelerator 10 Ultrasonic transmitter 20 Ultrasonic control unit 30 aquarium 40 Aquaculture tank 50 Floating Body 60 ships A. Seaweed seeds

Claims

1. an ultrasonic transmitter arranged toward seaweed seeds present in the water; an ultrasonic wave control unit that uses the ultrasonic wave transmitter to irradiate the seeds with ultrasonic waves having a frequency in a range of 10 kHz to 100 kHz, thereby promoting germination of the seeds; Equipped with The ultrasonic control unit irradiates the seeds with the ultrasonic waves at a standard sound pressure in the water within a range of 120 dB to 160 dB. Germination promoter.

2. The germination promotion device is incorporated into a floating body including a ship, The floating body is placed on the water surface of an aquaculture tank having the seeds on its inner bottom surface, or on the water surface of the sea where the seeds are present on the seabed, The ultrasonic transmitter is placed so as to face the seeds, The ultrasonic control unit irradiates the seeds with the ultrasonic waves while the float travels on the water surface. The germination promoting device according to claim 1.

3. A predetermined path is set relative to the water surface, When the float moves a predetermined distance along the path, the ultrasonic control unit irradiates the ultrasonic waves toward the seeds, and when the irradiation of the ultrasonic waves is completed, the float moves the distance along the path, The movement of the floating body and the irradiation of the ultrasonic waves are repeated along the path. The germination promoting device according to claim 2.

4. an arrangement step of arranging an ultrasonic transmitter toward seaweed seeds present in water; an ultrasonic wave control step of irradiating the seeds with ultrasonic waves having a frequency in the range of 10 kHz to 80 kHz using the ultrasonic wave transmitter to promote germination of the seeds; Equipped with The ultrasonic control step irradiates the seeds with ultrasonic waves at a standard sound pressure in the water within a range of 120 dB to 160 dB. Methods for promoting germination.

Images