Apparatus for growing long-stemmed vegetables, related methods and uses

Abstract

An apparatus 100, related systems, methods and uses for growing long-stemmed vegetables is provided. The apparatus 100 comprises a frame rack 10 with at least one essentially horizontal growing platform 22 configured to support a stem portion 31 of at least one long-stemmed vegetable planted in a fixed growing tray 13, said growing platforms each being established by a conveying device 11, the speed of which is adjustable, e.g., to accommodate plant growth.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a trellis-type apparatus for growing horizontal, long-stemmed vegetables. In particular, the present invention relates to a growing apparatus including one or more horizontal conveyor track loops, optionally arranged at different levels, and related systems, methods, and uses. The apparatus is suitable for indoor cultivation of long-vine vegetables, such as cucumbers and tomatoes. [Background technology]

[0002] Access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food is key to sustaining life and promoting good health. Global demand for food will increase in the coming years, and competition for natural resources to produce food will likewise increase.

[0003] The globalization of food trade, a steadily growing world population, and climate change may have detrimental effects on the long-term availability of the world's food resources, resulting in depletion of land and water reserves, stagnation of potential yields of staple crops and rising energy prices, and underutilization of production potential in developing countries.

[0004] The human population is expected to grow to approximately 9.6 billion by 2050. Together with widespread urbanization, a reduction in productive agricultural land, and extreme variations in global climatic conditions, this will put particular pressure on the agricultural sector. For the time being, approximately 50% of the world's population lives in cities, but by 2030, this figure is estimated to reach 70%.

[0005] Furthermore, traditional open-field cultivation of plants requires large areas of land. Crop quality and quantity are affected by climate and weather fluctuations. Weather impacts will become even more severe in the future due to climate change. Depending on the calculation method, the agricultural industry produces up to 20-30% of greenhouse gas emissions globally.

[0006] One way to overcome the harmful effects of fluctuating climatic conditions is through protected cultivation, such as greenhouse cultivation. However, conventional greenhouse cultivation also has the disadvantage of requiring large areas to grow crops. Therefore, in urban areas where land prices are higher than in rural areas, open-field or conventional greenhouse cultivation can only be carried out on a limited (small) scale.

[0007] In many countries, urbanization and increasing transportation problems have made it more difficult to transport freshly grown food to urban centers. Furthermore, increased environmental awareness among consumers has led to a desire for local cultivation. Therefore, there is a growing need for and interest in cultivation near or in urban environments. Plant factories allow plants to be grown in places where traditional open-field cultivation is not possible, such as urban areas. In plant factories, the cultivation environment is highly controlled and designed to meet the needs of the crops being grown. The harmful effects of pesticide use and unfavorable weather conditions can be reduced or eliminated. Theoretically, cultivation is possible 24 hours a day, year-round, without fluctuations in crop quality.

[0008] To increase the amount of crop grown per unit area of land, different types of harvesting systems have been developed, where farming is done vertically or horizontally, preferably on multiple vertical levels. Typically, plant factories harvest low-growing leafy vegetables such as lettuce and herbs, although some applications exist that are suitable for long-stemmed plants such as climbing plants.

[0009] Apparatuses and methods for advanced vertical cultivation of climbing vegetables are known from the state of the art. China Patent Publication No. 108401719 (Guang, M. et al.) discloses an automated trellis system for vertical cultivation of cucumbers. Cucumber seedlings are supported on separate vertical guide wires arranged on a looped trellis. The guide wires are extended by a winding mechanism as the seedlings grow upward. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003121205 (Van Weel) discloses an apparatus for growing individual long-stemmed plants, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, etc., on guide wires shaped in the form of a frame. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010192458 (Van Zijl) discloses an apparatus for accommodating fast-growing stems of long-stemmed greenhouse plants, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, etc., arranged to grow vertically on a circumferential medium that rotates relative to a fixed support base.

[0010] The above-mentioned systems for the vertical growth of long-stemmed plants are hampered by several drawbacks. The main drawback of existing vertical cultivation systems is the lack of measures to control the stem length of plants growing high upwards. Furthermore, in vertical cultivation conditions where climbing plants grow side by side, the available (usually artificial) light does not provide sufficiently uniform illumination over the entire length of the plants, reducing plant viability and reducing crop yield. Vertical cultivation solutions generally require fairly large facilities, and therefore, spatial optimization of such facilities is difficult and often impossible.

[0011] A conventional vertical high-wire system can produce approximately 180 kg of cucumbers and / or 70 kg of tomatoes per year.

