Method for growing fruit vegetable plant, apparatus for growing fruit vegetable plant, and tomato plant

Abstract

Provided are a method for growing a fruit vegetable plant, an apparatus for growing the fruit vegetable plant, and a tomato plant, wherein the fruit vegetable plant is irradiated with artificial light under a light irradiation condition for attaining a fructification rate of 80% or higher.

Description

Method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants, and tomato plants

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

[0002] In recent years, artificial light plant factories that use artificial light sources such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) to cultivate plants such as vegetables in a closed space have been attracting attention. Plant cultivation in artificial light plant factories is not affected by climate or weather, and can also solve the problem of labor shortages, making it possible to cultivate plants under constant conditions throughout the year.

[0003] Fruit and vegetable plants such as tomatoes and melons are tall, and from the perspective of space utilization efficiency in plant factories, the distance from the top to the plant body is long, which tends to reduce light utilization efficiency. For this reason, light irradiation from the side instead of from the top has been considered (see JP 2011-50288 A).

[0004] However, the present inventors have recently discovered that there is room for improvement in the fruit-bearing rate of fruit and vegetable plants cultivated with lateral light irradiation. An object of one embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, a cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants, and a tomato plant that are excellent in fruit-bearing rate.

[0005] Specific means for achieving the object are as follows. <1> A method for cultivating a fruit or vegetable plant, comprising irradiating the fruit or vegetable plant with artificial light under light irradiation conditions that result in a fruit-setting rate of 80% or more. <2> The method for cultivating a fruit or vegetable plant according to <1> above, wherein the fruit or vegetable plant is a tomato. <3> The method for cultivating a fruit or vegetable plant according to <1> or <2> above, wherein the fruit or vegetable plant is irradiated with the artificial light from directions at 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the fruit or vegetable plant. <4> The method for cultivating a fruit or vegetable plant according to any one of <1> to <3> above, wherein the fruit or vegetable plant is irradiated with the artificial light from directions at 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the fruit or vegetable plant, from the time when differentiation of the first flower bud of the fruit or vegetable plant is confirmed until the final fruit set is confirmed. <5> The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein a light intensity distribution is generated in the fruit and vegetable plants by irradiating the artificial light. <6> The light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated onto the growing point of the fruit and vegetable plants ｔ and the light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated to the center of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant. ｂ The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to the above item <5>, wherein the following relationship is satisfied: ｂ / I ｔ <7> The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to any one of <1> to <6> above, wherein a light intensity distribution is generated after confirmation of differentiation of the first flower bud of the fruit and vegetable plant until confirmation of final fruit set. <8> A cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants, comprising: a light source that irradiates the fruit and vegetable plant with artificial light from the side and from above; and a control mechanism that controls the light irradiation conditions to generate a light intensity distribution when the artificial light is irradiated onto the fruit and vegetable plant. <9> The control mechanism controls the light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated onto the growing point of the fruit and vegetable plant. ｔ and the light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated to the center of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant. ｂ The cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants according to the above item <8>, wherein the light irradiation conditions are controlled so that the following relationship is satisfied: ｂ / I ｔ <10> A tomato plant cultivated by the method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to any one of <1> to <7> above.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, an apparatus for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, and a tomato plant having an excellent fruit-bearing rate can be provided.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a schematic top view showing an example of a cultivation system in which lighting fixtures are placed between cultivated plants. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cultivation system equipped with lighting fixtures having a T-shaped cross section.

