How to grow onions

Abstract

To provide a method for cultivating onions in which yield of pecoross with a required size can be improved, and cultivation labor can be reduced as much as possible.SOLUTION: In disseminating seeds of onion on an appropriate culture medium and cultivating onions having a ball diameter of 40 mm or less, a cell tray comprising a plurality of cells in which the content is 15 ml or more and 40 ml or less, and a distance between centers of adjacent cells is 25 mm or more and 54 mm or less is used, culture medium is filled into each cell (step S1), and the seeds are disseminated onto the culture medium of each cell (step S2), and then, germination, raising and harvest are executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for cultivating small onions known as "Pecoros" in Japan. [Background technology]

[0002] In Japan, small onions with a diameter of about 3 cm to 4 cm are called "pekorosu," and although these onions are the same variety as regular onions, they are sweeter than regular onions and, because of their smaller outer diameter, are often served whole in a variety of dishes. Non-Patent Document 1, described below, discloses the following method for cultivating pekorosu in intermediate or warm regions of Japan.

[0003] Specifically, seeds are sown in September in nursery beds, where they germinate and grow, and then in late October or November, the grown seedlings are dug up from the nursery beds and planted in the actual field. While the spacing between plants for regular onions is set at 10-15cm, the spacing between plants for pearl onions is set at 3-5cm, so that the seedlings are planted overcrowded, suppressing bulb growth. Once planted, the seedlings take root and become established, but growth stops in winter and resumes in spring. They are harvested from mid-April onward, when bulbs of a suitable size are obtained.

[0004] As mentioned above, there is demand for these types of pecoros, but because domestic production is low, they have a high market value and are traded at a high unit price. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] "How to grow vegetables and how to cultivate them: How to grow and how to cultivate Pecoros," [online], [searched February 1, 2022], Internet<https: / / xn--m9jp4402bdtwxkd8n0a.net / howto / pecoros> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, with this conventional cultivation method, both the raising of seedlings and the planting are carried out in the field, and the planting process cannot be mechanized, so the spacing between the planted seedlings is uneven, and therefore the size of the harvested pearl peas is also uneven, resulting in a low yield of pearl peas of the required size that meets the standard.In addition, because the work of digging up the seedlings from the seedbed and planting the obtained seedlings in the field cannot be mechanized, these must be done manually, requiring excessive labor.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a method for cultivating onions that can improve the yield of pearl onions of a desired size and reduce the cultivation labor as much as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) A method for cultivating onions according to the present invention comprises sowing onion seeds in a suitable culture medium to cultivate onions having a bulb diameter of 40 mm or less, the method comprising filling each cell of a cell tray having a suitable number of cells with the culture medium, sowing the seeds in the culture medium in each cell, and then carrying out germination, growth, and harvesting.

[0009] In the onion cultivation method of the present invention, onion seeds are sown in an appropriate culture medium to cultivate onions with bulb diameters of 40 mm or less, and the culture medium is filled into each cell of a cell tray having an appropriate number of cells. Onion seeds are then sown in the culture medium of each cell, followed by germination, growth, and harvesting. In this way, since the process from sowing to harvesting is carried out using cell trays, there is no need for digging up and planting as in conventional cultivation methods, and the cultivation labor and work time can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, by using cell trays having an appropriate number of cells, the yield of small onions with bulb diameters of 40 mm or less can be improved.

[0010] (2) The onion cultivation method according to the present invention is characterized in that the cell trays used have a cell capacity of 15 ml to 40 ml, and the distance between the centers of adjacent cells is 25 mm to 54 mm.

[0011] In the onion cultivation method of the present invention, a cell tray is used in which the capacity of each cell is 15 ml to 40 ml and the distance between the centers of adjacent cells is 25 mm to 54 mm.

[0012] If the cell volume is less than 15 ml, the harvested onions cannot be grown to the required size, resulting in an extremely low yield of standard-sized onions. On the other hand, if the cell volume exceeds 40 ml, the onions will grow too large, resulting in a low yield of standard-sized onions. In contrast, if the cell volume is between 15 ml and 40 ml, the onions can be grown to the required size, resulting in the greatest possible yield of standard-sized onions.

