Methods for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, cultivation equipment for fruit and vegetable plants, and tomato plants

Abstract

To provide a method for cultivating fruit vegetable plants, a cultivation apparatus for fruit vegetable plants, and a tomato plant, characterized by improved fruit-setting rate.SOLUTION: A method for cultivating fruit vegetable plants, a cultivation apparatus for fruit vegetable plants, and a tomato plant, wherein the fruit vegetable plants are irradiated with artificial light under a light irradiation condition with a fruit-setting rate of 80% or higher.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, a cultivation apparatus for fruit and vegetable plants, and tomato plants.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in a closed space, an artificial light type plant factory that cultivates plants such as vegetables using an artificial light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) has attracted attention.

[0003] Fruit and vegetable plants such as tomatoes and melons are tall, and from the perspective of the space utilization efficiency of the plant factory, the distance from the upper surface direction to the plant body becomes long, and the light utilization efficiency is likely to decrease. Therefore, instead of light irradiation from the upper surface direction, implementation of light irradiation from the side surface direction has been considered (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-50288).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the present inventors have now obtained a new finding that fruit and vegetable plants cultivated by light irradiation from the side surface direction have room for improvement in their fruit setting rate. A problem to be solved by one embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants excellent in fruit setting rate, a cultivation apparatus for fruit and vegetable plants, and tomato plants.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Specific means for achieving the problems are as follows. <1> A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, wherein artificial light is irradiated onto the fruit and vegetable plants under light irradiation conditions with a fruit setting rate of 80% or more. <2> The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to <1>, wherein the fruit and vegetable plants are tomatoes. <3> The artificial light is irradiated onto the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plants from directions of 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plants. <1> or <2> Cultivation methods for fruit and vegetable plants as described. <4> After the first flower bud differentiation of the above-mentioned fruiting vegetable plant is confirmed, and until the final fruit set is confirmed, the above-mentioned artificial light is irradiated onto the fruiting vegetable plant from directions of 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the fruiting vegetable plant. <1> ~ <3> The cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants described in any one of the following. <5> The above artificial light irradiation causes a light intensity distribution in the above fruit and vegetable plants, <1> ~ <4> The cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants described in any one of the following. <6> Light intensity I of artificial light irradiated onto the growing point of the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plant t And, the light intensity of artificial light I irradiated onto the central part of the lowest leaves of the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plant b The above has the following relationship: <5> Cultivation methods for fruit and vegetable plants as described. I b / I t ≤0.8 <7> After the first confirmation of flower bud differentiation in the above-mentioned fruiting vegetable plants, until the final confirmation of fruit set, a light intensity distribution is created, as described above. <1> ~ <6> The cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants described in any one of the following. <8> A light source that irradiates fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light from the side and top, When irradiating the above-mentioned artificial light onto the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plants, a control mechanism is provided to control the light irradiation conditions to produce a light intensity distribution. A cultivation apparatus for fruit and vegetable plants, equipped with the following features. <9> The above control mechanism controls the light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated onto the growing point of the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plant. t And, the light intensity of artificial light I irradiated onto the central part of the lowest leaves of the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plant b The light irradiation conditions are controlled so that the following relationship holds: <8> Cultivation apparatus for fruit and vegetable plants as described above I b / I t ≤0.8 <10> the above <1> ~ <7> Tomato plants cultivated according to the cultivation methods for fruit and vegetable plants described in any one of the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, it is possible to provide a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants with excellent fruit-setting rates, a cultivation apparatus for fruit and vegetable plants, and tomato plants. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic top view showing an example of a cultivation system in which lighting fixtures are placed between cultivated plants. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cultivation system equipped with a lighting fixture having a T-shaped cross-section. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes in detail the forms for implementing this disclosure. However, this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. In the following embodiments, the components (including elemental steps, etc.) are not essential unless otherwise specified. The same applies to numerical values ​​and their ranges, and do not limit this disclosure. In this disclosure, the numerical range indicated using "~" includes the numbers before and after "~" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. In numerical ranges described in stages within this disclosure, the upper or lower limit of one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in numerical ranges described within this disclosure, the upper or lower limit of that range may be replaced with the values ​​shown in the cultivation examples. In this disclosure, "fruit and vegetable plants" means plants whose harvested product is fruit. In this disclosure, the "fruit setting rate" is calculated using the formula [number of fruits / number of buds] × 100. In this disclosure, "number of fruits" refers to the number of fruits that have set in a fruiting plant, and "number of buds" refers to the number of buds that have formed in a fruiting plant. In this disclosure, fruit setting is determined by the total length L of the shortest calyx (sepal) on the fruit.h with respect to the maximum transverse diameter L of the fruit f ratio (L f / L h ) is 0.2 or more, and if it is 0.2 or more, it is considered to be fruiting. In the present disclosure, the "growth point" means the tip of the main branch or side branch (not shown) of the fruit vegetable plant, and is also called the shoot apex that is at the tip of the stem and produces an extension of the stem and new leaves. It includes the region where the distance from the growth point is within 5 cm. When the fruit vegetable plant is multi-stemmed, there are multiple growth points. In the present disclosure, the "lowest leaf of the fruit vegetable plant" means the leaf whose stem at the root part of the leaves of the fruit vegetable plant is closest to the root, and the "central part of the leaf" means the part that is 1 / 2X from the root of the leaf when the total length of the leaf is X. In the present disclosure, the "growth direction of the stem of the fruit vegetable plant" means the direction in which the growth point of the stem of the fruit vegetable plant extends. In the present disclosure, "mass" and "weight" are synonymous.