[0008] Modes for carrying out the present disclosure are described in detail below. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. In the following embodiments, components (including element steps, etc.) are not essential unless otherwise specified. The same applies to numerical values ​​and their ranges, and do not limit the present disclosure. In this disclosure, numerical ranges indicated using "to" include the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. In numerical ranges described in stages in this disclosure, the upper or lower limit value of one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit value of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in numerical ranges described in this disclosure, the upper or lower limit value of that numerical range may be replaced with the value shown in the cultivation example. In this disclosure, "fruit vegetable plant" refers to a plant that produces fruit. In this disclosure, the "fruit-bearing rate" is calculated using the formula [number of fruits / number of buds] x 100. In this disclosure, "number of fruits" refers to the number of fruits that have set in a fruit vegetable plant, and "number of buds" refers to the number of buds that have set in a fruit vegetable plant. In this disclosure, fruit set is determined by the total length L of the shortest calyx in the fruit. ｈ The maximum horizontal diameter L of the fruit ｆ The ratio (L ｆ / L ｈ) is 0.2 or greater, and if it is 0.2 or greater, fruit bearing is recognized. In this disclosure, "growing point" refers to the tip of a main branch or lateral branch (not shown) of a fruit or vegetable plant, and is also referred to as the apex, which is located at the tip of the stem and produces an extension of the stem and new leaves. It includes an area within 5 cm of the growing point. If a fruit or vegetable plant is trained to have multiple stems, there will be multiple growing points. In this disclosure, "the lowest leaf of a fruit or vegetable plant" refers to the leaf of the fruit or vegetable plant that is closest to the root at the base of the stem, and "the center of the leaf" refers to the part of the leaf that is 1 / 2X from the base, where X is the total length of the leaf. In this disclosure, "the growth direction of the stem of a fruit or vegetable plant" refers to the direction in which the growing point of the stem of a fruit or vegetable plant extends. In this disclosure, "mass" and "weight" are synonymous.

[0009] [Method for Cultivating Fruit and Vegetable Plants] The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants of the present disclosure irradiates fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light under light irradiation conditions that result in a fruit-setting rate of 80% or more. Optimizing the light irradiation conditions allows fruit and vegetable plants to grow effectively, improving the fruit-setting rate of the method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants of the present disclosure is particularly advantageous in that it can improve the fruit-setting rate while maintaining high light utilization efficiency and space utilization efficiency.

[0010] From the viewpoint of improving the fruit set rate and improving the space utilization efficiency, it is preferable that the irradiation of artificial light produces a light intensity distribution in the fruit vegetable plants. The light intensity distribution can be produced by adjusting 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. From the viewpoint of improving the fruit set rate and improving the light utilization efficiency, which directly leads to reducing the cultivation costs, it is preferable that the irradiation of artificial light under the above conditions be carried out for the period from the confirmation of the differentiation of the first flower bud of the fruit vegetable plant until the confirmation of the final fruit set. During periods other than the above period, the irradiation of artificial light may be carried out so that the light intensity distribution is not produced, or so that the light intensity distribution is produced. However, from the viewpoint of reducing the cultivation costs, it is preferable to irradiate artificial light so that the light intensity distribution is not produced.

[0011] From the viewpoint of improving the fruit set rate and space utilization efficiency, the light intensity I of artificial light irradiated onto the growing point of fruit and vegetable plants isｔ and the light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated to the center of the lowest leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant. ｂ It is preferable that the following relationship is satisfied: ｂ / I ｔ " is also called "light intensity ratio." ｂ / I ｔ ≦0.8 The light intensity ratio is preferably 0.7 or less, more preferably 0.5 or less, from the viewpoint of increasing the weight of the harvested fruit. The lower limit of the light intensity ratio is preferably 0.3 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more, from the viewpoint of increasing the weight of the harvested fruit. In the case of a plant body that does not have a growing point after top pinching, etc., the light intensity I ｔ is the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated to the center of the top leaf of the fruit vegetable plant. In addition, when the fruit vegetable plant is trained to have multiple stems and there are multiple growing points, the light intensity I ｔ is the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated onto the growing point furthest from the center of the lowest leaf of the fruit vegetable plant. The light intensity ratio is preferably 0.4 to 0.8 from the viewpoints of improving the fruit set rate, the space utilization efficiency of the plant factory, and the weight of the harvested fruit.

[0012] When a fruit 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 irradiated onto the fruit and vegetable plants, etc.