[0013] The distance between the centers of adjacent cells in the cell tray is preferably 25 mm or more and 54 mm or less, more preferably 35 mm or more and 41 mm or less. If the distance between the centers of adjacent cells constituting the cell tray is less than 25 mm, sunlight is blocked by the influence of the leaves of adjacent seedlings, which inhibits the growth of the harvested onions, and therefore the yield of onions of the specified size cannot be improved. If the distance between the centers of adjacent cells exceeds 54 mm, the planting density becomes too low, reducing the yield of onions per unit area and making it impossible to improve the yield of onions of the specified size. On the other hand, if the distance between the centers of adjacent cells is 25 mm or more and 54 mm or less, the influence of the leaves of adjacent seedlings can be minimized while an appropriate planting density can be achieved, thereby improving the yield of onions of the specified size.

[0014] (3) Furthermore, the onion cultivation method according to the present invention is characterized in that the timing for sowing the seeds in the culture medium filled in each cell is between late January and early February in Japan.

[0015] In the onion cultivation method according to the present invention, the seeds are sown in the culture medium filled in each cell between late January and early February in Japan. If the seeds are sown before mid-January, the cultivation period becomes longer, which increases the possibility of onions becoming infected with diseases and increases the cultivation costs. On the other hand, if the seeds are sown after mid-February, the cultivation period from sowing to harvesting becomes shorter, which shortens the size of the harvested onions and reduces the yield of onions of the specified size.

[0016] On the other hand, if the sowing time is between late January and early February, the cultivation period is appropriate, so there is a low possibility of onions becoming infected with diseases, and the yield of onions of the specified size is high. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress an increase in cultivation costs.

[0017] (4) The onion cultivation method according to the present invention is characterized in that the cell trays are separated from the field during the cultivation period.

[0018] In the onion cultivation method of the present invention, the cell trays are separated from the field during the cultivation period. As a method for separation, the cell trays may be placed on a table, or an impermeable sheet or the like may be interposed between the field and the cell trays.

[0019] This makes it possible to prevent the roots of the onion seedlings from being affected by the soil in the field when they grow in each cell, thereby making it possible to make the size of the harvested onions more uniform. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart illustrating, in chronological order, an example of a method for cultivating onions according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The onion cultivation method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The onion cultivation method described in this embodiment is an example for explaining the gist of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes modifications and alterations within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a flow chart for explaining in chronological order an example of the onion cultivation method according to the present invention.

[0023] In the cultivation method of the present invention, when cultivating pearl onions, a small type of onion, all processes from sowing and growing to harvesting are carried out using cell trays, which are made up of small pots called cells connected in a grid pattern. Before sowing, the worker makes preparations for cultivation, such as selecting a predetermined cell tray and filling each cell of the selected cell tray with culture soil, as follows (Step S1).

[0024] The cell tray to be used preferably has a capacity of each cell of 15 ml to 40 ml, more preferably 24 ml to 30 ml.

[0025] If the cell volume is less than 15 ml, the pearls cannot be grown to the required size, resulting in a very low yield of pearls of the specified size. On the other hand, if the cell volume exceeds 40 ml, the pearls will swell too much, resulting in a low yield of pearls of the specified size. On the other hand, if the cell volume is between 15 ml and 40 ml, the pearls can be grown to the required size, resulting in a maximum yield of pearls of the specified size.

[0026] The distance between the centers of adjacent cells in the cell tray is preferably 25 mm to 54 mm, more preferably 35 mm to 41 mm. An example of an existing cell tray that meets these conditions is the Yanmar Napla Vegetable Tray with 128 holes (manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.).

[0027] If the distance between the centers of adjacent cells making up the cell tray is less than 25 mm, the leaves of adjacent seedlings will block sunlight, inhibiting the growth of pearl peas, and therefore the yield of pearl peas of the specified size will not be improved. Furthermore, if the distance between the centers of adjacent cells exceeds 54 mm, the planting density will be too low, reducing the yield of pearl peas per unit area and preventing the yield of pearl peas of the specified size from being improved. In contrast, if the distance between the centers of adjacent cells is between 25 mm and 54 mm, the influence of the leaves of adjacent seedlings can be minimized while an appropriate planting density can be achieved, improving the yield of pearl peas of the specified size.