[0009] [Cultivation method of fruit vegetable plants] The cultivation method of the fruit vegetable plants of the present disclosure irradiates artificial light to the fruit vegetable plants under light irradiation conditions where the fruit setting rate is 80% or more. By optimizing the light irradiation conditions, the growth of the fruit vegetable plants can be effectively carried out, and the fruit setting rate of the cultivation method of the fruit vegetable plants can be improved. The cultivation method of the fruit vegetable plants of the present disclosure is particularly advantageous in that the fruit setting rate can be improved while maintaining high light utilization efficiency and space utilization efficiency.

[0010] From the viewpoints of improving the fruit setting rate and improving the space utilization efficiency, it is preferable that the irradiation of artificial light generates a light intensity distribution in the fruit vegetable plants. The light intensity distribution can be generated by adjusting the angle of the artificial light to be irradiated, the number of irradiation directions of the artificial light to be irradiated, the light intensity of the artificial light, etc. From the viewpoints of improving the fruit setting rate and improving the light utilization efficiency directly related to reducing the cultivation cost, it is preferable to carry out the irradiation of the artificial light under the above conditions during the period from the confirmation of the first flower bud differentiation of the fruit vegetable plant to the confirmation of the last fruit setting. During periods other than those mentioned above, artificial light may be irradiated in a way that does not create a light intensity distribution, or in a way that does create a light intensity distribution. However, from the viewpoint of reducing cultivation costs, it is preferable to irradiate with artificial light in a way that does not create a light intensity distribution.

[0011] From the perspective of improving fruit set rate and space utilization efficiency, the light intensity of artificial light irradiated onto the growing point of fruit and vegetable plants is I t And, the light intensity of artificial light I irradiated onto the central part of the lowest leaves of the above-mentioned fruit and vegetable plant b It is preferable that the following relationship exists. Hereinafter, "I b / I t This is also called the "light intensity ratio." I b / I t ≤0.8 The above light intensity ratio is preferably 0.7 or less, and more preferably 0.5 or less, from the viewpoint of improving the weight of the harvested fruit. The lower limit of the light intensity ratio is preferably 0.3 or more, and more preferably 0.4 or more, from the viewpoint of improving the weight of the harvested fruit. Furthermore, in the case of plants that have no growing point, such as after pinching, light intensity I t This refers to the light intensity of artificial light irradiated onto the central part of the uppermost leaves of a fruiting or vegetable plant. Furthermore, if a fruiting or vegetable plant has multiple stems and multiple growing points exist, the light intensity I is set to 1. t This is the light intensity of artificial light shone on the growing point furthest from the center of the lowest leaf of a fruiting or vegetable plant. The above light intensity ratio is preferably 0.4 to 0.8, from the viewpoint of improving fruit set rate, space utilization efficiency of the plant factory, and the weight of harvested fruit.

[0012] When a fruiting or vegetable plant is trained to have multiple stems, it is preferable that each of the multiple growing points satisfies the above-mentioned light intensity ratio conditions.

[0013] The light intensity ratio can be adjusted by changing the type of light source used, the number of light sources used, the irradiation angle of the artificial light shining on the fruit and vegetable plants, etc.

[0014] Light intensity is measured by positioning the light-receiving surface of the measuring instrument toward the light source. For example, a quantum light sensor (LI-COR, LI-190R) can be used as the measuring instrument. If the light sources are positioned in two or more directions around the fruit and vegetable plants, the sum of the light intensities measured by positioning the measuring instrument toward each light source is used as the light intensity.

