Apparatus and method for cultivating whole plants

Abstract

The present invention provides a cultivation device for a whole plant and a cultivation method for the whole plant that can generate liquid-phase roots and air-phase roots separately in the root system without using soil. The cultivation device 10 for a whole plant 50 comprises a light-shielding housing 11 having at least one through-hole 16 on the ceiling surface and storing a cultivation liquid 25, and inner bodies 31, 32 exhibiting capillary force that are installed on at least a part of the inner surface of the light-shielding housing 11.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cultivation apparatus that can be used for cultivating whole plants and a cultivation method using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, the cultivation equipment for plants used in current plant factories requires a vast amount of land, large-scale facilities and equipment, and the energy required to operate the large-scale facilities and equipment.Furthermore, it is necessary to operate a control system for the supply of light, water, and oxygen appropriately. In other words, in order to operate current plant factories, it is necessary to have both high technical capabilities and abundant financial resources (see Patent Document 1). On the other hand, places where the establishment of plant factories is truly required include places where there is no prospect of a sufficient supply of water, or places immediately after a disaster where it is not possible to cultivate crops. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2019 / 069826 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is a problem in that it is not economically easy to set up current plant factories on small plots of land, even if water can be supplied, or in areas that are still recovering from disasters.

[0005] A plant is composed of (1) the plant body present above ground in soil cultivation, such as trunks, stems, branches, and leaves; (2) the root system present underground in soil cultivation; (3) flowers, fruits, and other products; (4) seeds; (5) aromas; and (6) medicinal ingredients and other products, and the whole is referred to as the "whole plant." For the sake of convenience, in this specification, "underground stems" are excluded from (1) the stems that make up the plant body, and "underground stems" are included in (2) the root system. In plants, the "stem" is the organ that, in vascular plants, serves as the axis of the plant body, supports the leaves and fruits, and sends water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves and fruits, and sends nutrients produced in the leaves to the roots. Examples of edible or medicinal plants that store nutrients in their roots include sweet potato, yam, radish, carrot, turnip, burdock, and medicinal ginseng. In addition, "rhizomes" are one of the transformations of stems that occur underground in soil cultivation, and like roots, they function to support the entire plant, and some plants also have the function of storing nutrients. Examples of edible or medicinal plants that store nutrients in their rhizomes include potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, konjac, taro, arrowheads, onions, ginger, and lily of the valley.

[0006] It is known that the root system of a plant has the roles of supporting the plant itself, absorbing nutrients and water necessary for the growth of the plant, and synthesizing and storing carbohydrates such as starch produced by photosynthesis in the above-ground parts, plant growth regulators, and various medicinal ingredients. It is known that the mature, thick roots of the root system mainly play a supporting role, while young roots and root hairs increase the surface area to efficiently absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Furthermore, it is known that a lack of oxygen can cause root rot and the entire plant can wither.

[0007] However, the role of the root system cannot be confirmed directly with the naked eye because it is hidden in the soil, and the distribution of various root forms in the soil cannot be seen even if the soil particles are removed. Even if the root system can be observed with the naked eye in hydroponic cultivation, the whole root system is in flowing water, so it is not possible to distinguish between the parts that absorb water and the parts that absorb oxygen, and the reality is that no detailed investigation has been carried out at present.

[0008] Based on the knowledge gained when developing the "ceramic cultivation device" (JP Patent Publication 10-150871), the inventors continued their research, focusing in particular on the function of the root system of the plant as a whole. As a result, it was confirmed that soil is not necessary for plant growth in the first place, and that plants can be cultivated anywhere as long as the roots can absorb air containing moisture, nutrients and oxygen, and there is a means to physically support the plant as a whole. More specifically, the roots in contact with the inner wall of the ceramic cylinder absorbed water, but there were many root hairs on the non-contact side. In other words, it was confirmed that there are roots that grow toward the moist side, i.e., the liquid phase, and absorb mainly water and nutrients, and roots that grow toward the gas phase and are assumed to absorb mainly oxygen from the air. In the present invention, roots having a role mainly to absorb water and nutrients are referred to as "liquid-phase roots", and roots having a role mainly to absorb oxygen are referred to as "air-phase roots".