[0028] The culture medium (cultivation medium) used to cultivate pearl stalks can be culture medium for cell-molded seedlings. Culture medium for cell-molded seedlings is prepared by mixing soil with peat moss and vermiculite to have chemical and physical properties suitable for producing high-quality seedlings with excellent growth, such as rooting and rooting, and for managing seedlings. It is suitable for cultivating pearl stalks using cell trays. Various types of culture medium for cell-molded seedlings are commercially available, and one example that can be used is Yosaku N-150 (manufactured by Kyushu Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.).

[0029] Fertilizers used to grow onions can be applied, such as Micro Long Total 280-100 day type (sold by JCAM Agri Co., Ltd.).

[0030] The amount of fertilizer added to the soil should be adjusted so that the amount of nitrogen added is about 900 mg per 1 L of soil. For example, if you are using Micro Long Total 280-100 day type, add about 281 g per 45 L of soil.

[0031] For example, approximately 281 g of Micro Long Total 280 100-day type is added to 45 L of culture soil, and this is filled into each cell of, for example, a Yanmar Napla vegetable tray with 128 holes (manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.).

[0032] Although the present embodiment has been described as an example in which an existing cell tray is used, the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that a dedicated cell tray can be applied in which the inner diameter and depth of each cell, the capacity of each cell, and the distance between the centers of adjacent cells are optimally adjusted.

[0033] Once preparations for cultivating pearl onions are completed in this manner, the worker sows onion seeds in each cell of the cell tray (step S2), and then separates the cell tray from the soil of the field by, for example, placing the cell tray on a platform of an appropriate height (step S3).

[0034] This keeps the cell trays separated from the soil in the field, preventing water from splashing back onto the seedlings when water is sprayed onto the cell trays, reducing the risk of disease. Furthermore, as the seedlings' roots grow within each cell, they are protected from the influence of the soil in the field, resulting in more uniform size harvested pearls.

[0035] If a stand is not used, it is advisable to place an appropriate sheet between the cell tray and the soil surface in the field that is impermeable to moisture and nutrients. In this case, the sheet also prevents water from splashing from the soil surface inside the greenhouse onto the seedlings when water is sprayed, thereby reducing the risk of disease and avoiding the effects of the soil in the field.

[0036] Here, early, very early, or extra-early varieties are suitable for cultivating pearl onions. If mid- or late-season varieties are used, the pearl onions will not grow large enough to reach the required size, making it difficult to obtain pearl onions. Early varieties include Charm, Kaizukawase, and Wase 7go. Extra-early varieties include Hamawarai and Takanishiki. Super-early varieties include Super Kogane, for example.

[0037] The onion cultivation method of the present invention can be applied to regions in Japan where autumn-sown onions are produced, such as Kyushu, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kinki, Chubu and Kanto regions. However, by introducing energy-intensive temperature control equipment, such as heating and heat retention or cooling and heat retention in a greenhouse, the method can also be applied to regions at higher or lower latitudes.

[0038] In areas where autumn onions are grown, the sowing time is between late January and early February, and more preferably early February. If the sowing time is before mid-January, the cultivation period will be longer, which increases the possibility of onions becoming infected with diseases and increases the cultivation costs.

[0039] On the other hand, if the sowing time is after mid-February, the cultivation period from sowing to harvest is short, so the size of the resulting pearls is small and the yield of pearls of the specified size is low.

[0040] In contrast, if the sowing time is between late January and early February, the cultivation period is appropriate, so the possibility of onions becoming infected with diseases is low and the yield of standard-sized onions is high. Furthermore, an increase in cultivation costs can be suppressed. Also, if the sowing time is early February, the yield of standard-sized pearl onions can be maximized, which is more preferable.

[0041] In this specification, the period from the 1st to the 10th of each month is defined as the first half, the period from the 11th to the 20th as the middle, and the period from the 21st to the last day of the month as the last.