[0012] Cultivation systems in which plants are grown using essentially horizontal platforms or levels are also known from the state of the art. For example, International Patent Publication No. 2019104431 (Vesty) discloses an automated recirculating plant cultivation system including a conveyor belt arrangement that transports multiple plants growing in trays. International Patent Publication No. 2016023947 (Aschheim et al.) discloses an arrangement for the horizontal hydroponic cultivation of lettuce plants, including a mesh-like conveyor belt with openings for placing growing medium therein. The conveyor belt's transport speed is adjusted so that short-growing plants grow to maturity during the period they spend on the belt (usually 3 to 10 weeks). However, all of these systems are designed for the cultivation of short-leaf vegetables such as lettuce and herbs.

[0013] Thus, the state of the art is limited in that no rational solution is yet available for the horizontal cultivation of tall-growing, practical plants, such as climbing vegetables and / or long-stemmed herbs, in conditions of limited space and / or artificial lighting.

[0014] In this regard, an update of the technical field aimed at growing long-stemmed vegetables, such as climbing crops, is still desired with a view to addressing the challenges associated with maintaining and / or improving production yields in limited space conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The object of the present invention is to solve or at least alleviate each of the problems arising from the limitations and drawbacks of the related art. This object is achieved by various embodiments of an apparatus for the horizontal cultivation of long-stemmed vegetables, such as climbing vegetables, and related cultivation systems, methods and uses. Thereby, in one aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for the cultivation of long-stemmed vegetables according to what is defined in independent claim 1.

[0016] In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame rack and at least one essentially horizontal growing platform configured to support stem portions of at least one long-stemmed vegetable planted in a fixed growing tray, wherein the growing platform is established by a transporting device, the speed of which is adjustable, e.g., to correspond to the rate of growth of the plants.

[0017] In an embodiment, the conveying device is arranged to convey the stem portion of the at least one vegetable along an essentially horizontal plane in a direction d1 opposite to the direction d2 of plant growth, and the stem portion of the vegetable is supported on the conveying device.

[0018] In an embodiment, the speed of the transporter is adjustable, for example to establish a harvest area within the growing platform where the vegetable crop is harvested.

[0019] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a stem collection mechanism provided as a roller, wheel, coil, or any other device suitable for receiving and collecting long-stemmed vegetable stems.

[0020] In an embodiment, the transport device is a conveyor device configured as one of a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, and a string conveyor (wire conveyor), optionally with suitable fasteners such as clamps, clips, etc., for supporting the stem portions of long-step plants.

[0021] In an embodiment, the speed of the transporter and optionally the operation of the stem collection mechanism are at least partially automated.

[0022] In an embodiment, the transport device comprises several parallel tracks arranged laterally at a predetermined distance from each other, each said track being arranged to support an individual stem portion of a long-stemmed vegetable.

[0023] In an embodiment, the device comprises several growing platforms arranged one above the other on a frame rack to form a so-called stack configuration.

[0024] In an embodiment, the device further comprises an arrangement of artificial lighting, for example LED lighting.

[0025] In an aspect, there is provided a cultivation system according to what is defined in independent claim 10.

[0026] In another aspect, there is provided a method for the cultivation of long-stemmed vegetables according to what is defined in independent claim 11. The method is preferably implemented with an apparatus according to the described embodiments, in which stem portions of at least one long-stemmed vegetable planted in fixed cultivation trays are supported on a cultivation platform of the apparatus, said cultivation platform being established by a transport device, the speed of which is adjustable, e.g. to correspond to the rate of growth of the plants.

[0027] In a further aspect there is provided a use of the device and / or system according to the embodiment for growing tall, long-stemmed vegetables, as defined in independent claim 14.

[0028] In an embodiment, the tall, long-stemmed vegetable is selected from any one of a climbing vegetable, a long-stemmed herbaceous plant, and any other climbing plant.

[0029] In an embodiment, the tall, long-stemmed vegetables are plants belonging to the group of species consisting of Cucumis spp., Solanum spp., Citrullus spp., Capsicum spp., Cucurbita spp., Phaseolus spp., Humulus spp., Vitis spp., and Actinidia spp. Thus, the vine vegetables may be selected from the group consisting of cucumber, tomato, eggplant, bell pepper (also called bell pepper), melon, pumpkin, zucchini, bean, hops, and other vine-like utilitarian plants (e.g., grapes, kiwifruit, etc.).

[0030] The usefulness of the present invention arises for a variety of reasons depending on each particular embodiment thereof, primarily the general objective of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective solution for producing long-stemmed (long-vine) vegetables such as fruit-bearing vegetables, including but not limited to cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and other utilitarian plants, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0031] The present invention is particularly useful for use in plant factory-based cultivation methods suitable for urban environments. The production facilities presented herein can be located in closed agricultural environments, providing production independent of climatic regions. The factories can be located in challenging environments (e.g., deserts, arctic zones, etc.) where traditional green vegetable cultivation is not possible.