[0009] In conventional soil cultivation, it is ideal that soil particles form an aggregate structure. When there are gaps between the soil particles or aggregates, and when the amount of water in the soil is large, the whole root system absorbs water and nutrients from the water absorbed by the soil particles or aggregates and the liquid phase present in the gaps, and when the amount of water is small, some of the roots are in contact with the surface of the soil particles as in ceramic cultivation, absorbing water and nutrients as liquid phase roots, and absorbing oxygen from the air in the gaps between the soil particles or aggregates as air phase roots. In other words, it is believed that air phase roots and liquid phase roots exist in a disordered manner in the root system of a plant cultivated in soil.

[0010] The inventors thought that if the areas in the root system where liquid phase roots develop and the areas where air phase roots develop could be separated, and if the liquid phase roots could be made to absorb water and nutrients from the liquid phase and the air phase roots could absorb oxygen in the air from the air phase, then even if there was a shortage of dissolved oxygen in the liquid phase, the presence of the air phase roots would prevent oxygen deficiency in the root system of the entire plant. Therefore, the inventors aimed to provide an apparatus for cultivating a whole plant that can generate separate liquid-phase roots and air-phase roots in the root system without using soil, and a method for cultivating such a whole plant. Here, "cultivation of the whole plant" includes industrial cultivation of plants in order to utilize the whole plant for purposes such as fragrance, oxygen release and CO2 absorption, and moderation of humidity and temperature in the surrounding environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present inventors have newly developed a whole plant cultivation device in order to solve the above problems. A light-shielding housing having at least one through hole on a ceiling surface and storing a cultivation liquid; and an inner surface body exhibiting capillary force, the inner surface body being disposed on at least a part of the inner surface of the light-shielding housing. That is, the cultivation liquid is stored as stagnant water in a light-tight housing having an inner surface that exhibits capillary force. In the inner space of the light-tight housing, a large amount of root systems grow without contacting the inner surface, and tubers, root vegetables, etc. are accumulated. In this specification, the capillary force refers to the ability to carry water upward against gravity, that is, the ability to suck water by capillary action. The capillary force is affected by the microstructure inside the inner body that exhibits the capillary force and the wettability of the material of the inner body with water.

[0012] In the present invention, a light-tight housing is used with an inner surface having an inner body exhibiting capillary force installed on the inner surface, and water is supplied to the entire plant using stagnant water, which is the cultivation liquid inside the light-tight housing, and the capillary water of the inner surface is used to control the humidity and temperature in the internal space of the light-tight housing. When the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method according to the present invention are used, the part of the root system that exists in the liquid phase grows as liquid-phase roots that absorb water and nutrients from the liquid phase, and the part that exists in the gas phase grows as gas-phase roots that absorb oxygen from the gas phase. As a result, unlike soil cultivation or conventional hydroponic cultivation, it is possible to integrate the liquid-phase roots and the gas-phase roots, and to grow them separately in the appropriate phases. Therefore, even if the dissolved oxygen in the stagnant water, which is the cultivation liquid, becomes insufficient and the liquid-phase roots can no longer absorb oxygen, the gas-phase roots continue to absorb oxygen, so the root system of the entire plant does not become oxygen-deficient. In addition, since the cultivation device of the present invention has through holes as a means for supporting the entire plant, the supporting roots required for soil cultivation are not essential, and the total number of liquid phase roots and air phase roots is greatly increased.

[0013] Therefore, the whole plant cultivation device according to the present invention can be applied to various primordia without being limited to the type or size of the plant or the morphology of the plant. The morphology of the plant includes morphologies having roots and all morphologies of plants that do not have roots but can be regenerated (e.g., plant tissues or plant cells such as seeds, bulbs, rhizomes, above-ground stems, buds, adventitious buds, axillary buds, anthers, filaments, panicles, leaves, cuttings, small seedlings, large seedlings, scales, ovaries, ovules, embryos, pollen, adventitious embryos, adventitious roots, and cultured plant bodies).

