Cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants and tomato fruit

Abstract

This method for cultivating a fruit-vegetable plant and this tomato fruit involve cultivating, in environments different from each other, at least two portions among a plurality of above-ground portions yielded from a single plant seedling of a fruit-vegetable plant.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In the cultivation of plants such as vegetables, controlling the temperature conditions in the cultivation environment is important from the perspective of improving the quality of the harvest and year-round cultivation, and various temperature control methods have been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent No. 5603669 proposes a method of controlling the temperature conditions of plants by arranging multiple pipes within a predetermined vertical range near the plants in a greenhouse and flowing a heating fluid or a cooling fluid through the multiple pipes.

[0003] However, the growth of plants cultivated in greenhouses, as well as the quantity and quality of the harvest, are affected by the climate and weather. Therefore, in recent years, attention has been focused on artificial light plant factories that cultivate vegetables and other plants in a closed space using artificial light sources such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). Plant cultivation in artificial light plant factories is not affected by climate or weather, and also alleviates the problem of labor shortages, making it possible to cultivate plants under consistent conditions throughout the year.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 6444611 proposes a method for cultivating plants in an artificial light plant factory, in which irradiated light and carbon dioxide concentration are controlled to promote plant growth. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, the plants cultivated in most plant factories in Japan are leafy vegetables such as lettuce, and the cultivation method proposed in Patent No. 6444611 is primarily for cultivating leafy vegetables. However, a method for cultivating fruit vegetables in plant factories has not yet been established, and there is a demand for a method for cultivating fruit vegetables that is suitable for cultivation in plant factories and that can produce high-quality harvests (fruits) such as tomatoes. The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants that is suitable for cultivation in a plant factory and that enables the harvest of high-quality fruits, and tomato fruits harvested by the above-mentioned method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] <1> A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, comprising cultivating at least two above-ground parts of a single seedling of the fruit and vegetable plant in different environments.

[0007] <2> The different environments differ in one or more conditions selected from temperature, relative humidity, light, carbon dioxide concentration, and airflow. <1> A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1.

[0008] <3> The above-ground parts of the fruit vegetable plant have main branches and lateral branches, Cultivating the main branch and at least one of the side branches in different environments. <1> or <2> A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1.

[0009] <4> The different environments include a fruit growth promoting environment including at least a fruit thickening promoting environment and a photosynthesis promoting environment, The fruit thickening-promoting environment is set to a condition suitable for promoting fruit growth of the fruit vegetable plant, in which one or more conditions selected from temperature, relative humidity, light, carbon dioxide concentration, and air flow are selected, The photosynthesis-promoting environment is set to a condition suitable for promoting photosynthesis of the fruit and vegetable plants, in which one or more conditions selected from temperature, relative humidity, light, carbon dioxide concentration, and airflow are selected. <1> ~ <3> 1. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0010] <5> The part of the fruit vegetable plant cultivated in the fruit growth promoting environment or the photosynthesis promoting environment is accommodated in an accommodation unit. <4> The cultivation method described in

[0011] <6> The photoperiod temperature in the fruit thickening-promoting environment is different from the photoperiod temperature in the photosynthesis-promoting environment, The photoperiod temperature in the fruit growth promoting environment is 15°C to 25°C, and the photoperiod temperature in the photosynthesis promoting environment is 25°C to 30°C. <4> or <5> A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1.

[0012] <7> A plurality of above-ground parts of the fruit vegetable plant have two or more of the lateral branches, Cultivating at least two of the main branch and the side branch in the photosynthesis-promoting environment; In the photosynthesis-promoting environment, a light-dark cycle of light irradiation is controlled, and at least one of the main branch and the lateral branch is allowed to stay in the light period. <4> ~ <6> 1. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0013] <8> A plurality of above-ground parts of the fruit vegetable plant have two or more of the lateral branches, At least two of the main branch and the side branch are cultivated in the fruit growth promoting environment. <4> ~ <7> 1. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0014] <9> In the photosynthesis-promoting environment, the leaf area of ​​at least one of the main branch and the side branch is adjusted. <4> ~ <8> 1. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0015] <10> In the photosynthesis-promoting environment, flower buds on at least one of the main branch and the side branch are removed. <4> ~ <9> 1. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0016] <11> The fruit growth-promoting environment further includes at least one of a flowering-promoting environment and a fruit ripening environment, The flowering-promoting environment is set to a condition suitable for promoting flowering of the fruit and vegetable plants, in which one or more conditions selected from temperature, relative humidity, light, carbon dioxide concentration, and airflow are selected. The fruit ripening environment is set to a condition suitable for ripening the fruit of the fruit vegetable plant, in which one or more conditions selected from temperature, relative humidity, light, carbon dioxide concentration, and air flow are selected. <4> ~ <10> 1. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0017] <12> The parts of the fruit vegetable plant cultivated in the fruit thickening promoting environment, the flowering promoting environment, and the fruit ripening environment are accommodated in different accommodation units, respectively. <11> A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1.

[0018] <13> The above method uses an artificial light irradiation device as a light source. <1> ~ <12> 1. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0019] <14> The above-mentioned fruit vegetable plants are plants of the Solanaceae family. <1> ~ <13> 1. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0020] <15> The fruit vegetable plant is a tomato. <1> ~ <14> 1. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0021] <16> the above <15> A tomato fruit obtained by the method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant described in 1.

[0022] <17> The above, which contains 15 mg / 100 g or more of lycopene and has a Brix sugar content of 5 mass % or more. <16> The tomato fruit described in [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants that is suitable for cultivation in a plant factory and that can yield high-quality fruits, and tomato fruits harvested by the above-mentioned method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a fruit vegetable plant. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In the following embodiments, components are not essential unless otherwise specified. The same applies to numerical values ​​and their ranges, and do not limit the present disclosure.

[0026] In the present disclosure, "aerial part" means a part other than the root part arising from a plant seedling. In the present disclosure, "fruit vegetable plant" means a plant that produces fruit as its harvest. In this disclosure, "lateral branch" means a branch that is formed by a side bud that grows from the leaves of the main branch or the base of the stem, etc. A plant with one or more lateral branches is called a multi-branched plant, one with one lateral branch is called a two-branched plant, and one with two lateral branches is called a three-branched plant. In the present disclosure, "topping" refers to pinching off the buds at the growing point of a fruit or vegetable plant to stop the growth of the stem.

[0027] In this disclosure, "Brix sugar content" refers to the refractive index measured at 20°C using a saccharometer or refractometer, etc., converted into mass % of a sucrose solution based on the conversion table of the International Commission on Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis (ICUMSA).

[0028] (Cultivation methods for fruit and vegetable plants) The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure involves cultivating at least two above-ground parts of a single fruit and vegetable plant seedling in different environments. The plant seedling having a plurality of above-ground parts may be obtained by cultivating seeds or the like using a conventionally known method, or may be a commercially available product.