[0015] From the perspective of improving the fruit-setting rate and reducing cultivation costs by improving light utilization efficiency, it is preferable to irradiate with artificial light under the above conditions during the period from the confirmation of the first flower bud differentiation in fruit and vegetable plants until the confirmation of the final fruit setting. During periods other than those mentioned above, artificial light may be irradiated so that the light intensity ratio exceeds 0.8, or so that the light intensity ratio is 0.8 or less. However, from the viewpoint of reducing cultivation costs, it is preferable to irradiate with artificial light so that the light intensity ratio exceeds 0.8.

[0016] It is preferable to irradiate fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light from directions of 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stem, and it is more preferable to irradiate them with artificial light from directions of 0°±20° and 90°±20°. As described above, irradiating fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light creates a favorable light intensity distribution among the irradiated plants, thereby improving the fruit-setting rate. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the height of the fruit and vegetable plants, improving the space utilization efficiency of the plant factory. From the perspective of improving fruit set rates, enhancing light utilization efficiency, and reducing cultivation costs, it is preferable to irradiate with artificial light under the above conditions during the period from the confirmation of the first flower bud differentiation in fruit and vegetable plants until the final confirmation of fruit set. When a fruit or vegetable plant is trained to have multiple stems, it is preferable to irradiate each of the multiple growth directions with the artificial light described above. During periods other than those mentioned above, artificial light may be irradiated from one direction of 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of fruit and vegetable plants, or artificial light may be irradiated from both directions of 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of fruit and vegetable plants. However, from the viewpoint of reducing cultivation costs, it is preferable to irradiate artificial light from one direction of 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of fruit and vegetable plants, and it is preferable to irradiate artificial light from the direction of 0°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of fruit and vegetable plants.

[0017] When artificial light is irradiated onto fruit and vegetable plants from the sides and above, the light intensity of the artificial light is adjusted so that a light intensity distribution is created. In the cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants, any form of cultivation system can be used for the growth of the fruit and vegetable plants, and the arrangement relationship between the light source and the fruit and vegetable plants when irradiating with artificial light can be appropriately selected. For example, the cultivation system may be as shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic top view showing an example of a cultivation system in which LED light sources are placed between plants. In the cultivation system 10 shown in Figure 1, a lighting fixture 7a equipped with an LED light source 3 is flanked by equally spaced areas on both sides, with fruit and vegetable plants 1 placed in every other section. Multiple plants 1 are spaced at a certain distance from each other so that the leaves of neighboring plants do not overlap. Each section is covered on the top and sides with a reflective sheet 5a. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, cultivated plants 1 are arranged on both sides of a lighting fixture 7a, and the top and sides of the cultivated plants 1 are covered with reflective sheets 5a. Light emitted from the lighting fixture 7a is directly shone onto the fruit and vegetable plants from one side, and is further reflected by the reflective sheets 5a, so that it is shone onto the fruit and vegetable plants from the other side. In addition, light emitted from the lighting fixture 7a towards the top is reflected by the reflective sheet 5a on the top, then re-reflected by the reflective sheets on the sides, and is shone onto the fruit and vegetable plants from the sides. In this way, the efficiency of light utilization can be increased by covering the area around the cultivated plants with reflective sheets. Furthermore, by arranging the lighting fixture as shown in Figure 1, workability from the walkway is also improved. The lighting fixture 7a is equipped with multiple LED light sources 3.

[0019] The cultivation system shown in Figure 2 may be in a form that uses a support stand (preferably a cultivation shelf) equipped with a support (such as a urethane sponge) for supporting the roots of the cultivated plants, or it may be in a form that uses a support stand (preferably a cultivation shelf) equipped with a cultivation panel having multiple holes for fixing the support, and the support for supporting the roots of the cultivated plants is fixed to each hole in the cultivation panel. The use of a support stand is preferable for fruit and vegetable plants such as tomatoes from the viewpoint of cultivation management and workability, such as pruning side shoots, removing leaves, and harvesting during the cultivation period.

[0020] Figure 3 is a modified version of Figure 2. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cultivation system in which a lighting fixture 7b having a T-shaped cross-section is installed in place of the reflective sheet and lighting fixture 7a on the top surface in Figure 2. In the cultivation system 20 shown in Figure 3, LED light sources 3 are also placed on the top surface, so that the light is directly shone on the fruit and vegetable plants from both the sides and the top. The sides are covered with reflective sheets 5b. This ensures sufficient light intensity at the growing points.