[0014] Light intensity is measured by placing the light receiving surface of the measuring device facing the light source. For example, a photon sensor (LI-190R, manufactured by LI-COR) can be used as the measuring device. When light sources are placed in two or more directions from the fruit or vegetable plant, the sum of the light intensities measured by placing the measuring device facing each light source is defined as the light intensity.

[0015] From the viewpoint of improving the fruit set rate and light utilization efficiency and reducing cultivation costs, it is preferable to carry out irradiation with artificial light under the above conditions for the period from confirmation of the differentiation of the first flower bud of the fruit vegetable plant until confirmation of the final fruit set. During periods other than the above periods, irradiation with artificial light may be carried out so that the light intensity ratio is greater than 0.8, or may be carried out so that the light intensity ratio is 0.8 or less, but from the viewpoint of reducing cultivation costs, it is preferable to carry out irradiation with artificial light so that the light intensity ratio is greater than 0.8.

[0016] It is preferable to irradiate the fruit vegetable plants with artificial light from directions at 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of the fruit vegetable plants, and it is more preferable to irradiate the fruit vegetable plants with artificial light from directions at 0°±20° and 90°±20° relative to the growth direction of the stems of the fruit vegetable plants. By irradiating the fruit vegetable plants with artificial light as described above, a suitable light intensity distribution is generated in the irradiated fruit vegetable plants, thereby improving the fruit set rate. In addition, the plant height of the fruit vegetable plants can be adjusted, thereby improving the space utilization efficiency of the plant factory. From the perspectives of improving the fruit set rate, improving light utilization efficiency, and reducing cultivation costs, it is preferable to irradiate the fruit vegetable plants with artificial light under the above conditions for a period from confirmation of the differentiation of the first flower bud of the fruit vegetable plants until confirmation of the final fruit set. When the fruit vegetable plants are trained to be multi-stem, it is preferable to irradiate the fruit vegetable plants with artificial light in each of multiple growth directions. During periods other than the above-mentioned periods, artificial light may be irradiated from one of the directions of 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of the fruit and vegetable plants, or from both the directions of 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of the fruit and vegetable plants. However, from the viewpoint of reducing cultivation costs, it is preferable to irradiate with artificial light from one of the directions of 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of the fruit and vegetable plants, and it is preferable to irradiate with artificial light from a direction of 0°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stems of the fruit and vegetable plants.

[0017] When artificial light is irradiated from the side and top of the fruit and vegetable plants, the light intensity of the artificial light is adjusted so as to produce a light intensity distribution. In cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, any type of cultivation system may be used for growing the fruit and vegetable plants, and the positional relationship between the light source and the fruit and vegetable plants when irradiating them with artificial light may also be selected appropriately. The cultivation system may be, for example, one of the types shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view showing an example of a cultivation system in which LED light sources are arranged between plants. In the cultivation system 10 shown in FIG. 1 , equal-area partitioned areas are provided on both sides of a lighting fixture 7a equipped with an LED light source 3, and cultivated fruit and vegetable plants 1 are arranged in every other partition. The multiple cultivated plants 1 are spaced apart at a fixed distance so that the leaves of neighboring plants do not overlap. The top and sides of each partition are covered with a reflective sheet 5a. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 2 , cultivated plants 1 are arranged on both sides of the lighting fixture 7a, and the top and sides of the cultivated plants 1 are covered with a reflective sheet 5a. Light emitted from the lighting fixture 7a is irradiated directly from one side of the fruit and vegetable plants and is then reflected by the reflective sheet 5a and irradiated from the other side of the fruit and vegetable plants. Furthermore, light emitted from the lighting fixture 7a toward the top surface is reflected by the reflective sheet 5a on the top surface, then reflected again by the reflective sheets on the side surfaces, and is further irradiated from the side of the fruit and vegetable plants. In this way, light utilization efficiency can be improved by covering the cultivated plants with reflective sheets, etc. Furthermore, by arranging the lighting fixtures as shown in Figure 1, workability from the aisles is also improved. Note that multiple LED light sources 3 are attached to the lighting fixture 7a.