[0032] The present invention provides a solution that allows stacking of several devices (frame racks) and / or several essentially conveyor tracks (provided in the same frame rack), thereby enabling multi-layered cultivation and thus increasing the yield per cubic meter. Losses due to significant and often unpredictable climate changes can be avoided, and the costs incurred by transporting (fresh) crops from elsewhere can be avoided. Overall, the present invention adds sustainability and cost-effectiveness to commercial methods of growing climbing vegetables, especially those used in modern greenhouses and plant factories.

[0033] In the present invention, horizontally growing, long-stemmed plants are illuminated along the entire length of the plant and / or from all angles, thereby significantly enhancing growth and improving crop yield. Furthermore, the present invention is useful in that it can operate fully automatically, meaning that no manpower is required to move the plants, cut the vines or remove the leaves, and handle the fruit harvesting. The present invention thus allows for a reduction in the amount of physical labor required by farmers. Layering the cultivation platform (cultivation level) improves the energy efficiency of production facilities.

[0034] Due to its automation and sophisticated multi-tier configuration, the apparatus and method for horizontal cultivation of vegetable crops according to the present disclosure allows for a reduction in labor-related costs and an improvement in occupational safety, the latter being improved since the inventive solution eliminates the need for manual harvesting and / or processing of vegetable crops at heights of several meters (not uncommon in conventional vertical high-wire cultivation), which is necessarily slow and labor-intensive.

[0035] Preliminary testing has shown that the inventive concept allows for increased production yields of climbing vegetables by approximately 20-30% per plant compared to traditional high-wire cultivation.

[0036] The devices and systems presented herein further allow for efficient water recycling and control of the amount of nutrients and / or associated waste products.

[0037] In the present disclosure, the phrase "long-stemmed vegetables" is utilized to refer to so-called vine vegetables, especially long-vine vegetables that can produce food crops. The phrases "long-stemmed vegetables," "vine vegetables," and "long-stemmed vegetables" are used interchangeably and refer, in a non-limiting manner, to vegetable crop plants and herbaceous / green crop plants that have tall-growing stems.

[0038] The term "several" hereby refers to any positive integer starting from 1, e.g., 1, 2, or 3. The term "plurality" hereby refers to any positive integer starting from 2, e.g., 2, 3, or 4.

[0039] The terms "first" and "second" are not intended to denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are merely used to distinguish one element from another unless otherwise specified.

[0040] Different embodiments of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] 1 shows an apparatus 100 for growing long-stemmed vegetables according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B show perspective and side views of an apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B show perspective and side views of an apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] A cultivation system 500 is shown, including several devices 100. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters are used to denote like elements throughout the drawings, and the following descriptions of the elements are used: 100 - Equipment for growing long-stemmed vegetables 10-Frame Rack 10A, 10B - corresponding first and second ends of the frame rack 10 11-Conveying device; 11A, 11B - Conveyor tracks 12-Stem recovery mechanism 13-(Cultivation) Tray 14-Lighting equipment 15-Harvesting Machine 16-Leaf pruning device; 17-Separator 18-support leg 21, 23 - top and base of frame rack 10 22-Cultivation platform; 31- Long-stemmed vegetables (the stem part of the plant); 32 - Long-stemmed vegetable crops (fruit) 33-Harvesting Area 41-Control Unit

[0043] 1 shows the concept underlying various embodiments of an apparatus for growing long-stemmed vegetables at 100. The apparatus 100 is particularly suitable for growing (long) vine vegetable crops such as fruit-bearing vegetables, including but not limited to cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers such as sweet peppers, also known as bell peppers, eggplants, zucchini, pumpkins, etc.; growing long-stemmed herbaceous plants such as beans and hops, and growing any other vine-like plants with tall-growing stems (e.g., grapes and kiwifruit). The apparatus can be used in indoor and outdoor cultivation of the above crops in greenhouses and / or plant factories, as well as in the open air.

[0044] Apparatus 100 includes a frame rack 10 embodied as a rack-type framework made of metal or any other suitable material. Frame rack 10 (and apparatus 100, consequently) has a first end 10A and a second end 10B. The frame rack further has a top 21 and a base 23. The top level may be open. In some configurations, base 23 is provided as a grid or net. The frame rack may have a number of support legs 18, optionally equipped with wheels or similar arrangements to facilitate repositioning of the rack.

[0045] The apparatus 100 further includes at least one growing platform 22 disposed essentially between the top 21 (top level) and base 23 (base level) of the frame rack. The growing platform 22 is disposed essentially horizontally, i.e., essentially along a longitudinal plane, the latter being defined as a plane along and intersecting the distance 10A-10B that defines the length of the rack 10. Alternatively, the growing platform may be inclined at an angle in a direction toward either one of the end sides 10A or 10B.