[0029] The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure is suitable for cultivation in a plant factory, and the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure enables the harvest of high-quality fruits. The reasons for the above effects are presumed to be as follows, but are not limited to these. In conventional cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants, although the suitable cultivation environment varies depending on the part of the plant, the plants have been cultivated in the same environment. For example, in order to promote photosynthesis and promote sugar synthesis, it is preferable to cultivate in a high-temperature environment, which promotes fruit growth and translocates sugars synthesized by photosynthesis to the fruit. Furthermore, in order to improve the taste of the fruit and increase the fruit yield, it is preferable to cultivate in an environment with a different temperature from the environment that promotes photosynthesis. For example, during the photoperiod, it is preferable to cultivate in an environment that is lower in temperature than the environment that promotes photosynthesis. According to the cultivation method of the present disclosure, it is possible to separately cultivate at least one of the above-ground parts of a single fruit vegetable plant seedling in an environment suitable for photosynthesis, and at least one other part different from the above-ground part in an environment suitable for fruit growth (hereinafter also referred to as "separate cultivation"), thereby enabling the harvest of high-quality fruit. Furthermore, since cultivation conditions can be strictly controlled in a plant factory, the cultivation method of the present disclosure for fruit vegetables is suitable for cultivation in a plant factory. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure is suitable for cultivation in a plant factory, but is not limited to this and may also be used for cultivation in a greenhouse or the like.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 1, a fruit vegetable plant 10 can have, as an above-ground portion 100, a main branch 20 and at least one lateral branch 30, and the main branch 20 and the lateral branch 30 can be cultivated in different environments (environment A and environment B in Fig. 1). In Fig. 1, 200 represents the root portion of the fruit vegetable plant 10. In Figure 1, the fruit vegetable plant 10 is shown having one lateral branch 30 (also called a two-stem training), but the number of lateral branches 30 is not particularly limited, and the plant may have two or more lateral branches (not shown). In addition, the different environments in which at least two of the multiple above-ground parts arising from one seedling of a fruit vegetable plant are cultivated can be spatially separated by using, for example, agricultural reflective sheets, films, cloths, or blackout sheets. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, by storing a main branch 20 of a fruit vegetable plant 10 in a storage section X made of a reflective sheet or the like formed into a cylindrical shape, an environment A for cultivating the main branch 20 and an environment B for cultivating the side branch 30 can be spatially separated. The storage section X may have a hole X' through which the main branch 20 passes. There may be one hole X', or when the storage sections X are connected as described below, the storage sections X may have two or more holes X'. Furthermore, by connecting a plurality of storage sections X in the vertical direction, for example, the cultivation environment for the main branch 20 may be separated into a plurality of areas (not shown). In addition, by providing a partition molded from the above-mentioned reflective sheet or the like with a hole through which the main branch 20 can pass within the storage section X, for example, the environment for cultivating the main branch 20 can be separated into multiple areas (not shown). A light source Y may be installed in the storage section X, and a tube (not shown) for blowing in hot or cold air may be inserted. A light source may also be installed in the environment B (not shown).

[0031] In the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the "at least two sites" are cultivated in environments where one or more conditions selected from temperature, relative humidity, light, carbon dioxide concentration, and airflow are different.

[0032] The "different environments" preferably include a fruit growth-promoting environment and a photosynthesis-promoting environment. The fruit growth-promoting environment includes at least a fruit thickening-promoting environment, in which one or more conditions selected from temperature, relative humidity, light, carbon dioxide concentration, and airflow are set to conditions suitable for promoting fruit growth in fruit vegetable plants. Furthermore, the photosynthesis-promoting environment includes one or more conditions selected from temperature, relative humidity, light, carbon dioxide concentration, and airflow are set to conditions suitable for promoting photosynthesis in fruit vegetable plants. By including a fruit growth-promoting environment and a photosynthesis-promoting environment as different environments, higher quality fruit can be harvested.

[0033] When a fruit vegetable plant has a main branch and one lateral branch as above-ground parts, it is preferable to cultivate one of the main branch and the lateral branch in a fruit growth-promoting environment and the other in a photosynthesis-promoting environment. By cultivating one of the main branch and the lateral branch in a fruit growth-promoting environment and the other in a photosynthesis-promoting environment, higher quality fruit can be harvested.

[0034] When the "different environments" include a fruit growth-promoting environment and a photosynthesis-promoting environment, it is preferable that the parts of the fruit and vegetable plants cultivated in the fruit growth-promoting environment or the photosynthesis-promoting environment are accommodated in the accommodation unit. By accommodating the parts of the fruit and vegetable plants cultivated in the fruit growth-promoting environment or the photosynthesis-promoting environment in the accommodation unit, it becomes easy to adjust the conditions such as temperature in the fruit growth-promoting environment and the photosynthesis-promoting environment.

[0035] The number of plants cultivated in a fruit growth-promoting environment or a photosynthesis-promoting environment is not particularly limited. When a fruit vegetable plant has two or more lateral branches as its above-ground parts, two or more of the main branch and the lateral branches may be cultivated in a fruit growth-promoting environment or a photosynthesis-promoting environment. By cultivating two or more lateral branches of a fruit vegetable plant in a fruit growth-promoting environment, the number of fruit harvested can be increased. Also, by cultivating two or more lateral branches of a fruit vegetable plant in a photosynthesis-promoting environment, the cultivation efficiency of the fruit vegetable plant can be improved, and the quality of the harvested fruit can be improved. The number of plants cultivated in the fruit growth-promoting environment is preferably 2 or more and 4 or less from the viewpoints of cultivation costs, the quality of the harvested fruit, and the cultivation efficiency of fruit and vegetable plants. Furthermore, the number of plants cultivated in the photosynthesis-promoting environment is preferably 2 or more and 4 or less, from the viewpoints of cultivation costs, fruit quality, and efficiency of cultivating fruit and vegetable plants. Furthermore, from the viewpoints of cultivation costs, fruit quality, and cultivation efficiency of fruit vegetable plants, the ratio of the number of branches cultivated in a photosynthesis-promoting environment to the number of branches cultivated in a fruit growth-promoting environment (number of branches cultivated in a photosynthesis-promoting environment / number of branches cultivated in a fruit growth-promoting environment) is preferably 0.3 to 5, more preferably 0.5 to 4, and even more preferably 1 to 3.