[0019] The cultivation system shown in Figure 2 may be a form using a support table (preferably a cultivation shelf) provided with a support (such as a urethane sponge) for supporting the roots of the cultivated plants, or a form using a support table (preferably a cultivation shelf) equipped with a cultivation panel with a plurality of holes for fixing the support, and a support for supporting the roots of the cultivated plants fixed in each hole of the cultivation panel. The use of a support table is preferable from the viewpoint of cultivation management and workability, such as side shoot pruning, leaf removal, and harvesting, during the cultivation period of fruit vegetables such as tomatoes.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a modified example of Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cultivation system in which a lighting fixture 7b with a T-shaped cross section is installed instead of the reflective sheet and lighting fixture 7a on the top surface in Fig. 2. In the cultivation system 20 shown in Fig. 3, an LED light source 3 is also arranged on the top surface, so that light is directly irradiated from both the side and the top surface of the fruit and vegetable plants. The sides are covered with a reflective sheet 5b. This ensures the light intensity at the growth point.

[0021] The cycle of light and dark periods (hereinafter also referred to as "light-dark cycle") of the artificial light irradiated onto the fruit and vegetable plants may be controlled. In this disclosure, the "light period" refers to the period during which the fruit and vegetable plants are irradiated with light from a light source. The "dark period" refers to the period during which the fruit and vegetable plants are not irradiated with light from 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 to be irradiated is not particularly limited, and examples include semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and discharge lamps such as fluorescent lamps. In the fruit and vegetable cultivation method according to the present disclosure, it is preferable to use LEDs. One or more types of LEDs may be used. The LEDs may emit visible light such as red, blue, and green, or may emit invisible light such as ultraviolet light (wavelengths of 380 nm or less) or infrared light (wavelengths of 780 nm or more). Among these, LEDs emitting 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 fruit yield per plant is important in terms of improving energy efficiency and space utilization efficiency. From this viewpoint, the combined use of red and blue LEDs is more preferable. In particular, since the selection of light source wavelength during the seedling raising period of tomato cultivation contributes to the increase or decrease of fruit yield, it is preferable to use red and blue LEDs during the seedling raising period. This can be expected to result in increased yield compared to, for example, a seedling raising period using white LEDs.

[0023] The cultivation temperature for fruit and vegetable plants is not particularly limited, but is preferably 23°C to 33°C during the light period, and more preferably 25°C to 32°C. By maintaining the cultivation temperature during the light period within the above numerical range, the quality, weight, etc. of the harvested fruit can be improved. Furthermore, the cultivation temperature during the dark period for fruit and vegetable plants is preferably 15°C to 22°C, and more preferably 16°C to 20°C. By maintaining the cultivation temperature during the dark period within the above numerical range, the quality, weight, etc. of the harvested fruit can be improved. In the present disclosure, the cultivation temperature is measured by placing a thermometer 1 cm away from the fruit and vegetable plants. As the thermometer, for example, a TR-74Ui manufactured by T&D Corporation and its attached sensors can be used.

[0024] The method for controlling the light and dark temperature is not particularly limited and can be performed by a conventionally known method. For example, the light and dark temperature can be controlled by monitoring the light and dark temperature of the environment using the thermometer and blowing hot or cold air as needed.

[0025] The relative humidity in the cultivation environment for fruit and vegetable plants is preferably 40% to 80%, and more preferably 50% to 75%. By keeping the relative humidity in the cultivation environment for fruit and vegetable plants within the above numerical range, the quality, weight, etc. of the harvested fruit can be improved. In the present disclosure, the 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 manufactured by T&D Corporation and its attached sensors can be used.

[0026] The method for controlling humidity is not particularly limited and can be any conventionally known method. For example, humidity conditions can be controlled by monitoring the humidity of the environment with the hygrometer and, if necessary, by using an air conditioner with a humidifying function and a dehumidifying function.