[0046] The cultivation platform 22 includes or consists of a conveying device 11 mounted on the frame rack 10. The conveying device 11 may be embodied as a belt-type conveyor with one or more tracks 11A, 11B (FIG. 2). The conveying device 11 may be configured as a conventional belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, a string conveyor, or a wire-type conveyor, or any other suitable type of conveyor. The conveying device may be configured as several strings or wires extending along the length of the frame rack 10 (i.e., between ends 10A and 10B), and the stem portions of the cultivated plants are supported on such strings or wires. The strings or wires may form cultivation tracks 11A, 11B, respectively, within the platform 22.

[0047] Thus, in the frame rack 10, at least one growing platform 22 is established by the transport device 11. Alternatively, the transport device 11 may be supported on a separate support deck, frame, or rail.

[0048] In some configurations, the apparatus 100 includes two or more growing platforms 22 (not shown) mounted on the frame rack 10 one above the other to form a parallel "stack" configuration. Such a configuration allows for the cultivation of layered climbing vegetables, with each layer being supported by a growing platform (carrier). In such a multi-layer configuration, each growing platform 22 is supported by a separate carrier 11.

[0049] The exemplary growing platform 22 (FIGS. 2 and 3), substantially defined by the distance 10A-10B, has a length of about 4 meters and a width of about 0.8 meters. The distance (i.e., height) between the growing platform 22 and the top 21 of the frame rack is about 1 meter.

[0050] In some configurations (not shown), the provision of a base level 23 of the frame rack 10 is omitted. In such event, the base level is formed by a growing level 22 / transporter 11, which is optionally supported on a support deck or frame.

[0051] The conveying device 11 is configured to support a stem portion 31 of at least one long-stemmed vegetable. For the purposes of the present invention, it is important that it is the stem portion of the long-stemmed vegetable that is supported and conveyed on the conveying device 11. Thus, the conveying device 11 performs conveying activities on the stem portion of at least one long-stemmed plant supported thereon. Accordingly, the reference numeral 31 will be used hereinafter to represent the stem portion of the plant. At least one vegetable is planted in at least one tray 13 (cultivation tray) positioned adjacent to the device 100. The tray 13 is preferably positioned at one end side of the device (10A, referred to as the "planting end"; FIG. 1). The tray 13 remains fixed throughout the entire cultivation cycle. The tray may be provided as a container or several containers containing a suitable substrate material (seedbed material or rooting bed material).

[0052] The choice of substrate / bed material will necessarily vary depending on the plants to be grown in the apparatus 100. Exemplary substrate materials include, but are not limited to, essentially solid substrates such as soil, peat, moss (e.g., Sphagnum moss), and / or rock wool supplemented with appropriate fertilizers, as well as essentially liquid substrates provided as a liquid or suspension. The trays 13 may be filled with the substrate materials. Alternatively, mist cultivation (aeroponics) may be employed, in which nutrient-containing water is distributed, for example, by spraying, into the trays 13. The mist thus created is captured by the roots of the plants placed in the trays.

[0053] Thus, the device 100 can utilize traditional cultivation methods in essentially solid substrates and hydroponic-based methods (growing plants in a nutrient solution), as well as aeroponic-based methods (growing plants in a misted air environment).

[0054] The growing tray 13 is planted with at least one long-stemmed (tall-growing) vegetable. The tray 13 may be equipped with a device for collecting wastewater for reuse. The use of several containers or larger containers with multiple compartments allows for cultivating different species or genera in the same device 100.

[0055] The exemplary apparatus 100 having the dimensions specified above is designed to support three or four plants arranged side by side on the carrier 11. It is anticipated that, adopting the present disclosure as a whole, one skilled in the art would have no difficulty modifying the apparatus 100 for the simultaneous cultivation of any suitable number of long-stemmed vegetables.

[0056] In the device, the movement and transport speed of said transport device 11 is adjustable to essentially correspond to the rate of growth of the plants.

[0057] The movement and conveying speed of the conveying device 11 can be adjusted by suitable gears, such as motor-driven bevel gears. Bevel gears are particularly useful for belt conveyors because the bevel gear system multiplies the torque force of the gears, allowing the conveyor to operate smoothly and efficiently.

[0058] In operation, the conveying device 11 is adjusted to convey at least one vegetable stem portion 31 in a first direction d1 (FIGS. 1, 3), said first direction being essentially opposite to the direction of plant growth (the latter being defined herein as second direction d2), which direction of plant growth d2 is defined herein with respect to the plant having its stem portion positioned and supported on an essentially horizontal growing platform 22. For the purposes of the present invention, it is important that the stem portion 31 of said at least one plant is supported on the growing platform 22 (here on the conveying device 11) during operation of the conveying device (i.e. during transportation).