[0021] The cycle of light and dark periods (hereinafter also referred to as the "light-dark cycle") of artificial light irradiated onto fruit and vegetable plants may be controlled. In this disclosure, "light period" refers to the period during which fruit and vegetable plants are irradiated with a light source. "Dark period" refers to the period during which fruit and vegetable plants are not irradiated with a light source. The light-dark cycle can be controlled by changing the usage time of the light source.

[0022] The light source of the artificial light being irradiated is not particularly limited and includes, for example, semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and discharge lamps such as fluorescent lamps. In the cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants according to this disclosure, it is preferable to use LEDs. You may use one type of LED, or two or more types. LEDs may emit visible light such as red, blue, and green, or invisible light such as ultraviolet light (wavelength 380 nm or less) or infrared light (wavelength 780 nm or more). Among these, LEDs that emit light in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm are preferred from the viewpoint of promoting photosynthesis in fruit and vegetable plants. Furthermore, increasing the fruit yield per plant is important in terms of improving energy efficiency and space utilization efficiency, and from this viewpoint, the combined use of red and blue LEDs is more preferable. In particular, the selection of light source wavelengths during the seedling stage of tomato cultivation contributes to the increase or decrease in fruit yield, so it is preferable to use red and blue LEDs during the seedling stage. This can be expected to increase yield compared to the seedling stage when, for example, white LEDs are used.

[0023] While there are no particular limitations on the cultivation temperature for fruit and vegetable plants, it is preferable to have a temperature of 23°C to 33°C during the daytime, and more preferably 25°C to 32°C. By keeping the cultivation temperature during the daytime within the above range, the quality and weight of the harvested fruit can be improved. Furthermore, the cultivation temperature for fruit and vegetable plants during the dark period is preferably 15°C to 22°C, and more preferably 16°C to 20°C. By keeping the cultivation temperature during the dark period within the above range, the quality and weight of the harvested fruit can be improved. In this disclosure, the cultivation temperature is measured by placing a thermometer 1 cm away from the fruit and vegetable plants. As the thermometer, for example, the TR-74Ui and its accompanying sensors manufactured by T&D Corporation can be used.

[0024] The method for controlling the light and dark temperatures is not particularly limited and can be carried out by conventionally known methods. For example, the light and dark temperatures can be controlled by monitoring the ambient light and dark temperatures using the thermometer mentioned above and supplying warm or cool air as needed.

[0025] The relative humidity in the cultivation environment for fruit and vegetable plants is preferably between 40% and 80%, and more preferably between 50% and 75%. By keeping the relative humidity in the cultivation environment for fruit and vegetable plants within the above range, the quality and weight of the harvested fruit can be improved. In this disclosure, relative humidity is measured by placing a hygrometer 1 cm away from the fruit and vegetable plants. As the hygrometer, for example, the TR-74Ui and its accompanying sensors manufactured by T&D Corporation can be used.

[0026] The method for controlling humidity is not particularly limited and can be done by conventionally known methods. For example, humidity conditions can be controlled by monitoring the humidity of the environment using the above-mentioned hygrometer and, if necessary, by using an air conditioning system that has humidification and dehumidification functions.

[0027] The carbon dioxide concentration in the cultivation environment for fruit and vegetable plants is preferably 300 ppm or higher, more preferably 400 ppm or higher, even more preferably 800 ppm or higher, and particularly preferably 1,000 ppm or higher. By keeping the carbon dioxide concentration in the cultivation environment for fruit and vegetable plants within the above numerical range, the quality and weight of the harvested fruit can be further improved. The upper limit of the carbon dioxide concentration is not particularly limited and can be 4,000 ppm or less. In this disclosure, the carbon dioxide concentration is measured by placing a carbon dioxide concentration meter at a distance of 1 cm from the fruit and vegetable plants. As the carbon dioxide concentration meter, for example, the Air Checker 7722 manufactured by SB Environmental Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0028] The method for controlling carbon dioxide concentration is not particularly limited and can be carried out by conventionally known methods. For example, it can be done by monitoring the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment using the carbon dioxide concentration meter mentioned above and using air conditioning equipment, etc., as needed.

[0029] Fruit and vegetable plants may be cultivated using soil cultivation or hydroponics, but from the viewpoint of improving the hygiene of the cultivation environment, hydroponics is preferable.

[0030] When cultivating fruit and vegetable plants using hydroponics, a support stand equipped with, for example, urethane sponge, rock wool, and a water-retaining sheet can be used as a support for the roots.