[0027] The carbon dioxide concentration in the cultivation environment of fruit and vegetable plants is preferably 300 ppm or more, more preferably 400 ppm or more, even more preferably 800 ppm or more, and particularly preferably 1,000 ppm or more. By maintaining the carbon dioxide concentration in the cultivation environment of 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 the present disclosure, the carbon dioxide concentration is measured by placing a carbon dioxide concentration meter 1 cm away from the fruit and vegetable plants. As the carbon dioxide concentration meter, for example, an Air Checker 7722 manufactured by SB Environment Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0028] The method for controlling the carbon dioxide concentration is not particularly limited and can be carried out by a conventionally known method, for example, by monitoring the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment using the carbon dioxide concentration meter and, if necessary, by using an air conditioner or the like.

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

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

[0031] When cultivating fruit and vegetable plants by hydroponics, the method of supplying liquid fertilizer is not particularly limited, and examples include flooded hydroponics, in which a support is immersed in liquid fertilizer, spray hydroponics, in which liquid fertilizer is sprayed onto a support, and drip hydroponics, in which 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 growing fruit and vegetable plants. For example, commercially available mixed liquid fertilizers (such as OAT House No. 1 manufactured by OAT Agrio Co., Ltd. and Hyponica liquid fertilizer manufactured by Kyowa Co., Ltd.) may be dissolved and diluted to the desired concentration and used, or a combination of single fertilizers based on known fertilizer compositions such as the Enshi Formula and the Yamazaki Formula may be used.

[0033] Pollination after flowering can be carried out by selecting a suitable method from among the common methods for the crop. For example, hormone treatment using Sumitomo Chemical's Tomato Tone Spray can be used. Vibration pollination can also be carried out using a blower or vibrator. Insects such as bumblebees can also be used for pollination.

[0034] The concentration of the liquid fertilizer can be measured using the EC (Electrical Conductivity) value. From the viewpoint of the quality and weight of the harvested fruit, the concentration of the 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 the liquid fertilizer may be adjusted according to the growth of the fruit and vegetable plants. The EC value is measured at 25°C using an electrical conductivity meter (e.g., HI98131 manufactured by Hanna Instruments).

[0035] In fruit and vegetable plants, it is preferable to remove leaves below the harvested fruit bunches. By removing leaves below the harvested fruit bunches, cultivation efficiency can be improved. Side shoots on fruit and vegetable plants may be removed as appropriate (side shoot removal).

[0036] Fruit vegetable plants are not particularly limited, and examples include solanaceae plants such as tomatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers; cucurbitaceae plants such as melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, and zucchini; legumes such as kidney beans, peas, and broad beans; mallows such as okra; and grasses such as corn. Among the above-mentioned fruit vegetable plants, solanaceae plants or cucurbitaceae plants are suitable for the cultivation method of the present disclosure, with tomatoes or melons being more suitable, and tomatoes being even more suitable. Tomatoes include midi tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and fruit tomatoes. Melons include netted melons such as green-fleshed and red-fleshed varieties, as well as netless melons.

[0037] [Fruit and vegetable plant cultivation device] The fruit and vegetable plant cultivation device of the present disclosure includes a light source that irradiates artificial light from the side and top directions of the fruit and vegetable plants, and a control mechanism (hereinafter also referred to as a "light intensity control mechanism") that controls the light irradiation conditions to create a light intensity distribution when irradiating the artificial light onto the fruit and vegetable plants.

[0038] The light source for irradiating artificial light can be any of those described above. In addition, the cultivation device can be applied to a cultivation system equipped with a light source, such as the cultivation system described above.

[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 generated on the fruit and vegetable plants.