[0059] The plants may optionally be supported on the growing platform by some suitable fasteners and / or support / fixing devices, such as brackets, clamps, or clips (not shown). The stem portions of the plants may be attached to the growing platform / transporter manually, i.e., by an operator, to guide the tops of the plants in the appropriate direction. The operation of these fasteners and / or fixing devices may be at least partially automated. Nevertheless, the plants may be positioned and supported without the use of any fixing devices.

[0060] The present invention recognizes the concept of the formation of a so-called harvest area within the growing platform 22. When the vegetables are mature enough to produce vegetable crops 32 (FIG. 1), these crops are harvested in a predetermined area on the growing platform 22 called the harvest area 33.

[0061] The term "vegetable crop" refers to any desired crop (fruit product) produced by and harvested from long-stemmed vegetables grown on the apparatus 100, where the crop is botanically defined as any one of vegetables, fruits, flowers, berries, pods (legumes), leaves (green leaves), tubers, etc.

[0062] However, if the growing platform 22 is maintained stationary (as in conventional solutions), long-stemmed plants will overgrow the growing area, and their tops will "escape" the frame rack (through the end 10B opposite the end 10A where the seedbed is located). Vegetable crops produced close to the tops of these newly formed plants are difficult to harvest. To solve this problem, in the apparatus 100, the transport speed of the transporting device 11 is adjustable to establish a harvesting area 33 within the growing platform 22, where mature vegetable crops 32 are harvested. To maintain a substantially constant position of the harvesting area 33 on the growing platform, the speed of the transporting device 11 is adjusted to correspond to the rate of plant growth. At the same time, the transporting device 11 is adjusted to transport the stem portions 31 of the plants in a direction (d1) opposite to the direction of plant growth (d2). In this arrangement, a continuous harvesting area 33 is established on the moving growing platform 22. Movement of the platform 22 may be accomplished in a continuous manner or for a predetermined period of time (with alternating periods of movement and rest).

[0063] The speed of the transporter 11 can further be adjusted so that the period that the stem portion 31 of the plant spends on the cultivation platform 22 corresponds to the maturity period of said plant.

[0064] The operation of the cultivation platform 22 / conveyor device 11 may be semi-automated or fully automated. At least the transport speed of said transport device and / or the duration and periodicity of the rest periods may be automated.

[0065] By controlling the transport speed of the transport device 11, the area defining the harvesting area 33 can be adjusted. To improve production speed, it may be desirable to produce crops along (and across) the entire growing platform, i.e., the distance 10A-10B.

[0066] The vegetable crop 32 may be harvested manually or by an automated harvester device 15 / harvester robot provided with the device 100 (FIG. 1).

[0067] In operation, seedlings are planted in growing trays 13 positioned at one end (planting end 10A) of the apparatus 100. The trays 13 may be positioned at a height such that the substrate surface is positioned essentially at the same level as the growing platform 22 / transporter 11 (not shown). Alternatively, the growing trays 13 may be positioned at base level 23 (FIGS. 1-3), thereby directing the growing seedlings upward until they reach the growing platform 22 / transporter 11 (not shown). Once the seedlings are positioned on the platform 22, they adopt a growth direction d2 along an essentially horizontal plane defined by the growing platform 22 (and transporter 11). The growing seedlings are then guided along the horizontal transporter 11. Movement of the transporter 11 does not need to be activated until the seedlings reach the end (10B) of the growing platform opposite the planting end (10A) and / or the plants begin producing a crop.

[0068] The transporting device 11 is preferably configured to facilitate collection of the vegetable crop 32 by a manual or automated harvester device 15. As shown in Figure 1, the mature vegetable crop 32 hangs from a growing platform 22. The transporting device 11 may thus include several parallel tracks 11A, 11B arranged laterally at a predetermined distance from each other (Figure 2), where each track is arranged to support an individual long-stemmed vegetable stem portion 31. Additionally or alternatively, the transporting device may be provided with several openings through which the mature vegetable crop 32 can be collected.

[0069] The plants (their stem portions) supported on the conveyor device 11 can be further separated from one another by a separator 17. The separator 17 can also be used to separate plants arranged on several conveyor tracks from one another. The separator 17 is preferably a removable device made from plastic (e.g. polycarbonate) or any other material that is relatively light and easy to clean.

[0070] To collect stem portions that no longer produce a crop, the apparatus 100 further includes a stem collection mechanism 12. The stem collection mechanism is configured to collect and hold stem portions of plants whose harvesting period has ended, for example, to prevent them from hanging and / or falling from the frame rack 10 and the platform 22. The stem collection mechanism may be, for example, a beam, a roller, a wheel, or a coil. Any other suitable solution may be adopted. The apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3 includes a stem collection mechanism 12 embodied as a roller. The stem portions are pulled from the lower / planting end (10A) around the roller so as to be wound around said roller in a wound coil-like manner. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1-3, the stem collection mechanism 12 is essentially located below the cultivation platform 22. Providing the stem collection mechanism at the planting end 10A (for example, near the seedbed 13) is not excluded.