[0042] At this time, since the temperature in the field is not yet suitable for germination and growth in the aforementioned production area and sowing period, the seeds are grown in a greenhouse (step S4). For example, cell trays are placed in a greenhouse made of an appropriate material such as vinyl or glass, and when the temperature inside the greenhouse reaches about 22°C to 24°C, both sides of the greenhouse are opened to ventilate the greenhouse, thereby controlling the temperature inside the greenhouse.

[0043] Here, temperature control is carried out so that the temperature ranges from an average of about 10°C to about 25°C during the period from sowing to germination, and the temperature ranges from an average of about 15°C to about 27°C during the period from germination to harvest. Therefore, in areas where such temperatures can be guaranteed in the open field, greenhouse cultivation is not necessary.

[0044] Germination is inhibited whether the temperature from sowing to germination is below about 10°C on average or above about 25°C on average. Furthermore, if the temperature from germination to harvest is below about 15°C on average, the growth of buds, leaves, bulbs, and roots is inhibited by the low temperature, and if the temperature exceeds about 27°C on average, growth is inhibited by the high temperature.

[0045] During the cultivation of the pearl stalks, the worker supplies water to each cell tray as needed to prevent the soil filled in each tray from drying out (step S5).

[0046] For example, for about one month after sowing, water the soil once a day using a sprinkler or similar device to provide 100 to 150 ml of water per cell tray, and then water twice a day as before. In the latter case, watering should be reduced to once a day if it rains.

[0047] Since the harvest time for pearl stalks is about one week after the leaves have fallen over, the worker determines whether the pearl stalks are ready to be harvested based on whether the leaves have fallen over (step S6), and repeats steps S4 to S5 until it is determined that the pearl stalks are ready to be harvested.

[0048] If the worker determines in step S6 that the pearls have reached the harvesting time, he or she harvests the pearls from each cell in the cell tray (step S7).Then, the worker measures the diameter of the pearls (step S8) and, based on the measurement results, sorts the pearls by size (step S9) to obtain pearls of the specified size.

[0049] As described above, in the onion cultivation method of the present invention, since the processes from sowing to harvesting are carried out using cell trays, there is no need for digging up and planting as in conventional cultivation methods, and the cultivation labor and work time can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, by using cell trays with cells of appropriate capacity and an appropriate distance between the centers of adjacent cells, the yield of pearl onions of the desired size can be easily improved. Furthermore, in Japan, the cultivation period is as short as possible, from late January to mid-June at the longest.

[0050] On the other hand, because the cultivation is done using cell trays without using a field, there is no damage caused by continuous cropping of the Pecoros. Also, because the Pecoros are cultivated in a state separated from the soil in the field, the occurrence of disease can be avoided as much as possible.

[0051] As mentioned above, the regions in Japan where the onion cultivation method of the present invention can be applied are Kyushu, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kinki, Chubu, Tokai and Kanto regions, and their surrounding areas, but it goes without saying that the method of the present invention can also be applied to regions other than these, such as overseas countries, as long as they have similar climatic conditions to these regions. In this case, since the progression of the seasons is reversed in the northern and southern hemispheres, the number of months from sowing to harvesting must be adjusted accordingly. [Example]

[0052] Next, the results of carrying out the onion cultivation method according to the present invention will be described. Example 1 In this example, the results of examining the effect of differences in the size of the cells that make up the cell tray on the size and yield of harvested pearl barley are described.

[0053] Table 1 below shows the results of an investigation into the effect that differences in the capacity of the cells that make up the cell tray have on the size of the harvested pearls, and Table 2 shows the results of an investigation into the effect that differences in the capacity of the cells that make up the cell tray have on the yield of the harvested pearls.

[0054] The following cell trays were used: 72-well, 128-well, 200-well, and 288-well cell trays (all Yanmar Napla vegetable trays; manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.), and 448-well cell trays (Minoru Pot 448-hole; manufactured by Minoru Sangyo Co., Ltd.). The cell volumes of each cell tray were 38.0 ml for the 72-well cell tray, 27.0 ml for the 128-well cell tray, 16.0 ml for the 200-well cell tray, 11.5 ml for the 288-well cell tray, and 4.0 ml for the 448-well cell tray.