[0036] The start time of the separate cultivation is not particularly limited, and can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the type of fruit vegetable plant to be cultivated and the environmental conditions to be adjusted. When a fruit vegetable plant having a main branch and lateral branches is separately cultivated in a photosynthesis-promoting environment and a fruit growth-promoting environment, cultivation in the fruit growth-promoting environment can be started when fruiting of the first inflorescence is confirmed on either the main branch or the lateral branch. Cultivation in the fruit growth-promoting environment may also be started when the fruit has grown to a certain size (for example, exceeds 5 cm). Furthermore, cultivation in a photosynthesis-promoting environment may be started immediately after the decision to cultivate in a photosynthesis-promoting environment. For example, it may be decided that one of the main and lateral branches on which the first bud of the first inflorescence was confirmed, or multiple branches selected in the order in which the first bud of the first inflorescence was confirmed, will be cultivated in a fruit-growth-promoting environment, and the remaining branches will be cultivated in a photosynthesis-promoting environment.

[0037] The photoperiod temperature in the fruit thickening-promoting environment included in the fruit growth-promoting environment is preferably different from the photoperiod temperature in the photosynthesis-promoting environment. The light period temperature in the fruit growth-promoting environment is preferably 15° C. to 25° C., and more preferably 17° C. to 23° C. By setting the light period temperature in the fruit growth-promoting environment within the above range, it is possible to promote the translocation of sugars to the fruit in the part of the plant cultivated in the fruit growth-promoting environment without inhibiting the production of components in the fruit, thereby improving the quality of the harvested fruit. The dark temperature in the fruit enlargement promoting environment is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, 15°C to 25°C. The photoperiod temperature in the photosynthesis-promoting environment is preferably 25° C. to 30° C., and more preferably 26° C. to 28° C. By setting the photoperiod temperature in the photosynthesis-promoting environment within the above range, photosynthesis in the part cultivated in the photosynthesis-promoting environment can be promoted, and sugar synthesis can be promoted, thereby improving the quality of the harvested fruit. The dark period temperature in the photosynthesis-promoting environment is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, 10°C to 20°C. In the present disclosure, the light and dark temperatures in the photosynthesis-promoting environment and the fruit growth-promoting environment are measured by placing a thermometer 1 cm away from the cultivation site in each environment. For example, the temperature and humidity sensor THA-3151 manufactured by T&D Corporation can be used as the thermometer. In this disclosure, the term "light period" refers to a period in which fruit and vegetable plants are irradiated with light at an illuminance of 2 lux or more from a light source. In addition, in this disclosure, the term "dark period" refers to a period in which fruit and vegetable plants are not irradiated with light at an illuminance of less than 2 lux, in which the plants are in darkness or not irradiated with light at an illuminance of less than 2 lux.

[0038] The method for adjusting the temperature is not particularly limited and can be performed by a conventionally known method. For example, the temperature condition can be adjusted by blowing hot or cold air.

[0039] The relative humidity in the fruit growth-promoting environment is preferably different from the relative humidity in the photosynthesis-promoting environment. The relative humidity in the fruit growth-promoting environment is preferably 40% to 60%, and more preferably 43% to 57%. By keeping the humidity in the fruit growth-promoting environment within the above range, the quality of the harvested fruit can be improved. The relative humidity in the photosynthesis-promoting environment is preferably 60% to 80%, and more preferably 63% to 77%. By keeping the humidity in the photosynthesis-promoting environment within this range, the stomata in the leaves tend to open larger, increasing the amount of carbon dioxide taken in and facilitating photosynthesis and sugar synthesis, thereby improving the quality of the harvested fruit. In the present disclosure, the relative humidity in the fruit development-promoting environment and the photosynthesis-promoting environment is measured by placing a hygrometer 1 cm away from the cultivation site in each environment. For example, the temperature and humidity sensor THA-3151 manufactured by T&D Corporation can be used as the hygrometer.

[0040] The method for adjusting the humidity is not particularly limited and can be performed by a conventionally known method. For example, the humidity condition can be adjusted by using an air conditioner having a humidifying function and a dehumidifying function.

[0041] The light conditions in the fruit growth-promoting environment and the photosynthesis-promoting environment are preferably different. Examples of the light conditions include light intensity and light-dark cycle. When a fruit vegetable plant has a main branch and two or more side branches, and at least two of the main branch and side branches are cultivated in a photosynthesis-promoting environment, it is preferable to control the light-dark cycle so that at least one of the main branch and side branches cultivated in the photosynthesis-promoting environment stays in the light period. By controlling the light-dark cycle as described above, any one of the branches stays in the light period and photosynthesis is promoted, thereby improving the cultivation efficiency of the fruit vegetable plant. The light conditions can be controlled, for example, by using an artificial light irradiation device such as an LED or fluorescent lamp as a light source. The number of light sources is not particularly limited, and two or more light sources may be used. For example, a light source can be installed in each of the fruit growth-promoting environment and the photosynthesis-promoting environment.

[0042] The light intensity in the fruit growth-promoting environment was 75 μmol / m 2 s~175μmol / m 2 s, and 100 μmol / m 2 s~150μmol / m 2 By setting the light intensity in the fruit growth-promoting environment within the above range, the quality of the harvested fruit can be improved. In addition, in the fruit growth-promoting environment, the ratio of light period time to dark period time (light period time / dark period time) is preferably 0.3 to 3, and more preferably 0.5 to 2. By maintaining the light-dark cycle in the fruit growth-promoting environment under the above conditions, the quality of the harvested fruit and the cultivation efficiency can be improved. In the present disclosure, light intensity refers to the light intensity during the light period.

[0043] The light intensity in the photosynthetic-promoting environment is 200 μmol / m 2 s~300μmol / m 2 s, and 220 μmol / m 2 s~280μmol / m 2 By setting the light intensity in the photosynthesis-promoting environment within the above range, the quality of the harvested fruit can be improved. Furthermore, in the photosynthesis-promoting environment, the ratio of the duration of the light period to the duration of the dark period is preferably 1 to 4, and more preferably 1 to 3. By setting the light-dark cycle in the photosynthesis-promoting environment to the above conditions, the quality of the harvested fruit and the cultivation efficiency can be improved.

[0044] In the present disclosure, light intensity in the fruit enlargement-promoting environment and the photosynthesis-promoting environment is measured by placing a measuring device 1 cm away from the area being cultivated in each environment with the light receiving surface facing the light source. For example, a light analyzer (LA105, manufactured by Nippon Medical and Chemical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.) can be used as the measuring device. When light sources are placed in two or more directions from the fruit and vegetable plants, the sum of the light intensities measured by placing the measuring device facing each light source is defined as the light intensity.

[0045] In the fruit and vegetable cultivation method of the present disclosure, from the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, the light energy efficiency is preferably 60 g / MJ or more, more preferably 90 g / MJ or more, and even more preferably 130 g / MJ or more. In the present disclosure, light energy efficiency represents the number of grams of fruit harvested per 1 MJ of light, and can be adjusted by adjusting one or more conditions selected from temperature, relative humidity, light, carbon dioxide concentration, and airflow.