[0071] In the device 100, the operation of the stem recovery mechanism 12 may be at least partially automated. In such an event, the operation of said stem recovery mechanism 12 is coordinated with the operation of the conveying device 11, in particular the conveying speed of said conveying device, as defined above, for example in terms of rotation speed or any other operating parameter determining the operation of recovering the stems.

[0072] To facilitate receipt of the stem portions on the stem collection mechanism 12, the device 100 may further comprise a leaf pruning device 16 (FIG. 1). Operation of the leaf pruning device 16 is preferably automated.

[0073] The device 100 further includes a lighting arrangement 14. The lighting arrangement 14 is provided as an artificial lighting arrangement including several light sources, for example, LED arrays, arranged on top of the growing platform 22. Additionally or alternatively, several suitable light sources may be arranged laterally relative to the growing platform 22. When the device 100 includes several growing platforms 22 in a stacked configuration (not shown), each level established by the growing platforms 22 may be illuminated with several light sources to ensure uniform illumination across all vegetable stems grown in the device 100.

[0074] The radiation intensity and / or quality of the light sources provided in the lighting arrangement 14 can be adjusted, for example, to achieve optimal production yields across the cultivation platform. Adjustment of the light sources can be done collectively or individually. The lighting arrangement 14 is preferably configured to replace sunlight by emitting electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum (within the range of about 380 nm to about 740 nm). Additionally or alternatively, some radiation-related parameters, such as quality and day length, can be adjusted to achieve some additional function, for example, to inhibit germination and spreading. For the latter purpose, for example, light sources configured to emit far-red radiation (within the range of about 700 to 800 nm) or blue radiation (within the range of about 400 to 500 nm) can be utilized.

[0075] Thus, the apparatus 100 can be configured to include several growing platforms 22 arranged one above the other on the same frame rack 10. The provision of such a multi-layer stacked solution allows for significant improvements in cultivation efficiency and yield. Several apparatuses 100 with one or more growing platforms 22 can further be arranged in a modular cultivation system according to one further aspect of the present invention.

[0076] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a cultivation system 500 according to some aspects of the present invention. The system 500 includes several devices 100 (dashed lines) according to any one of the embodiments described hereinabove. In the system 500, the devices 100 form individual units or modules, which are designated in FIG. 4 by reference numerals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4, and 100-5. In this system, the devices are arranged in a stack (see, for example, modules 100-3, 100-2, and 100-1 arranged on top of each other to form exemplary stack 1, and modules 100-5 and 100-4 to form exemplary stack 2) and / or in an array (e.g., horizontally relative to each other). Aisles formed between the arrays are indicated in FIG. 4 by double-headed arrows. It is clear that the modular system 500 can be established with any suitable number of devices 100 (modules 100). When modules are provided in a stacked configuration, it may be preferable to have protective trays (not shown) between the modules to collect water that drips from the upper modules to the lower modules. Water from these protective trays can be collected in the drainage fixtures provided with the grow trays 13, as discussed hereinabove.

[0077] Control over the at least partially automated operation of each device 100 in the system 500 is implemented via a controller 41 configured to receive outputs from various detectors, sensors, and / or measuring devices provided at least in the transport device 11, the lighting arrangement 14, the harvester robot 15, and / or the leaf harvesting device 16 (not shown) and to provide signals for activating and deactivating a plurality of switches and associated implements provided in the aforementioned devices 11, 14, 15, and / or 16. The controller 41 preferably includes an emergency switch. The controller 41 preferably includes at least one processing unit configured as a stand-alone processor and / or remote control solution, and a user interface. In a modular configuration, wired or wireless communication can be enabled between the controller 41 of the module 100 and a central processing unit (CPU) module (not shown). The CPU module thus monitors the status of all device modules in the system 500 and provides a link to network communication to enable coordinated transmission and processing of input and output data.

[0078] The centralized control in the device 100 and the system 500 (eg, using a CPU module) may be implemented in an at least partially automated manner or in a fully automated manner.

[0079] In another aspect, there is provided a method for growing long-stemmed vegetables on an apparatus 100, the apparatus comprising a frame rack 10 and at least one essentially horizontal growing platform 22. The growing platforms are each established by a conveying device 11. In the method, a stem portion 31 of at least one long-stemmed vegetable planted in a fixed growing tray 13 is supported on the conveying device, the conveying speed of said conveying device being adjustable to correspond to the rate of growth of the plant. The cultivation method preferably utilizes the apparatus 100, optionally provided as part of a system 500, and implemented according to any one of the embodiments described hereinabove.

[0080] In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of transporting at least one vegetable stem portion supported on a transport device 11 along an essentially horizontal plane in a direction d1 opposite to the direction d2 of plant growth.