[0055] Yosaku N-150 (Kyushu Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was used as the cultivation medium, and approximately 281g of Micro Long Total 280-100 day type fertilizer (sold by J-Cam Agri Co., Ltd.) was added per 45L of cultivation medium.

[0056] This culture soil was filled into each cell of the cell tray, and on February 3, 2021, one Charm seed was sown in each cell of each cell tray.Cultivation then began by placing each cell tray on a platform installed in a greenhouse at the Saga Prefecture Uebata Agricultural Center, and pearl peas were harvested from each cell tray on June 6, 2021.

[0057] When the temperature inside the greenhouse reached about 24°C, both sides of the greenhouse were opened and the greenhouse was ventilated to adjust the temperature inside the greenhouse so that it remained within an average range of about 15°C to about 20°C from sowing to germination, and also within an average range of about 15°C to about 27°C from germination to harvest. For about one month after sowing, the seeds were watered once a day with a sprinkler to provide 100 to 150 ml of water per cell tray, and thereafter, the same watering was repeated twice a day. In the latter case, watering was reduced to once a day when it rained.

[0058] [Table 1]

[0059] [Table 2]

[0060] In Table 1, M indicates a diameter of 36.1mm to 40.0mm, S indicates a diameter of 33.1mm to 36.0mm, 2S indicates a diameter of 30.1mm to 33.0mm, and 3S indicates a diameter of 25.1mm to 30.0mm. Additionally, "products" refer to peaches with diameters between 3S and M, and peaches with diameters less than 3S and greater than M are not considered products.

[0061] As is clear from Table 1, the diameter of the harvested pearls increased as the cell volume increased. Furthermore, when using a 448-well cell tray, i.e., when the cell volume was 4.0 ml, pearls with a diameter of 3S or larger could not be harvested. Furthermore, when using a 72-well cell tray, i.e., when the cell volume was 38.0 ml, the percentage of pearls harvested with a diameter larger than M exceeded 30%.

[0062] On the other hand, as is clear from Table 2, when using 72-hole cell trays to 200-hole cell trays, i.e., when the cell capacity was 38.0 ml to 16.0 ml, a product yield of more than 1,000 g was obtained per tray, but when using 288-hole cell trays, i.e., when the cell capacity was 11.5 ml or less, a product yield of less than 400 g per tray could only be obtained.

[0063] Based on the above results and our experience with growing pearl peas, it is preferable that the capacity of each cell is 15 ml to 40 ml, and more preferably 24 ml to 30 ml.

[0064] As mentioned above, if the cell volume is 11.5 ml or less, the product yield per tray will be less than 400 g, and therefore, based on experience, it has been determined that if the cell volume is less than 15 ml, the yield of standard-sized pearl onions will be extremely low.

[0065] On the other hand, since the proportion of cells with diameters exceeding M harvested exceeded 30% when the cell volume was 40 ml, it was considered that the upper limit of the cell volume was 40 ml.

[0066] As is clear from Tables 1 and 2, the 128-hole cell tray, i.e., a cell capacity of 27.0 ml, produced the highest harvest rate of M diameter and the highest commercial yield. Therefore, it was considered more preferable for the cell capacity to be around 27.0 ml, i.e., a cell capacity of 24 ml to 30 ml.

[0067] Example 2 Next, we will explain the results of an investigation into the effect that differences in the distance between the centers of adjacent cells have on the diameter of the harvested pearl syrup.

[0068] Table 2 also shows the results of an investigation into the effect of differences in the center-to-center distance between adjacent cells that make up the cell tray on the diameter of the harvested pearl peas. Table 3 also shows the results of a further investigation into the effect of differences in the center-to-center distance between adjacent cells on the diameter of the harvested pearl peas.

[0069] In each of the above-mentioned cell trays, the distance between the centers of adjacent cells is as follows: 50.0 mm for the 72-hole cell tray, 38.0 mm for the 128-hole cell tray, 28.0 mm minimum for the 200-hole cell tray, 23.0 mm minimum for the 288-hole cell tray, and 19.0 mm minimum for the 448-hole cell tray.