[0031] When cultivating fruit and vegetable plants using hydroponics, the method of supplying liquid fertilizer is not particularly limited and includes methods such as submerged hydroponics, where the support is immersed in liquid fertilizer; spray hydroponics, where liquid fertilizer is sprayed onto the support; and drip hydroponics, where liquid fertilizer is dripped onto the roots or support.

[0032] There are no particular restrictions on the liquid fertilizer used, as long as it is suitable for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants. For example, commercially available mixed liquid fertilizers (such as OAT House No. 1 from OAT Agrio Co., Ltd. and Hyponica liquid fertilizer from Kyowa Co., Ltd.) may be dissolved or diluted to the desired concentration and used, or single fertilizers may be used in combination based on known fertilizer compositions such as the Horticultural Experiment Station formula and the Yamazaki formula.

[0033] For pollination after flowering, you can choose a method from the general options that is appropriate for the crop and implement it at the appropriate time. For example, you can use hormone treatment with Sumitomo Chemical Garden's Tomato Tone Spray. Alternatively, you can perform vibration pollination using a blower or vibration device. You can also use insects such as bumblebees for pollination.

[0034] The concentration of liquid fertilizer can be indicated by its EC (Electrical Conductivity) value. From the viewpoint of the quality and weight of the harvested fruit, the concentration of liquid fertilizer is preferably 0.5 ds / m to 8.0 ds / m, and more preferably 1.0 ds / m to 5.0 ds / m. The concentration of liquid fertilizer may also be changed according to the growth of the fruit and vegetable plants. The EC value is measured at 25°C using an electrical conductivity meter (for example, the HI98131 from Hanna Instruments).

[0035] In fruit and vegetable plants, it is preferable to remove the leaves below the fruit clusters that have been harvested. Removing the leaves below the fruit clusters that have been harvested can improve cultivation efficiency. The side shoots of fruit and vegetable plants may be removed as needed (side shoot removal).

[0036] Fruiting vegetables are not particularly limited and include solanaceous plants such as tomatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers; cucurbitaceous plants such as melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, and zucchini; legumes such as green beans, peas, and broad beans; mallowaceous plants such as okra; and grasses such as corn. Among the above-mentioned fruiting vegetables, solanaceous plants or cucurbitaceous plants are suitable for the cultivation method of this disclosure, tomatoes or melons are more suitable, and tomatoes are even more suitable. Tomatoes include varieties such as midi tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and fruit tomatoes. Melons, on the other hand, include varieties such as green-fleshed and red-fleshed netted melons and non-netted melons.

[0037] [Cultivation equipment for fruit and vegetable plants] The cultivation apparatus for fruit and vegetable plants of this disclosure comprises a light source that irradiates artificial light onto the fruit and vegetable plants from the side and from above, and a control mechanism (hereinafter also referred to as the "light intensity control mechanism") that controls the light irradiation conditions to produce a light intensity distribution when irradiating the fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light.

[0038] The above-mentioned light sources can be used to irradiate with artificial light. Furthermore, as a cultivation system equipped with a light source, for example, the cultivation system described above can be applied to the cultivation apparatus.

[0039] The light intensity control mechanism controls the light irradiation conditions of the artificial light irradiated onto the fruit and vegetable plants so that a light intensity distribution is created on the plants.

[0040] In one embodiment, a photon quantum sensor is placed at the growing point of a fruiting vegetable plant and in the center of the lowest leaves of the fruiting vegetable plant to measure light intensity. The light intensity control mechanism acquires light intensity data from the photon quantum sensor and calculates the light intensity ratio. The light intensity ratio is defined as the light intensity of artificial light irradiated onto the growing point of the fruiting vegetable plant. t Light intensity I of artificial light irradiated onto the central part of the lowest leaves of a fruiting plant. b It is preferable that the ratio satisfies the following relationship. This increases the light intensity at the growing point and its vicinity in fruit and vegetable plants. I b / I t ≤0.8 Then, the calculated light intensity ratio I b / I t If the value exceeds 0.8, the light intensity control mechanism sends a signal to the light source to adjust the angle of the irradiated artificial light, the number of irradiation directions of the irradiated artificial light, the light intensity of the artificial light, etc., and adjusts the light intensity ratio to the above range.