[0081] In an embodiment, the method includes adjusting the conveying speed of the conveying device to establish a harvesting area 33 within the growing platform 22 in which the vegetable crop 32 is harvested.

[0082] In an embodiment, the regulation of the conveying speed of the conveying device 11 and optionally the operation of the stem recovery mechanism 12 is at least partially automated.

[0083] The method may suitably be used in indoor and outdoor cultivation of long-leaving vegetables, for example in the field, in greenhouses and / or in plant factories.

[0084] In a further aspect, the use of the apparatus 100 and / or system 500 according to any one of the embodiments described hereinabove is provided for the cultivation of tall-stemmed vegetables provided as any one of climbing vegetables and long-stemmed herbaceous plants. The tall-stemmed vegetables may be provided as plants belonging to the group of species consisting of Cucumis spp., Solanum spp., Citrullus spp., Capsicum spp., Cucurbita spp., Phaseolus spp., Humulus spp., Vitis spp., and Actinidia spp.

[0085] Plants cultivated include, but are not limited to, cucumbers (Cucumis spp.; C. sativus), tomatoes (Solanum spp.; S. lycopersicum), eggplants (Solanum spp.; S. melongena), melons (plants belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, including, but not limited to, watermelons (Citrullus spp.; C. lanatus), and honeydew melons (Cucuis spp.; C. melo)); bell peppers (Capsicum spp.; C. annuum), and pumpkins (Cucurbita spp.; including zucchini, squash, and pumpkins). Long-stemmed herbaceous plants include, but are not limited to, beans (Phaseolus; P. vulgaris) and hops (Humulus; H. lupulus). Additionally or alternatively, apparatus 100 and / or system 500 may be utilized to grow any other tall-growing, stemmed, vine-like plants, such as, for example, grapes (Vitis spp.) and kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.).

[0086] Regardless of whether a cultivated plant requires pollination, a number of biological and / or artificial pollination options can be considered.

[0087] Overall, the apparatus 100 and system 500 allow for the growth of long-stemmed, fruit-bearing vegetable species and cultivars that produce vegetable crops / fruits of any size. However, the cultivation of long-vine cultivars that produce small-sized fruits, such as so-called "pickling" cucumber fruits, may have certain advantages because the fruits of such small plant species may fit better between the growing platforms 22 and / or modules 100.

[0088] The following section presents, in a non-limiting manner, the results obtained in some experiments.

[0089] Example 1. Equipment Description The apparatus 100 is designed for the cultivation of three or four cucumber plants side by side, separated from each other by a thin wall 17 (Fig. 2). A cultivation platform 22 is established by a transport device 11. The cultivation platform is about 4 m long and about 0.8 m wide. The distance between the cultivation platform 22 and the top 21 of the apparatus is about 1 m.

[0090] The plants were planted in fixed growing trays 13 provided at one end (10A) of the frame rack. The vine stem 31 of each cucumber was trained to grow horizontally on the growing platform, with the cucumber crop / fruit hanging downward. The device was operated as described hereinabove. During operation, the lowest leaves were automatically cut by the leaf-cutting device 16. The leafless stems 31 were then collected by the stem-collecting mechanism 12 located at the base level 23.

[0091] Cucumber vines supported on a growing platform 22 were illuminated by LED lights 14 positioned to provide uniform illumination to the plants throughout their entire growth stage. Additionally, illumination in the far-red range provided by the LED fixtures was used to inhibit germination. In this example, the light was controlled using an Itumic Multi Station 100 climate controller, and irrigation was controlled using an Itumic Mix Station 300 fertilizer mixer. A motor-driven bevel gear operated by a 400V power supply system was utilized to mediate the movement of the transporter 11.

[0092] Thus, the experiment utilized a module system 500 including one module 100 (Example 2). The module 100 included a cultivation platform 22. In horizontal cultivation performed on module 100, the harvest period started earlier compared to a conventional vertical high-wire installation (where plants were arranged to grow vertically), and therefore the average number of weeks to harvest was increased (see column IV of Table 1).

[0093] Comparative trials were conducted using vertically grown cucumber vines in a conventional static high-wire cultivation setup. Yield comparisons were based on the number of fruits collected during harvest (Example 2).

[0094] Example 2. In this experiment, cucumbers (variety Jawell) were grown under different conditions. In the control setting (0), cucumber plants were grown in a conventional vertical high-wire cultivation setup. Plants were grown in rows approximately 130 cm apart (rows of plants were approximately 60 cm wide, and the aisles between rows of plants were approximately 70 cm wide). Seedlings within the rows were spaced 25 cm apart.

[0095] In experiment 1, cucumbers were grown in a system 500 that included one cultivation module (i.e., device 100) that included a cultivation platform established by a 0.8 m wide transport device (referred to as three tracks) configured to receive three plants arranged side by side.