[0070] Table 3 also shows the results of examining the effect on the diameter of harvested pearl pods when seeds are sown in all 128 wells and in 32 of the 128 wells of a 128-well cell tray, when seeds are sown in 60 of the 200 wells of a 200-well cell tray, and when seeds are sown in 66 of the 448 wells of a 448-well cell tray. The distance between the centers of adjacent cells was 70.0 mm when seeds were sown in 32 wells of a 128-well cell tray, 57 mm when seeds were sown in 60 wells of a 200-well cell tray, and a minimum of 54 mm when seeds were sown in 66 wells of a 448-well cell tray.

[0071] The sowing date was January 29, 2020, and the harvest date was June 10, 2020, but the variety, soil, fertilizer, temperature control, and watering management were the same as above.

[0072] [Table 3]

[0073] As is clear from Table 3, when comparing a 128-well cell tray where seeds were sown in all 128 wells with a tray where seeds were sown in 32 of the 128 wells, the longer the distance between the centers of adjacent cells, the heavier the average bulb mass. Also, when comparing a 448-well cell tray where seeds were sown in all 448 wells (Table 2) with a tray where seeds were sown in 66 of the 448 wells (Table 3), the longer the distance between the centers of adjacent cells, the higher the yield. This is thought to be because, as the distance between the centers of adjacent cells increases, the influence of the leaves of adjacent seedlings on adjacent seedlings is reduced, preventing sunlight from being blocked, promoting the growth of the pearl stalks.

[0074] However, as is clear from the results of comparing the case where seeds are sown in all 128 wells of a 128-well cell tray with the case where seeds are sown in 32 of the 128 wells, if the distance between the centers of adjacent cells is made longer than necessary, the cultivation density will become sparse, and the product yield per tray will decrease.

[0075] On the other hand, as is clear from Table 2, when a 288-hole cell tray was used, i.e., when the distance between the centers of adjacent cells was a minimum of 23.0 mm, the product yield per tray did not reach 400 g, whereas when a 200-hole cell tray was used, i.e., when the distance between the centers of adjacent cells was a minimum of 28.0 mm, the product yield per tray exceeded 1,000 g.

[0076] Based on these results and experience in cultivating pearl syrup, it was determined that the distance between the centers of adjacent cells should be at least 25 mm.

[0077] In contrast, when a 128-well cell tray was used, i.e., when the distance between the centers of adjacent cells was 38.0 mm, the product yield per tray exceeded 1,900 g, and when a 72-well cell tray was used, i.e., when the distance between the centers of adjacent cells was 50.0 mm, the product yield per tray was maintained at 1,000 g or more. In addition, when a 448-well cell tray was used, a comparison was made between sowing seeds in all 448 wells and sowing seeds in 66 of the 448 wells. In the latter case, i.e., when the distance between the centers of adjacent cells was a minimum of 54 mm, the product yield increased, indicating that the distance between the centers of adjacent cells should be 54 mm or less.

[0078] Furthermore, as is clear from Tables 2 and 3, when a 128-hole cell tray is used, i.e., when the distance between the centers of adjacent cells is 38.0 mm, the product yield per tray is highest, and based on experience in growing pearl peas, it is considered that the distance between the centers of adjacent cells should preferably be 35 mm or more and 41 mm or less.

[0079] As mentioned above, if the distance between the centers of adjacent cells making up the cell tray is less than 25 mm, the influence of the leaves of adjacent seedlings will block sunlight from reaching the adjacent seedlings, inhibiting their growth and preventing the yield of standard-sized pearl peas. Furthermore, if the distance between the centers of adjacent cells exceeds 54 mm, the planting density will be too low, reducing the yield of pearl peas per unit area and preventing the yield of standard-sized pearl peas. In contrast, if the distance between the centers of adjacent cells is between 25 mm and 54 mm, the influence of the leaves of adjacent seedlings can be minimized while still allowing for an appropriate planting density, thereby improving the yield of standard-sized pearl peas.

[0080] Example 3 Next, we will explain the results of an investigation into the effect that differences in the holding environment of the cell tray have on the diameter of the harvested pearl stalks.