[0041] The light intensity control mechanism, from the viewpoint of improving fruit set rate and improving the space utilization efficiency of the plant factory, controls the ratio of the light intensity of artificial light irradiated to the central part of the lowest leaves of the fruit and vegetable plants to the light intensity of artificial light irradiated to the growing point of the fruit and vegetable plants (I b / I tIt is preferable to control the light irradiation conditions so that ) is 0.8 or less. From the viewpoint of improving the weight of the harvested fruit, the light intensity control mechanism preferably controls the light irradiation conditions so that the above light intensity ratio is more preferably 0.7 or less (even more preferably 0.5 or less). From the viewpoint of improving the weight of harvested fruit, the light intensity control mechanism preferably controls the light irradiation conditions so that the above light intensity ratio is preferably 0.3 or higher (more preferably 0.4 or higher). In one embodiment, the light control mechanism can control the light intensity ratio by changing the number of light sources that irradiate the fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light, the irradiation angle of the artificial light irradiated onto the fruit and vegetable plants, and so on. [Examples]

[0042] The above embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the above embodiments are not limited to these examples.

[0043] <Example 1-1> Tomato seeds (variety: Momotaro York®) were sown on a 5cm square urethane sponge (manufactured by Kyowa Co., Ltd., yellow growing medium for fruit and vegetables) thoroughly soaked in pure water, and stored in darkness for 3 days at a temperature of 28°C and a relative humidity of 70%. After confirming that the tomato seeds had rooted, the seedlings were grown for 17 days using a hydroponic system. For liquid fertilizer, we used Hyponica liquid fertilizer manufactured by Kyowa Co., Ltd., diluted 500 times with pure water. During the seedling stage, an LED (CIVILIGHT, DPT2RB120Q33, manufactured by Showa Denko Corporation) was used as the light source, with a light intensity of 250 μmol / m² on the top surface of the urethane sponge. 2 The light was irradiated to a value of / s. When adjusting the light intensity, the light intensity of the red (wavelength 660nm) and blue (wavelength 450nm) LEDs was adjusted so that the light intensity ratio was red:blue = 2:1. Other environmental conditions during seedling cultivation were set as follows.

[0044] -Seedling raising environmental conditions- ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours (light period) / 8 hours (dark period) ·Temperature: 27℃ (light period) / 19℃ (dark period) • Relative humidity: 70% • Carbon dioxide concentration: 1,000 ppm • Spacing between plants: 15cm

[0045] Ten tomato seedlings obtained through the above seedling cultivation method were grown under the cultivation conditions shown below (hereinafter, the growth process). During the growth period, pruning (removal of side shoots and leaves, etc.) and training were carried out in accordance with standard methods to train the plants to a single stem. After three flower clusters (first to third flower clusters) had formed on the main stem, and after confirming that three true leaves had developed above the third flower cluster, the main stem was pinched off, leaving the above true leaves. The tomato fruits that had set in the third flower cluster were harvested, marking the end of cultivation. Furthermore, if the number of buds exceeded six, the seventh bud and subsequent buds were removed. Also, if the number of fruits exceeded four, the fifth fruit and subsequent fruits were removed.

[0046] During the growth process, the number of buds and fruits set on each plant, as well as the harvest, were recorded, and the fruit set rate (%; [number of fruits set / number of buds] × 100) and the average weight per fruit (hereinafter also referred to as "average fruit weight") were calculated. The results are shown in Table 1. For subsequent Examples 1-2 to 1-5 and Comparative Examples 1-1 to 1-2, the fruit set rate and average fruit weight were also calculated and are shown in Table 1.

[0047] -Cultivation conditions during the growth process- • Support structure: The urethane sponge used in the seedling cultivation process is used as is. ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours (light period) / 8 hours (dark period) Relative temperature: 27°C (light period) / 19°C (dark period) ·Humidity: 70% • Nutrient solution: Use "Hyponica Liquid Fertilizer" manufactured by Kyowa Co., Ltd., diluted 250 times with purified water. • Carbon dioxide concentration: 1,000 ppm • Light irradiation conditions: During the growing season, artificial light was continuously irradiated from directions of 0°±20° and 90°±20° relative to the direction of stem growth of the tomato plants. Light intensity ratio (light intensity at the center of the lowest leaves of the fruiting vegetable plant (tomato plant)) b / Light intensity at the growth point It The light intensity distribution was created so that the ratio was 0.5. The light intensity in the center of the lowest leaves of the fruiting plant was 120 μmol / m². 2 / s~130μmol / m 2 / s, light intensity at the growth point is 240 μmol / m² 2 / s~260μmol / m 2 I used / s.

[0048] <Examples 1-2> Tomato plants were cultivated and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1-1, except that the light irradiation conditions in the cultivation conditions during the growth process were changed as follows.