[0040] In one embodiment, photon sensors for measuring light intensity are disposed at the growing point of the fruit vegetable plant and at the center of the lowest leaf of the fruit vegetable plant, and the light intensity control mechanism acquires data on the respective light intensities from the photon sensors and calculates a light intensity ratio. The light intensity ratio is calculated by dividing the light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated onto the growing point of the fruit vegetable plant by the light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated onto the growing point of the fruit vegetable plant. ｔ The light intensity I of the artificial light irradiated to the center of the lowest leaf of the fruit vegetable plant ｂ It is preferable that the ratio of I satisfies the following relationship: This further increases the light intensity at the growing point and its vicinity in the fruit vegetable plants. ｂ / I ｔ ≦0.8 Then, the calculated light intensity ratio I ｂ / I ｔ If the ratio 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 be within the above range.

[0041] The light intensity control mechanism is configured to control the ratio of the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated onto the center of the lowest leaf of the fruit vegetable plant to the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated onto the growing point of the fruit vegetable plant (I ｂ / I ｔ It is preferable to control the light irradiation conditions so that the light intensity ratio is 0.8 or less. From the viewpoint of improving the weight of the harvested fruit, it is preferable that the light intensity control mechanism controls the light irradiation conditions so that the 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 the harvested fruit, it is preferable that the light intensity control mechanism controls the light irradiation conditions so that the light intensity ratio is preferably 0.3 or more (more preferably 0.4 or more). In one embodiment, the light control mechanism can control the light intensity ratio by changing the number of light sources that irradiate the fruit vegetable plants with artificial light, the irradiation angle of the artificial light irradiated onto the fruit vegetable plants, etc.

[0042] The above embodiment will be specifically described below using examples, but the above embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0043] Example 1-1 Tomato seeds (variety: Momotaro York (registered trademark)) were sown on a 5 cm square urethane sponge (Kyowa Co., Ltd., yellow fruit and vegetable medium) sufficiently saturated with pure water, and stored in the dark at a temperature of 28°C and a relative humidity of 70% for 3 days. After rooting of the tomato seeds was confirmed, the seedlings were grown for 17 days using submerged hydroponic cultivation. The liquid fertilizer used was Kyowa Co., Ltd.'s Hyponica liquid fertilizer diluted 500 times with pure water. An LED (CIVILIGHT, DPT2RB120Q33, Showa Denko K.K.) was used as the light source during the seedling raising period, and the light intensity on the top surface of the urethane sponge was 250 μmol / m ２ / s. When adjusting the light intensity, the amount of red (wavelength 660 nm) and blue (wavelength 450 nm) light from the LED was adjusted so that the light intensity ratio was red:blue = 2:1. Other environmental conditions during seedling raising were set as follows.

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

[0045] Ten tomato seedlings obtained by the above seedling raising process were grown under the cultivation conditions described below (hereinafter referred to as the "growth step"). During the growth period, the plants were trained to a single stem and trained according to the standard method, including pruning (side shoot removal and leaf removal) and training. After three inflorescences (first to third inflorescences) had formed on the main branch, three true leaves were confirmed to have developed above the third inflorescence, and the top was pinched off, leaving the true leaves. Tomato fruits that had borne fruit by the third inflorescence were harvested, completing the cultivation. If the number of buds exceeded six, the seventh bud was removed. If the number of fruits exceeded four, the fifth fruit was removed.

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

[0047] - Cultivation conditions during the growth process - Support: The urethane sponge used in the seedling raising process was used as is - Light / dark cycle: 16 hours (light) / 8 hours (dark) - Relative temperature: 27°C (light) / 19°C (dark) - Humidity: 70% - Nutrient solution: "Hyponica liquid fertilizer" manufactured by Kyowa Co., Ltd. was diluted 250 times with pure water and used - Carbon dioxide concentration: 1,000 ppm - Light irradiation conditions: During the growth period, artificial light was always irradiated from directions of 0°±20° and 90°±20° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the tomato plant. Light intensity ratio (light intensity I at the center of the lowest leaf of the fruit vegetable plant (tomato plant)) ｂ / Light intensity at the growth point I ｔ The light intensity distribution was set so that the light intensity at the center of the lowest leaf of the fruit vegetable plant was 120 μmol / m ２ / s~130μmol / m ２ / s, and the light intensity at the growth point was 240 μmol / m ２ / s~260μmol / m ２ / s.