[0081] Table 4 below shows the results of an investigation into the effect of differences in the cell tray holding environment on the diameter of harvested pearl peas. Six 128-hole cell trays and six 200-hole cell trays were used as cell trays, which were divided into two groups. One group was placed on a stand placed inside the greenhouse, and the other group was placed directly on the field (groundbed) inside the greenhouse. The sowing and harvesting dates, variety, soil, fertilizer, temperature control, and watering control were all the same as in Example 1.

[0082] [Table 4]

[0083] As is clear from Table 4, whether using a 128-hole cell tray or a 200-hole cell tray, there was greater variation in the diameter of the harvested pearl stalks and a higher proportion of pearl stalks with a diameter of less than 3S when the cell tray was placed directly on the field and kept in an environment not separated from the field, compared to when the cell tray was placed on a mounting table and kept in an environment separated from the field.

[0084] This is thought to be because the roots of the seedlings growing in each cell of the cell tray extend outward through the pores at the bottom of the cells, come into contact with the soil in the field, and are affected by the soil in the field.

[0085] Therefore, when cultivating pearl barley, it is preferable to place the cell tray on a table and maintain it in an environment separated from the field.

[0086] Example 4 Furthermore, we will explain the results of an investigation into the effect of differences in sowing time on the diameter of harvested pearl stalks.

[0087] Tables 5 and 6 below show the results of an investigation into the effect of differences in sowing time on the diameter of harvested pearl stalks. 128-hole and 200-hole cell trays were used, and these were divided into three groups. Group 1 was sown on January 23, Group 2 on February 3, and Group 3 on February 23. The other characteristics, such as variety, soil, fertilizer, temperature control, and watering control, were the same as in Example 1.

[0088] [Table 5]

[0089] [Table 6]

[0090] As is clear from Table 5, when 128-well cell trays were used, the market yield was relatively high regardless of the sowing time, but as is clear from Table 6, when sowing was in late February, the size of the harvested pearls was smaller than when sowing was at other times. Furthermore, when 200-well cell trays were used, when sowing was in late February, not only were the size of the harvested pearls smaller than when sowing was at other times, but the ratio of market yield to total yield was also extremely low.

[0091] These results suggest that the best time to sow seeds is between late January and early February, and more preferably early February.

[0092] Example 5 We will also explain the results of an investigation into the effect of different onion varieties on the diameter of harvested pearl onions.

[0093] Table 7 below shows the results of an investigation into the effect of different onion varieties on the diameter of harvested pearl onions. The onion varieties used were Charm, Kaizukawase, and Wase No. 7 as early-maturing varieties, Hamawarai and Takanishiki as very-early-maturing varieties, and Super Kogane as an extra-very-early-maturing variety. Tarzan was also used as a mid-maturing variety. The soil, fertilizer, temperature control, and watering management were the same as in Example 1, except that 128-hole cell trays were used and seeds were sown in early February.

[0094] [Table 7]

[0095] As is clear from Table 7, the commercial yield of the mid-season varieties was extremely low compared to the early, very early, and super-very early varieties. In contrast, the commercial yield of the early, very early, and super-very early varieties was high, at around 1,000 g per cell tray.

[0096] From these results, it was considered that early, very early and super-very early varieties of onion were preferable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] Step S1 Preparation for cultivation Step S2 Sowing Step S4 Cultivation Step S5 Water supply management Step S9 Sorting

Claims

1. A method for cultivating onions having a bulb diameter of 40 mm or less by sowing onion seeds in a suitable culture medium, comprising: Filling each cell of a cell tray having a suitable number of cells with the culture medium, The seeds are sown in the culture medium of each cell, and germination, growth, and harvesting are carried out. A method for cultivating onions, comprising:

2. 2. The method for growing onions according to claim 1, wherein the cell tray has a capacity of 15 ml to 40 ml per cell and a distance between the centers of adjacent cells of 25 mm to 54 mm.

3. 3. The method for cultivating onions according to claim 1, wherein the seeds are sown in the culture medium filled in each cell between late January and early February in Japan.

4. 4. The method for cultivating onions according to claim 1, wherein the cell trays are separated from the field during the cultivation period.

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