[0046] The direction of light irradiation is not particularly limited and may be from either the upper or the side, but for long-stemmed fruit vegetable plants such as tomatoes, it is preferable to irradiate them from the side from the viewpoint of irradiation efficiency. Also, light may be irradiated from both the upper and the side.

[0047] It is preferable that the carbon dioxide concentration in the fruit growth-promoting environment is different from the carbon dioxide concentration in the photosynthesis-promoting environment. The carbon dioxide concentration in the fruit growth-promoting environment is preferably 300 ppm to 2000 ppm, and more preferably 300 ppm to 1000 ppm. By maintaining the carbon dioxide concentration in the fruit growth-promoting environment within the above range, the quality of the harvested fruit can be improved. The carbon dioxide concentration in the photosynthesis-promoting environment is preferably 800 ppm or higher, and more preferably 1000 ppm or higher. By keeping the carbon dioxide concentration in the photosynthesis-promoting environment within the above numerical range, photosynthesis in the part cultivated in the photosynthesis-promoting environment can be promoted, and the quality of the harvested fruit can be improved. The carbon dioxide concentration in the photosynthesis-promoting environment is preferably 4000 ppm or lower. In the present disclosure, the carbon dioxide concentrations in the fruit-enhancing environment and the photosynthesis-enhancing environment are measured by placing a carbon dioxide meter 1 cm away from the growing area in each environment. For example, the LI-850 manufactured by LI-COR Corporation can be used as the carbon dioxide meter.

[0048] The method for adjusting the carbon dioxide concentration is not particularly limited and can be performed by a conventionally known method. For example, the carbon dioxide concentration can be adjusted by using an air conditioner or the like.

[0049] It is preferable that the airflow in the fruit growth-promoting environment is different from the airflow in the photosynthesis-promoting environment. In the fruit growth-promoting environment, an air current of 0.1 m / s to 3.0 m / s is preferably generated, and an air current of 0.1 m / s to 0.5 m / s is more preferably generated. By generating such an air current in the fruit growth-promoting environment, it is possible to prevent water vapor from accumulating near the fruit and causing high humidity, thereby improving the quality of the harvested fruit. In the photosynthesis-promoting environment, it is preferable to generate an air current of 0.2 m / s to 1.8 m / s, and more preferably an air current of 0.6 m / s to 1.2 m / s. By generating the above air current in the photosynthesis-promoting environment, the carbon dioxide concentration and humidity on the leaf surface can be kept constant, thereby promoting photosynthesis in the part cultivated in the photosynthesis-promoting environment and improving the quality of the harvested fruit. By creating airflow in the fruit enlargement and photosynthesis promotion environments, water droplets adhering to the growing areas in each environment can be evaporated, preventing the proliferation of bacteria, etc. Furthermore, preventing the accumulation of water vapor can promote transpiration from the leaves. In the present disclosure, the airflow conditions in the fruit enlargement-promoting environment and the photosynthesis-promoting environment are measured by placing an anemometer 1 cm away from the growing area in each environment. For example, a Testo 435-2 manufactured by Testo Corporation can be used as the anemometer.

[0050] The method for adjusting the airflow is not particularly limited and can be performed by a conventionally known method. For example, the airflow can be adjusted by using an air conditioner or a blower.

[0051] The fruit growth-promoting environment preferably includes at least one of a flowering-promoting environment and a fruit-ripening environment in addition to a fruit enlargement-promoting environment, and more preferably includes both a flowering-promoting environment and a fruit-ripening environment. The flowering-promoting environment is set to a condition in which one or more conditions selected from temperature, relative humidity, light, carbon dioxide concentration, and airflow are suitable for promoting flowering of fruit and vegetable plants, and the fruit-ripening environment is set to a condition in which one or more conditions selected from temperature, relative humidity, light, carbon dioxide concentration, and airflow are suitable for ripening the fruit of fruit and vegetable plants. When the fruit-growing-promoting environment includes a flowering-promoting environment, the cultivation efficiency of fruit and vegetable plants can be further improved. When the fruit-growing-promoting environment includes a fruit-ripening environment, the quality of the harvested fruit can be further improved.

[0052] In the flowering-promoting environment, it is preferable to cultivate a part having an inflorescence before flowering (hereinafter referred to as an inflorescence part). By cultivating the inflorescence part before flowering in the flowering-promoting environment, flowering of the inflorescence can be promoted and the time until fruit set can be shortened, thereby improving cultivation efficiency. In addition, in the above-mentioned fruit enlargement-promoting environment, it is preferable to cultivate the inflorescence part bearing fruit after fruit set but before color is confirmed. Specifically, it is preferable to cultivate the inflorescence part bearing tomato fruit before it has turned reddish. Cultivating the inflorescence part in the above-mentioned fruit enlargement-promoting environment can promote sugar translocation to the fruit, thereby improving the quality of the harvested fruit. In addition, it is preferable to cultivate inflorescence parts bearing fruits with confirmed color in the above-mentioned fruit-ripening environment. By cultivating the inflorescence parts in the above-mentioned fruit-ripening environment, the appearance of the fruit, such as color, can be improved. For example, when tomatoes are cultivated as fruit vegetables, the redness of the tomatoes can be improved, resulting in a good appearance.

[0053] When the fruit growth-promoting environment includes at least one of a flowering-promoting environment and a fruit-ripening environment in addition to the fruit-enlargement-promoting environment, it is preferable that the parts of the fruit vegetable plant cultivated in each environment are accommodated in different accommodation units. By cultivating them in different accommodation units, it becomes easier to adjust conditions such as temperature in the fruit growth-promoting environment, flowering-promoting environment, and fruit-ripening environment. The above-mentioned storage units connected in the vertical direction can be used to store parts of fruit and vegetable plants to be cultivated in the fruit enlargement promoting environment, flowering promoting environment, and fruit ripening environment. When using connected storage units, it is preferable that a light source be installed in each storage unit. It is also preferable that a tube for blowing hot or cold air is inserted into each storage unit.

[0054] The light period temperature in the flowering-promoting environment is preferably 25° C. to 30° C., and more preferably 26° C. to 28° C. By setting the light period temperature in the flowering-promoting environment within the above range, cultivation efficiency can be improved. The temperature during the dark period in the flowering-promoting environment is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, 10°C to 20°C. The photoperiod temperature in the fruit ripening environment is preferably 15° C. to 25° C., more preferably 17° C. to 23° C. By keeping the photoperiod temperature in the fruit ripening environment within the above range, the appearance of the harvested fruit can be improved. The dark temperature in the fruit ripening environment is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, 15°C to 25°C. In the present disclosure, the light and dark temperatures in the flowering-promoting environment and fruit-ripening environment are measured by placing a thermometer 1 cm away from the growing site in each environment.