[0048] 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 step were changed as follows.

[0049] - Cultivation conditions during the growth process - Light irradiation conditions: Only during the period from the differentiation of the first flower bud until the final fruit set was confirmed (hereinafter also referred to as "Period A"), artificial light was irradiated from directions of 0°±20° and 90°±20° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the tomato plant. The light intensity ratio (at the center I of the lowest leaf of the fruit vegetable plant (tomato plant)) ｂ / Light intensity at the growth point I ｔ The light intensity distribution was created so that the light intensity I ｂ is 120 μmol / m ２ / s~130μmol / m ２ / s, light intensity at the growth point I ｔ is 240 μmol / m ２ / s~260μmol / m ２ / s. During the period other than the above period (hereinafter also referred to as "Period B"), the artificial light irradiation from the direction of 0°±30° with respect to the growth direction of the stem of the tomato plant was stopped, and the artificial light was irradiated only from the direction of 90°±30° with respect to the growth direction of the stem of the tomato plant. The light intensity ratio was set to 1.0. Note that the light intensity I at the center of the lowest leaf of the fruit vegetable plant was ｂ , light intensity at the growth point I ｔ Both are 120 μmol / m ２ / s~130μmol / m ２ / s.

[0050] Example 1-3 Tomato plants were cultivated and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1-2, except that the light intensity ratio in Period A was changed to 0.8. ｂ is 120 μmol / m ２ / s~130μmol / m ２ / s, light intensity at the growth point I ｔ is 150 μmol / m ２ / s~163μmol / m ２ / s.

[0051] Example 1-4 Tomato plants were cultivated and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1-1, except that as a light source during the seedling raising period, the light intensity was adjusted by adjusting the amount of red (wavelength 660 nm) and blue (wavelength 450 nm) light from the LED so that the light intensity ratio was red:blue = 10:1.

[0052] Example 1-5 Tomato plants were cultivated and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1-1, except that a white LED (PGL-NE-200NWD, manufactured by Ryoden Shoji Co., Ltd.) was used as the light source during the seedling raising period.

[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 in the growth step were changed as follows.

[0054] - Cultivation conditions during the growth process - Light irradiation conditions: During the growth period, artificial light was always irradiated from a direction of 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the tomato plant. The light intensity ratio was set to 1.0. The light intensity I at the center of the bottom leaf of the fruit vegetable plant was ｂ , light intensity at the growth point I ｔ Both are 120 μmol / m ２ / s~130μmol / m ２ / 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 step were changed as follows.

[0056] - Cultivation conditions during the growth process - Light irradiation conditions: During the growth period, artificial light was always irradiated from a direction of 0°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the tomato plant. The light intensity ratio was 0.2. The light intensity I at the center of the bottom leaf of the fruit vegetable plant was ｂ is 48 μmol / m ２ / s~52μmol / m ２ / s, light intensity at the growth point I ｔ is 240 μmol / m ２ / s~260μmol / m ２ / s.

[0057] Example 2-1 Melon seeds (variety: Lennon (registered trademark)) were sown on a 5 cm square urethane sponge (Kyowa Co., Ltd., yellow fruit and vegetable medium) sufficiently saturated with pure water, and stored in the dark at a temperature of 28°C and a relative humidity of 70% for 3 days. After rooting of the melon seeds was confirmed, the seedlings were grown for 17 days using a submerged hydroponic culture (hereinafter referred to as the seedling growing process). The liquid fertilizer used was "Hyponica Liquid Fertilizer" manufactured by Kyowa Co., Ltd., diluted 500 times with pure water. The light source used during the seedling growing period was an LED manufactured by Showa Denko (CIVILIGHT, DPT2RB120Q33), and the light intensity on the top surface of the urethane sponge was 250 μmol / m ２ Other environmental conditions in the seedling raising process were set as follows.