[0096] These results are summarized in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0097] Experiments conducted with cucumber vines clearly demonstrate that the use of the apparatus and method of the present disclosure can increase the number of fruits per plant by approximately 25% (Example 2, Table 1). Thus, when grown in the apparatus 100, each cucumber produces approximately 25% more fruits than plants grown in the traditional vertical high-wire method (compare results presented in column I of Table 1 (average number of cucumbers obtained / plant / week) for Experiment 1 (10.6) vs. Control (8.5)). This increased productivity can be explained by improved photosynthetic capacity due to a more uniform distribution of light along the vine's stem. Furthermore, horizontal cultivation makes water and / or nutrient solutions more accessible to the plants, since these liquids do not have to rise against gravity (as in traditional systems).

[0098] In conventional vertical high-wire systems, the density of plants (1 m 2 The plant density in the device 100 (number of plants per unit area) was 2.7, whereas the plant density in the device 100 was 0.6, i.e. 4 times less than in the conventional solution (Example 2, Table 1).

[0099] Cucumber plants grow at about one meter per week, achieving lengths of several meters in a few weeks. Arranging the devices 100 in a stacked configuration allows for efficient multi-tier farming even in small growing facilities, such as greenhouses or plant factories integrated into buildings.

[0100] Depending on the number of growing racks (modules / devices 100) arranged one on top of the other and / or next to each other, the fruit yield (amount of fruit produced) per unit area of growing surface can be significantly increased. The latter significantly improves the profitability of production facilities, especially in urban areas where the lack of space (and the associated high cost of land) severely limits the economically viable implementation of traditional greenhouse production. The solution presented here thus offers a viable alternative to traditional vertical high-wire growing solutions, significantly improved in terms of labor cost efficiency and factors related to operational safety.

[0101] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described in this disclosure may be adapted and combined as desired, and thus the present disclosure is intended to cover all possible modifications of the apparatus and methods described herein that are recognizable to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for growing long-stemmed vegetables, comprising a frame rack (10) and at least one essentially horizontal growing platform (22) configured to support a stem portion (31) of at least one long-stemmed vegetable planted in a fixed tray (13), said at least one growing platform comprising or consisting of a conveying device (11), the speed of which is adjustable to correspond to the rate of growth of the plants, said conveying device (11) being arranged to convey the stem portion (31) of the at least one vegetable in a direction (d1) opposite to the direction of growth (d2) of the plants, said plant stem portion being supported on said conveying device.

2. 2. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the speed of the transporting device (11) is adjustable to establish a harvesting area (33) within the cultivation platform (22) in which the vegetable crop (32) is harvested.

3. The device (100) of any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a stem retrieval mechanism (12).

4. The device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the stem recovery mechanism (12) is a roller, a wheel, or a coil.

5. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transporting device (11) is a conveyor configured as any one of a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor and a string conveyor.

6. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the regulation of the speed of the transporting device (11) and optionally the regulation of the operation of the stem withdrawing mechanism (12) is at least partly automated.

7. Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transporting device (11) comprises several parallel tracks arranged laterally at a predetermined distance from each other, each of said tracks being arranged to support an individual stem portion (31) of a long-stemmed vegetable.

8. An apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising several growing platforms (22) arranged one above the other on said frame rack (10).

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lighting arrangement (14).

10. A cultivation system (500) comprising several devices (100) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9 arranged in a stack and / or array.

11. A method for growing long-stemmed vegetables in an apparatus (100) comprising a frame rack (10) and at least one essentially horizontal growing platform (22) comprising or consisting of a conveying device (11), wherein a stem portion (31) of at least one long-stemmed vegetable planted in a fixed tray (13) is supported on the conveying device (11), the speed of which is adjustable to correspond to the rate of growth of the plant, the method further comprising the step of transporting the stem portion (31) of the at least one vegetable supported on the conveying device (11) in a direction (d1) opposite to the direction of growth (d2) of the plant.

12. 12. The method according to claim 11, comprising adjusting the speed of the transporting device (11) to establish a harvesting area (33) within the growing platform (22) in which the vegetable crop (32) is harvested.

13. A method according to any of claims 11 or 12, wherein the device (100) further comprises a stem recovery mechanism (12), and the adjustment of the speed of the conveying device (11) and the adjustment of the operation of the stem recovery mechanism (12) are at least partially automated.

14. Use of the device (100) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9 and / or the system (500) as defined in claim 10 for the cultivation of tall, long-stemmed growing vegetables provided as any one of climbing vegetables and long-stemmed herbaceous plants.

15. 15. The use according to claim 14, wherein the tall, long-stemmed vegetables are plants belonging to the group of species, the group consisting of Cucumis species, Solanum species, Watermelon species, Capsicum species, Cucurbita species, Phaseolus species, Lupulus species, Vitis species, and Actinidia species.

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