[0055] The relative humidity in the flowering-promoting environment is preferably 60% to 80%, and more preferably 63% to 77%. By keeping the relative humidity in the flowering-promoting environment within the above range, cultivation efficiency can be improved. The relative humidity in the fruit ripening environment is preferably 40% to 60%, and more preferably 43% to 57%. By keeping the relative humidity in the fruit ripening environment within the above range, the appearance of the harvested fruit can be improved. In the present disclosure, the relative humidity in the flowering-promoting environment and the fruit-ripening environment is measured by placing a hygrometer 1 cm away from the growing site in each environment.

[0056] The light intensity in the flowering-promoting environment was 200 μmol / m 2 s~300μmol / m 2 s, and 220 μmol / m 2 s~280μmol / m 2 By setting the light intensity in the flowering-promoting environment within the above range, the cultivation efficiency can be improved. The light intensity in the fruit ripening environment was 75 μmol / m 2 s~175μmol / m 2 s, and 100 μmol / m 2 s~150μmol / m 2By controlling the light intensity in the fruit ripening environment to fall within the above range, the appearance of the harvested fruit can be improved. In the present disclosure, light intensity in the flowering-promoting environment and fruit-ripening environment is measured by placing the light-receiving surface of the measuring device facing the light source at a position 1 cm away from the area being cultivated in each environment.

[0057] In the flowering-promoting environment, the ratio of the light period to the dark period is preferably 1 to 4, and more preferably 1 to 3. By setting the light-dark cycle in the flowering-promoting environment to the above conditions, it is possible to improve cultivation efficiency. In the fruit ripening environment, the ratio of light period to dark period is preferably 1 to 4, and more preferably 1 to 3. By maintaining the light-dark cycle in the fruit ripening environment under the above conditions, the appearance of the harvested fruit can be improved.

[0058] The carbon dioxide concentration in the flowering-promoting environment is preferably 300 ppm to 4000 ppm, and more preferably 1000 ppm to 2000 ppm. By keeping the carbon dioxide concentration in the flowering-promoting environment within the above range, cultivation efficiency can be improved. The carbon dioxide concentration in the fruit ripening environment is preferably 300 ppm to 2000 ppm, and more preferably 300 ppm to 1000 ppm. By keeping the carbon dioxide concentration in the fruit ripening environment within the above range, the appearance of the harvested fruit can be improved. In the present disclosure, the carbon dioxide concentration in the flowering-promoting environment and the fruit-ripening environment is measured by placing a carbon dioxide concentration meter 1 cm away from the cultivation site in each environment.

[0059] In the flowering-promoting environment, it is preferable to generate an air current of 0.1 m / s to 3.0 m / s, and more preferably an air current of 1.0 m / s to 2.0 m / s. By generating such an air current in the flowering-promoting environment, it is possible to further improve cultivation efficiency. In a fruit ripening environment, an air current of 0.1 m / s to 3.0 m / s is preferably generated, and an air current of 0.1 m / s to 0.5 m / s is more preferably generated. By generating such an air current in a fruit ripening environment, the appearance of the harvested fruit can be further improved. By creating air currents in the flowering promotion environment and fruit ripening environment, water droplets adhering to the cultivation areas in each environment can be evaporated, preventing the proliferation of bacteria and the like. In the present disclosure, the airflow conditions in the flowering-promoting environment and the fruit-ripening environment are measured by placing an anemometer 1 cm away from the growing site in each environment.

[0060] In the cultivation method according to the present disclosure, it is preferable to defoliate the leaves of the main branches or lateral branches cultivated in a fruit growth-promoting environment. Specifically, it is preferable to defoliate the leaves below the inflorescence where flowering has been confirmed. By defoliating the leaves below the inflorescence where flowering has been confirmed, cultivation efficiency can be improved.

[0061] In the cultivation method according to the present disclosure, it is preferable to remove flower buds on the main branches or lateral branches cultivated in a photosynthesis-promoting environment. By removing flower buds on the main branches or lateral branches cultivated, cultivation efficiency can be improved.

[0062] In the cultivation method according to the present disclosure, it is preferable to adjust the leaf area of ​​the main branch or lateral branch cultivated in the photosynthesis-promoting environment. By adjusting the leaf area, it is possible to improve cultivation efficiency. Furthermore, it is preferable to adjust the leaf area appropriately depending on the amount of fruit and the level of growth of the main branch or lateral branch cultivated in the fruit growth-promoting environment. The method for adjusting the leaf area is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, defoliation or pinching of the main branch or lateral branch.

[0063] In the cultivation method according to the present disclosure, it is preferable to appropriately remove (pruning) side shoots that are not used as lateral branches.

[0064] Fruit and vegetable plants may be cultivated by soil cultivation or by hydroponic cultivation.

[0065] There are no particular limitations on the facilities for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, and examples thereof include artificial light type plant factories, sunlight type plant factories, and vinyl greenhouses.

[0066] The fruit vegetable plants are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include solanaceae plants such as tomatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers; cucurbitaceae plants such as cucumbers, pumpkins, and zucchinis; legumes such as kidney beans, peas, and broad beans; mallows such as okra; and grasses such as corn. Among the fruit vegetable plants listed above, solanaceae plants are suitable for the cultivation method of the present disclosure, with tomatoes being more suitable. Tomatoes harvested by the cultivation method of the present disclosure have excellent qualities such as appearance, texture, and taste, and have high Brix sugar content and lycopene content. Tomatoes include midi tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and fruit tomatoes.

[0067] As an example of the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure, the following describes, with reference to FIG. 2, the case in which a tomato plant seedling 10 having a main branch 20 and one side branch 30 is cultivated separately in a fruit growth-promoting environment a including a fruit enlargement-promoting environment a-1 and a photosynthesis-promoting environment b. As shown in FIG. 2(A), a tomato plant seedling 10 has, as an above-ground portion 100, a main branch 20 and one lateral branch 30, and the main branch 20 and the lateral branch 30 are cultivated in the same environment. As shown in Figure 2(B), since the buds of the first inflorescence 40 were confirmed on the main branch 20, it was decided to cultivate the main branch 20 in the fruit growth-promoting environment a (fruit enlargement-promoting environment a-1) and the lateral branch 30 in the photosynthesis-promoting environment b. Thereafter, flower buds on the lateral branch 30 are removed as soon as they are confirmed. Furthermore, in the fruit growth-promoting environment a, the leaves below the inflorescence where flowering was confirmed are removed. When fruit bearing on the first inflorescence 40 on the main branch 20 is confirmed and the fruit has grown to a certain size (for example, exceeding 5 cm in diameter), the main branch 20 is accommodated in a storage section X made of a reflective sheet and having a hole X' through which the main branch 20 passes, as shown in Figure 2(C), thereby spatially separating the fruit enlargement-promoting environment a-1 in which the main branch 20 is cultivated from the photosynthesis-promoting environment b in which the side branch 30 is cultivated. An artificial light source Y is also installed in the fruit growth promoting environment a-1, and a tube (not shown) for blowing in warm or cool air is inserted. The fruits are harvested as soon as they reach the appropriate color.