[0058] - Environmental conditions during the seedling raising process - Light / dark cycle: 16 hours (light) / 8 hours (dark) - Temperature: 27°C (light) / 19°C (dark) - Relative humidity: 70% - Carbon dioxide concentration: 1,000 ppm - Distance between plants: 15 cm

[0059] Ten melon seedlings obtained by the above seedling raising method were grown under the cultivation conditions shown below. During the growing period, the plants were trained to a single stem, and pruning (side shoot removal) and training were performed according to standard methods. The female flowers were pollinated until fruit set was confirmed on the main branch. After the first fruit set was confirmed, the flowers were thinned without pollination. Furthermore, if multiple fruits were confirmed to have set simultaneously, cultivation was continued for approximately one week while maintaining the multiple fruits, after which the largest fruit was left and the other smaller fruits were thinned. One fruit was harvested from each plant, and cultivation was terminated. During the growing process, the number of female flower buds, the number of fruits set, and harvest were recorded for each plant. The fruit set rate ([number of fruits set / number of buds] x 100) and weight per fruit (hereinafter also referred to as "average fruit weight") were calculated and summarized in Table 2. The fruit set rate and average fruit weight were also calculated for Comparative Example 2-1 below and summarized in Table 2.

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

[0061] Comparative Example 2-1 Melon plants were cultivated and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 2-1, except that the light irradiation conditions in the cultivation conditions during the growth step were changed as follows.

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

[0063]

[0064]

[0065] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the fruit-bearing rate of the fruit vegetable plant cultivation method of the example is superior to that of the fruit vegetable plant cultivation method of the comparative example.

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

[0067] The disclosures of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-077110, filed on May 9, 2022, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-023805, filed on February 17, 2023, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described 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. A method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants, comprising irradiating the fruit and vegetable plants with artificial light under light irradiation conditions that result in a fruit set rate of 80% or more, The cultivation method, wherein the light source of the artificial light includes a red LED and a blue LED.

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

3. 2. The method for cultivating fruit vegetable plants according to claim 1, wherein the artificial light is irradiated to the fruit vegetable plants from directions at 0°±30° and 90°±30° with respect to a growth direction of the stems of the fruit vegetable plants.

4. 2. The method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to claim 1, wherein the artificial light is irradiated to the fruit vegetable plant from directions of 0°±30° and 90°±30° relative to the growth direction of the stem of the fruit vegetable plant, from the time when a first flower bud differentiation of the fruit vegetable plant is confirmed until the final fruit set is confirmed.

5. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1 , wherein a light intensity distribution is generated in the fruit and vegetable plants by irradiation with the artificial light.

6. 6. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 5, wherein a light intensity It of the artificial light irradiated to the growth point of the fruit and vegetable plant and a light intensity Ib of the artificial light irradiated to a central portion of a lowermost leaf of the fruit and vegetable plant have the following relationship: Ib / It≦0.8

7. 2. The method for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1, wherein the light intensity distribution is generated after confirmation of differentiation of a first flower bud of the fruit and vegetable plant until confirmation of final fruit set.

8. A light source that irradiates artificial light from the side and top directions of the fruit vegetable plants; A control mechanism for controlling the light irradiation conditions so that a light intensity distribution occurs when the artificial light is irradiated to the fruit vegetable plant; A cultivation device for fruit vegetables comprising: The cultivation device, wherein the source of artificial light includes a red LED and a blue LED.

9. 9. The fruit vegetable plant cultivation device according to claim 8, wherein the control mechanism controls light irradiation conditions so that a light intensity It of the artificial light irradiated to a growth point of the fruit vegetable plant and a light intensity Ib of the artificial light irradiated to a central portion of a lowermost leaf of the fruit vegetable plant have the following relationship: Ib / It≦0.8

10. A tomato plant cultivated by the method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to any one of claims 1 to 7.