[0049] -Cultivation conditions during the growth process- • Light irradiation conditions: Artificial light was irradiated from 0°±20° and 90°±20° relative to the growth direction of the tomato plant stem only during the period from the differentiation of the first flower bud until the last fruit set was confirmed (hereinafter also referred to as "Period A"). Light intensity ratio (center of the lowest leaves of the fruiting plant (tomato plant) b / Light intensity at the growth point I t A light intensity distribution was created so that ) was 0.5. Note that the light intensity I in the center of the lowest leaves of the fruiting plant b is 120 μmol / m³ 2 / s~130μmol / m 2 / s, light intensity I at the growing point t It is 240 μmol / m³ 2 / s~260μmol / m 2 I used / s. During periods other than those mentioned above (hereinafter also referred to as "Period B"), artificial light irradiation from a direction of 0°±30° relative to the growth direction of the tomato plant stem was stopped, and artificial light was irradiated only from a direction of 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the tomato plant stem. The light intensity ratio was set to 1.0. Note that the light intensity at the center of the lowest leaves of the fruiting plant was 1. b Light intensity I at the growing point t Both are 120 μmol / m³ 2 / s~130μmol / m 2 I used / s.

[0050] <Examples 1-3> Except for changing the light intensity ratio in period A to 0.8, the cultivation and evaluation of tomato plants were carried out in the same manner as in Example 1-2. Note that the light intensity I was measured at the center of the lowest leaves of the fruiting plant. b is 120 μmol / m³ 2 / s~130μmol / m 2 / s, light intensity I at the growing point t is 150 μmol / m³ 2 / s~163μmol / m 2 I used / s.

[0051] <Examples 1-4> During the seedling stage, tomato plants were cultivated and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1-1, except that the light intensity of the red (wavelength 660nm) and blue (wavelength 450nm) LEDs was adjusted so that the light intensity ratio was red:blue = 10:1.

[0052] <Examples 1-5> Except for using a white LED (PGL-NE-200NWD, manufactured by Ryoden Trading Co., Ltd.) as the light source during the seedling stage, tomato plants were cultivated and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1-1.

[0053] <Comparative Example 1-1> Tomato plants were cultivated and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1-1, except that the light irradiation conditions in the cultivation conditions during the growth process were changed as follows.

[0054] -Cultivation conditions during the growth process- • Light irradiation conditions: During the growing season, artificial light was always irradiated from a direction of 90°±30° relative to the direction of stem growth of the tomato plant. The light intensity ratio was set to 1.0. Note that the light intensity at the center of the lowest leaves of the fruiting plant was 1.0. b Light intensity I at the growing point t Both are 120 μmol / m³ 2 / s~130μmol / m 2 I used / s.

[0055] <Comparative Example 1-2> Tomato plants were cultivated and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1-1, except that the light irradiation conditions in the cultivation conditions during the growth process were changed as follows.

[0056] -Cultivation conditions during the growth process- • Light irradiation conditions: During the growing season, artificial light was continuously irradiated from a direction of 0°±30° relative to the direction of stem growth of the tomato plant. The light intensity ratio was set to 0.2. Note that the light intensity at the center of the lowest leaves of the fruiting plant was 1 b It is 48 μmol / m³ 2 / s~52μmol / m 2 / s, light intensity at the growing point I t It is 240 μmol / m³ 2 / s~260μmol / m 2 I used / s.

[0057] <Example 2-1> Melon seeds (variety: Lennon®) were sown on a 5cm square urethane sponge (manufactured by Kyowa Co., Ltd., yellow growing medium for fruits and vegetables) thoroughly soaked in pure water, and stored in darkness for 3 days at a temperature of 28°C and a relative humidity of 70%. After confirming that the melon seeds had rooted, the seedlings were grown for 17 days using a hydroponic system (see below for the seedling growth process). For liquid fertilizer, we used "Hyponica Liquid Fertilizer" manufactured by Kyowa Co., Ltd., diluted 500 times with pure water. During the seedling stage, Showa Denko's LED (CIVILIGHT, DPT2RB120Q33) was used as the light source, with a light intensity of 250 μmol / m² on the top surface of the urethane sponge. 2 The irradiation was performed to achieve a value of / s. The environmental conditions for other seedling stages were set as follows.