[0068] As another example of the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure, the following describes, with reference to FIG. 3, the case in which a tomato plant seedling 10 having a main branch 20 and one side branch 30 is cultivated separately in a fruit growth-promoting environment a including a fruit enlargement-promoting environment a-1 and a flowering-promoting environment a-2, and a photosynthesis-promoting environment b. As shown in FIG. 3(A), a tomato plant seedling 10 has, as an above-ground portion 100, a main branch 20 and one lateral branch 30, and the main branch 20 and the lateral branch 30 are cultivated in the same environment. As shown in Figure 3(B), since the formation of buds on the first inflorescence 40 was confirmed on the main branch 20, it was decided to cultivate the main branch 20 in the fruit growth-promoting environment a and the lateral branch 30 in the photosynthesis-promoting environment b. Thereafter, flower buds on the lateral branch 30 are removed as soon as they are confirmed. Furthermore, in the fruit growth-promoting environment a, the leaves below the inflorescence where flowering was confirmed are removed. When fruit bearing on the first inflorescence is confirmed on the main branch 20 and the fruit has grown to a certain size (for example, exceeding 5 cm in diameter), the main branch 20 is housed in a connected storage section X1 and storage section X2 made of a reflective sheet, each having a hole X' through which the main branch 20 passes, as shown in Figure 3(C), thereby spatially separating the fruit growth-promoting environment a in which the main branch 20 is cultivated from the photosynthesis-promoting environment b in which the side branch 30 is cultivated. The storage section X1 is set as a fruit enlargement promoting environment a-1, and the inflorescence part 50 where fruit bearing has been confirmed is cultivated, and the storage section X2 is set as a flowering promoting environment a-2, and the inflorescence part 60 where fruit bearing has not been confirmed is cultivated. An artificial light source Y is installed in each of the storage sections X1 and X2, and a tube (not shown) for blowing in warm air or cool air is inserted. The fruits are harvested as soon as they reach the appropriate color.

[0069] As another example of the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the present disclosure, the following describes, with reference to FIG. 4, the case in which a tomato plant seedling 10 having a main branch 20 and one side branch 30 is cultivated separately in a fruit growth-promoting environment a including a fruit enlargement-promoting environment a-1, a flowering-promoting environment a-2, and a fruit ripening environment a-3, and a photosynthesis-promoting environment b. As shown in FIG. 4(A), a tomato plant seedling 10 has, as an above-ground portion 100, a main branch 20 and one lateral branch 30, and the main branch 20 and the lateral branch 30 are cultivated in the same environment. As shown in Figure 4(B), the main branch 20 and the lateral branch 30 were grown in the same environment, and since the formation of buds on the first inflorescence 40 was confirmed on the main branch 20, it was decided to grow the main branch 20 in the fruit growth-promoting environment a and the lateral branch 30 in the photosynthesis-promoting environment b. Thereafter, flower buds on the lateral branch 30 were removed as soon as they were confirmed. Furthermore, in the fruit growth-promoting environment a, the leaves below the inflorescence where flowering was confirmed were removed. When fruit bearing on the first inflorescence 40 is confirmed on the main branch 20 and the fruit has grown to a certain size (for example, exceeding 5 cm in diameter), the main branch 20 is housed in a connected storage section X1, storage section X2, and storage section X3 made of a reflective sheet having a hole X' through which the main branch 20 passes, as shown in Figure 4(C), thereby spatially separating the fruit growth-promoting environment a in which the main branch 20 is cultivated from the photosynthesis-promoting environment b in which the side branches 30 are cultivated. The storage section X3 is set as a fruit maturation environment a-3, where inflorescence part 80 having fruit that has been confirmed to have reddish is cultivated after fruit set, the storage section X1 is set as a fruit enlargement promotion environment a-1, where inflorescence part 70 having fruit that has not yet turned reddish is cultivated, and the storage section X2 is set as a flowering promotion environment a-2, where inflorescence part 60 having no confirmed fruit set is cultivated. An artificial light source Y is installed in each of the storage sections X1, X2, and X3, and a tube (not shown) for blowing in warm air, cool air, or the like is inserted. The fruits are harvested as soon as they reach the appropriate color.

[0070] (Tomato fruit) The tomato fruit of the present disclosure is obtained by the above-mentioned method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants.

[0071] The tomato fruit of the present disclosure obtained by the above-described method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants has excellent quality in terms of appearance, texture, taste, etc., and also has a high Brix sugar content and lycopene content.

[0072] The tomato fruit of the present disclosure preferably contains 15 mg / 100 g or more of lycopene and has a Brix sugar content of 5 mass % or more. The amount of lycopene is preferably 17 mg / 100 g or more, more preferably 19 mg / 100 g or more. The Brix sugar content is preferably 7% by mass or more, and more preferably 9% by mass or more. In the present disclosure, the Brix sugar content and lycopene content of tomato fruit are defined as the average values ​​measured at four locations within the tomato fruit using a fruit selector (Kubota Corporation, model K-BA800) for evaluating the quality of fresh produce. In the present disclosure, the Brix sugar content and lycopene content of tomato fruit are defined as the average values ​​measured at four points on the equator where the diameter of the tomato fruit is greatest, using a fruit selector (manufactured by Kubota Corporation, model: K-BA800) as a fruit and vegetable quality evaluation device, where a line connecting two of the points intersects with a line connecting the other two points. Specifically, the amount of lycopene measured using the Fruit Selector is carried out as follows. First, a calibration curve is created by correlating the lycopene content of tomato fruit measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with that measured by a fruit selector. Next, the lycopene content is measured by converting the lycopene content measured by the fruit selector into the lycopene content measured by HPLC based on the calibration curve. [Example]

[0073] The above embodiment will be specifically described below using examples, but the above embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0074] Example 1 Cultivation: Two-stem tomato seedlings (variety: Momotaro York (registered trademark)) with a main branch and one side branch were purchased and hydroponically cultivated in a container-type plant factory under the following cultivation condition A until the first inflorescence budded on one of the two branches. (Cultivation condition A) ·Light period temperature: 27℃ ·Dark period temperature: 19℃ Relative humidity: 70% ·Light source: LED (artificial light irradiation device) ·Irradiation direction: side direction ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours light period, 8 hours dark period ·Light intensity: 250μmol / m 2 ·s

[0075] Since the buds of the first inflorescence were confirmed on the main branch, it was decided to cultivate the main branch in a fruit-growing environment and the side branches in a photosynthesis-promoting environment. After the first inflorescence flowering was confirmed, all leaves below the first inflorescence were removed. After that, as soon as the flowering of the inflorescence was confirmed on the upper level, all leaves below the inflorescence were removed.

[0076] Once fruit set on the first inflorescence was confirmed and the fruit diameter exceeded 5 cm, the main branch was placed in a container made of agricultural reflective sheeting (Agrisheet (registered trademark) Shine White SW1515, manufactured by Japan Wide Cross Co., Ltd.) with a hole for the main branch to pass through, and the plant was cultivated in a fruit growth-promoting environment (fruit enlargement-promoting environment) under the following cultivation conditions. A light source was installed in the container, and a tube for blowing in warm or cool air was inserted. (Cultivation conditions for a fruit-enhancing environment) ·Light period temperature: 20℃ ·Dark period temperature: 20℃ Relative humidity: 50% ·Light source: LED (artificial light irradiation device) ·Irradiation direction: side direction ·Light / dark cycle: 12 hours light period, 12 hours dark period ·Light intensity: 125μmol / m 2 ·s

[0077] On the other hand, the lateral branches were pinched off whenever flower buds were confirmed, leaving only stems with leaves. Furthermore, the cultivation conditions for the lateral branches were not changed, and they were cultivated under the above-mentioned cultivation condition A as a photosynthesis-promoting environment. Taking into consideration the fruit condition of the main branch cultivated in the fruit-enhancing environment and the leaf growth condition on the lateral branches, the lateral branches were pinched off once sufficient leaf growth was confirmed (to adjust the leaf area). Thereafter, cultivation was continued while thinning out side shoots, removing leaves and training as needed, and fruit was harvested.

[0078] <Example 2> The tomato seedlings were cultivated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the two-stem tomato seedlings were changed to three-stem tomato seedlings having a main branch and two side branches. Both side branches were grown in a photosynthesis-promoting environment, and the light-dark cycle was controlled to prevent both side branches from being in the dark period at the same time until harvest.

[0079] Example 3 Two-stem tomato seedlings with a main branch and one side branch were purchased and hydroponically cultivated in a greenhouse in Kanagawa Prefecture. When the room temperature exceeded 28°C, the greenhouse was cooled by shading from sunlight and blowing cool air. A humidifier was also used to control the temperature and humidity, creating cultivation condition B, with a temperature of 27°C and a relative humidity of 70%. Sunlight was the only light source used, with no supplemental lighting. Since the buds of the first inflorescence were confirmed on the main branch, it was decided to cultivate the main branch in a fruit-growing environment and the side branches in a photosynthesis-promoting environment. After the first inflorescence on the main branch was confirmed to have bloomed, all leaves below the first inflorescence were removed. After that, as soon as the blooming of the inflorescence was confirmed on the upper level, all leaves below the inflorescence were removed.

[0080] When fruit bearing on the first inflorescence was confirmed and the fruit diameter exceeded 5 cm, the main branch was cooled with cold air and cultivated under cultivation condition C (a fruit enlargement-promoting environment) at a temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 50%.

[0081] On the other hand, lateral branches were pinched off whenever flower buds were confirmed, leaving only stems with leaves. The cultivation conditions for the lateral branches were not changed, and they were cultivated under the above-mentioned cultivation condition B as an environment promoting photosynthesis. Taking into consideration the fruit condition of the main branch cultivated in the fruit enlargement-promoting environment and the leaf growth condition on the lateral branches, the lateral branches were pinched off once sufficient leaf growth was confirmed (to adjust the leaf area). Thereafter, cultivation was continued while thinning out side shoots, removing leaves and training as needed, and fruit was harvested.

[0082] Example 4 The plants were cultivated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that they were allowed to continue growing without pinching off the tips of the side branches or removing excess leaves (to adjust the leaf area).

[0083] <Example 5> The fruit growth-promoting environment was changed to an environment that included a flowering-promoting environment in addition to a fruit enlargement-promoting environment, and the plants were cultivated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that growth was allowed to continue without pinching off the tips of the side shoots or removing excess leaves (to adjust the leaf area). Specifically, when fruit set on the first inflorescence was confirmed and the fruit diameter exceeded 5 cm, the main branches were housed in two connected storage sections, one above the other, each with a hole for the main branches to pass through, formed from the above-mentioned reflective sheet, thereby spatially separating the fruit-growing-promoting environment for cultivating the main branches from the photosynthesis-promoting environment for cultivating the side branches. The upper storage area was used as a fruit enlargement-promoting environment, and the inflorescence area where fruit bearing was confirmed was cultivated, while the lower storage area was used as a flowering-promoting environment, and the inflorescence area where fruit bearing was not confirmed was cultivated. An artificial light source was installed in each of the storage sections, and a tube for blowing hot or cold air was inserted. (Blooming promotion environment) ·Light period temperature: 27℃ ·Dark period temperature: 19℃ Relative humidity: 70% ·Light source: LED (artificial light irradiation device) ·Irradiation direction: side direction ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours light period, 8 hours dark period ·Light intensity: 250μmol / m 2 ·s

[0084] Example 6 The fruit growth-promoting environment was changed to an environment that included a flowering-promoting environment, a fruit enlargement-promoting environment, and a fruit ripening environment, and the plants were cultivated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the side branches were not pinched (to adjust the leaf area) and growth was allowed to continue. Specifically, when fruit bearing on the first inflorescence was confirmed and the fruit diameter exceeded 5 cm, the main branches were housed in three storage sections made from the above-mentioned reflective sheet, each connected vertically, with holes for the main branches to pass through, spatially separating the fruit-growing environment for cultivating the main branches from the photosynthesis-promoting environment for cultivating the side branches. The upper storage section was used as a fruit maturation environment, where inflorescence parts with fruits that had been confirmed to be reddish after fruit set were cultivated; the central storage section was used as a fruit enlargement promotion environment, where inflorescence parts with fruits that had not yet been confirmed to be reddish were cultivated; and the lower storage section was used as a flowering promotion environment, where inflorescence parts with no confirmed fruit set were cultivated. An artificial light source was installed in each of the storage sections, and a tube for blowing hot or cold air was inserted. (Blooming promotion environment) ·Light period temperature: 27℃ ·Dark period temperature: 19℃ Relative humidity: 70% ·Light source: LED (artificial light irradiation device) ·Irradiation direction: side direction ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours light period, 8 hours dark period ·Light intensity: 250μmol / m 2 ·s (Fruit ripening environment) ·Light period temperature: 20℃ ·Dark period temperature: 20℃ Relative humidity: 50% ·Light source: LED (artificial light irradiation device) ·Irradiation direction: side direction ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours light period, 8 hours dark period ·Light intensity: 125μmol / m 2 ·s