[0058] -Environmental conditions during seedling cultivation- ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours (light period) / 8 hours (dark period) ·Temperature: 27℃ (light period) / 19℃ (dark period) • Relative humidity: 70% • Carbon dioxide concentration: 1,000 ppm • Spacing between plants: 15cm

[0059] Ten melon seedlings obtained through the above seedling cultivation method were grown under the cultivation conditions shown below. During the growing period, pruning (removal of side shoots) and training were performed in accordance with standard methods, and pollination was carried out on the female flowers until fruit setting was confirmed on the main stem. After the first fruit set was confirmed, pollination treatment was not performed, and only the flowers were thinned. In cases where multiple fruits were confirmed to have set simultaneously, cultivation was continued for about a week with all the fruits present, and then only the largest fruit was left, with the smaller fruits being removed. We harvested one fruit from each plant, and then finished the cultivation. During the growing process, the number of female flower buds, the number of fruits set, and the harvest were recorded for each plant. The fruit set rate ([number of fruits set / number of buds] × 100) and the weight per fruit (hereinafter also referred to as "average fruit weight") were calculated and summarized in Table 2. For Comparative Example 2-1, the fruit set rate and average fruit weight were also calculated and summarized in Table 2.

[0060] -Cultivation conditions during the growth process- • Support structure: The urethane sponge used in the seedling cultivation process is used as is. ·Light / dark cycle: 16 hours (light period) / 8 hours (dark period) ·Temperature: 27℃ (light period) / 19℃ (dark period) ·Humidity: 70% • Nutrient solution: Use "Hyponica Liquid Fertilizer" manufactured by Kyowa Co., Ltd., diluted 150 times with purified water. • Carbon dioxide concentration: 1,000 ppm • Light irradiation: Artificial light was irradiated from directions of 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the melon plant stem only during the period from the differentiation of the first flower bud until the last fruit set was confirmed (hereinafter also referred to as "Period A"). Light intensity ratio (center of the lowest leaves of the fruiting plant) b / Light intensity at the growth point I t The light intensity I was set to 0.5. b is 120 μmol / m³ 2 / s~130μmol / m 2 / s, light intensity I at the growing point t It is 240 μmol / m³ 2 / s~260μmol / m 2 I used / s. During periods other than those mentioned above (hereinafter also referred to as "Period B"), artificial light irradiation from a direction of 0°±30° relative to the growth direction of the melon plant stem was stopped, and artificial light was irradiated only from a direction of 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the melon plant stem. The light intensity ratio was set to 1.0. Note that the light intensity at the center of the lowest leaf of the fruiting plant was 1. b is 120 μmol / m³ 2 / s~130μmol / m 2 / s, light intensity I at the growing point t is 120 μmol / m³ 2 / s~130μmol / m 2 I used / s.

[0061] <Comparative Example 2-1> Except for changing the light irradiation conditions in the growth stage as follows, melon plants were cultivated and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 2-1.

[0062] -Cultivation conditions during the growth process- • Light irradiation conditions: During the growing season, artificial light was continuously irradiated onto the melon plants from a direction of 90°±30° relative to the direction of stem growth. The light intensity ratio was set to 1.0.

[0063] [Table 1]

[0064] [Table 2]

[0065] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants in the example is superior in fruit set rate compared to the cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants in the comparative example.

[0066] (Explanation of symbols) 1. Cultivated plants 3...LED light source 5a, 5b... Reflective sheet 7a,7b...Lighting equipment 10,20...Cultivation System

[0067] The disclosures of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-077110, filed on 9 May 2022, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-023805, filed on 17 February 2023, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, comprising irradiating them with artificial light under light irradiation conditions that result in a fruit setting rate of 80% or more, The method described above includes irradiating the fruiting vegetable plant with artificial light from the time the first flower bud differentiation of the fruiting vegetable plant is confirmed until the final fruit set is confirmed. The artificial light source includes red LEDs and blue LEDs. A cultivation method in which the light intensity It of artificial light irradiated to the growing point of the fruiting plant and the light intensity Ib of artificial light irradiated to the central part of the lowest leaves of the fruiting plant are in a relationship of 0.3 ≤ Ib / It ≤ 0.8 from the confirmation of the first flower bud differentiation of the fruiting plant until the final confirmation of fruit setting.

2. The method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to claim 1, wherein the fruit vegetable plant is a tomato.

3. A light source that irradiates fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light, A control mechanism controls the light source such that, after the first flower bud differentiation of the fruiting vegetable plant is confirmed and until the final fruit setting is confirmed, the light intensity It of the artificial light irradiated onto the growing point of the fruiting vegetable plant and the light intensity Ib of the artificial light irradiated onto the central part of the lowest leaves of the fruiting vegetable plant are in the relationship 0.3 ≤ Ib / It ≤ 0.

8. A cultivation apparatus for fruit and vegetable plants, comprising: A cultivation apparatus in which the artificial light source includes red LEDs and blue LEDs.

4. A method for producing tomato plants by the cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants described in claim 1 or claim 2.

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