[0085] Example 7 The tomato seedlings were cultivated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the two-stem tomato seedlings were changed to four-stem tomato seedlings with a main branch and three side branches, and the fruit growth-promoting environment was changed to an environment that included a flowering-promoting environment, a fruit enlargement-promoting environment, and a fruit ripening environment. Specifically, when fruit bearing on the first inflorescence was confirmed on the main branch and one side branch and the diameter of the fruit exceeded 5 cm, two containers (connected containers) were prepared, each made of the above-mentioned reflective sheet and having holes for the main branch to pass through, each connected vertically, and the main branch and one side branch were housed in the other connected containers, spatially separating the fruit growth-promoting environment for cultivating the main branch and one side branch from the photosynthesis-promoting environment for cultivating the other two side branches. The upper storage section was used as a fruit maturation environment, where inflorescence parts with fruits that had been confirmed to be reddish after fruit set were cultivated; the central storage section was used as a fruit enlargement promotion environment, where inflorescence parts with fruits that had not yet been confirmed to be reddish were cultivated; and the lower storage section was used as a flowering promotion environment, where inflorescence parts with no confirmed fruit set were cultivated. An artificial light source was installed in each of the storage sections, and a tube for blowing hot or cold air was inserted. In addition, the light-dark cycle was controlled to prevent the two side branches grown in a photosynthesis-promoting environment from remaining in the dark period at the same time until harvest. (Blooming promotion environment) ·Light period temperature: 27℃ ·Dark period temperature: 19℃ Relative humidity: 70% ·Light source: LED (artificial light irradiation device) ·Irradiation direction: side direction ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours light period, 8 hours dark period ·Light intensity: 250μmol / m 2 ·s (Fruit ripening environment) ·Light period temperature: 20℃ ·Dark period temperature: 20℃ Relative humidity: 50% ·Light source: LED (artificial light irradiation device) ·Irradiation direction: side direction ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours light period, 8 hours dark period ·Light intensity: 125μmol / m 2 ·s

[0086] <Comparative Example 1> Single-stem tomato seedlings with only the main shoot were purchased and cultivated in soil in a greenhouse in Kanagawa Prefecture. When the room temperature exceeded 28°C, the greenhouse was cooled by shading from sunlight and blowing in cool air. A humidifier was also used to control the temperature and humidity, maintaining an ambient temperature of 27°C and a relative humidity of 70%. The only light source used was sunlight, and no supplemental lighting was used. After that, cultivation was continued while thinning out side shoots, removing leaves, and training as needed, and fruits were harvested.

[0087] <Comparative Example 2> Two-stem tomato seedlings were purchased and cultivated in a container-type plant factory under the following conditions. After that, both branches were continuously cultivated while side shoots were removed, leaves were removed, and training was performed as needed, and fruit was harvested. (Cultivation conditions) · Light period temperature: 27 °C · Dark period temperature: 19 °C · Relative humidity: 70% · Light source: LED (artificial light irradiation device) · Light-dark cycle: 16 hours of light period and 8 hours of dark period · Light intensity: 250 μmol / m 2 · s

[0088] <<Measurement of Brix sugar content and lycopene amount>> Using a fresh produce quality evaluation device Fruit Selector (manufactured by Kubota Corporation, model: K-BA800), at four locations on the equator where the diameter of the fruits harvested in the above Examples and Comparative Examples is the largest, and at four locations where the line connecting two locations and the line connecting the other two locations are perpendicular, the Brix sugar content and the lycopene amount were measured, and the average values were calculated respectively. The calculation results are summarized in Table 1. Specifically, the measurement of the lycopene amount using the Fruit Selector was performed as follows. First, a calibration curve was created by correlating the lycopene amount of tomato fruits measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with the lycopene amount measured by the Fruit Selector. Next, the lycopene amount measured using the Fruit Selector was converted to the lycopene amount measured by HPLC based on the calibration curve, and this lycopene amount was adopted.

[0089] [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0091] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-190529, filed on November 16, 2020, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. At least two of a plurality of above-ground parts arising from one seedling of a fruit vegetable plant are cultivated in different environments after the first inflorescence has been confirmed to have set fruit, and the above-ground parts of the fruit vegetable plant have a main branch and a lateral branch; Cultivating the main branch and at least one of the side branches in different environments; The different environments include a fruit growth promoting environment including at least a fruit thickening promoting environment and a photosynthesis promoting environment, The fruit thickening-promoting environment is set to a condition suitable for promoting fruit growth of the fruit vegetable plant, wherein one or more conditions selected from relative humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and air flow are selected to be a condition suitable for promoting fruit growth of the fruit vegetable plant, The photosynthesis-promoting environment is set such that one or more conditions selected from relative humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and airflow are set to conditions suitable for promoting photosynthesis of the fruit and vegetable plants; The photoperiod temperature in the fruit thickening-promoting environment is different from the photoperiod temperature in the photosynthesis-promoting environment, The light period temperature in the fruit thickening-promoting environment is 15°C to 23°C, The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, wherein the photoperiod temperature in the photosynthesis-promoting environment is 25°C to 30°C.

2. The cultivation method according to claim 1 , wherein the part of the fruit vegetable plant cultivated in the fruit growth-promoting environment or the photosynthesis-promoting environment is accommodated in a storage unit.

3. A plurality of above-ground parts of the fruit vegetable plant have two or more lateral branches, Cultivating at least two of the main branch and the side branch in the photosynthesis-promoting environment; 3. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1, wherein the light-dark cycle of light irradiation is controlled in the photosynthesis-promoting environment, and at least one of the main branch and the lateral branch is allowed to stay in the light period.

4. A plurality of above-ground parts of the fruit vegetable plant have two or more lateral branches, The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least two of the main branch and the side branch are cultivated in the fruit growth-promoting environment.

5. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a leaf area of ​​at least one of the main branch and the side branch is adjusted in the photosynthesis-promoting environment.

6. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein flower buds on at least one of the main branch and the side branch are removed in the photosynthesis-promoting environment.

7. The fruit growth-promoting environment further includes at least one of a flowering-promoting environment and a fruit ripening environment, The flowering-promoting environment is set to a condition suitable for promoting flowering of the fruit vegetable plant, wherein one or more conditions selected from temperature, relative humidity, light, carbon dioxide concentration, and airflow are selected, The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fruit ripening environment is set to a condition suitable for ripening the fruit of the fruit and vegetable plant, with one or more conditions selected from temperature, relative humidity, light, carbon dioxide concentration, and airflow.

8. 8. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 7, wherein the parts of the fruit and vegetable plant cultivated in the fruit enlargement-promoting environment, the flowering-promoting environment, and the fruit ripening environment are accommodated in different accommodation units.

9. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an artificial light irradiation device is used as the light source.

10. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fruit and vegetable plants are plants of the Solanaceae family.

11. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fruit and vegetable plant is a tomato.

12. 12. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 11, wherein the tomatoes contain 15 mg / 100 g or more of lycopene and have a Brix sugar content of 5 mass % or more.

Images