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plant cultivation device comprising: A light-shielding housing having at least one through hole on a ceiling surface and storing a cultivation liquid; and an inner surface body exhibiting capillary force, the inner surface body being disposed on at least a part of the inner surface of the light-shielding housing.

[0015] A water level adjusting means for adjusting the water level of the cultivation liquid may be connected to the light-shielding housing.

[0016] The light-shielding housing may be configured to include a box-shaped light-shielding housing main body and a detachable cover that covers an upper opening of the light-shielding housing main body.

[0017] The cover may be suspended from a plurality of suspenders that are suspended across opposing opening edge portions of the light-shielding housing body.

[0018] The through hole may be a slit-shaped long hole.

[0019] An openable and closable door may be provided on at least one of the side surfaces of the light-shielding housing.

[0020] An inner body may be provided on the entire inner surface of the light-shielding housing.

[0021] An inner surface body may be provided on the inner surface of the cover of the light-shielding housing excluding the through-hole.

[0022] An inner surface having a water-retaining capacity capable of supplying the cultivation liquid to the entire plant may be laid on the entire bottom surface of the light-shielding housing.

[0023] The inner body may be detachably installed in the light-shielding housing via at least one holder attached to at least the inner surface of the light-shielding housing.

[0024] The inner body may be disposed at an angle against the inner surface of the light-shielding housing.

[0025] A platform on which the entire plant is placed may be provided on the bottom surface of the light-shielding housing. The mounting table may be formed from the same material as the inner body. The mounting table may be made of a wooden slatted floor.

[0026] It is preferable that the inner surface body is a sintered product of a non-metallic inorganic solid material, contains interconnecting pores which are voids, has a porosity of 10 to 80% (vol / vol) relative to the entire sintered product, has an average pore size of 3 μm or less, and pores with a pore size of 3 μm or less account for 70% or more of the total pores by volume.

[0027] An illumination housing having a light source that irradiates light toward the upper surface of the light-shielding housing may be stacked on the light-shielding housing.

[0028] An illumination unit including a light source that irradiates light toward an upper surface of the light-shielding housing may be disposed above the light-shielding housing.

[0029] A method for cultivating a whole plant according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: A method for cultivating a whole plant using the above-mentioned cultivation device for a whole plant, comprising: a step of providing an inner surface body exhibiting capillary force on at least a part of the inner surface of a light-shielding housing for storing a cultivation liquid, and forming a space area capable of containing the root system of the entire plant within the light-shielding housing; supplying a cultivation liquid to the light-shielding housing before or after the step of forming the spatial region; Growing the roots in a liquid culture solution stored in a light-tight enclosure, the roots absorbing water and nutrients from the liquid phase; and growing roots that absorb oxygen from the gas phase in the moisture and oxygen present within the spatial region of the light-tight enclosure; The present invention provides a method for cultivating a whole plant, comprising:

[0030] The whole plant may be placed and cultivated on a stand placed on the bottom surface of the light-shielding housing.

[0031] The cultivation liquid stored in the light-shielding housing is water or a nutrient liquid containing nutrients required for the growth of the entire plant to be cultivated, and may be stagnant water.

[0032] The nutrients are characterized by being essential macroelements selected from nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur, essential trace elements selected from iron, manganese, boron, zinc, molybdenum, copper, chlorine and nickel, or useful elements selected from silicon, sodium, cobalt, etc. Effect of the Invention

[0033] According to the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention, soil is not required for growing the entire plant, so there is no need for vast areas of land, large facilities and equipment, or the energy required to operate the large facilities and equipment, and anyone can operate a plant factory cheaply anywhere. Soil cultivation not only ties the crops to a specific location, but also requires work to remove the soil from the root system after harvest, making it time-consuming to ship the crops. However, according to the present invention, if the plant is no longer restricted by soil or influenced by impurities from the soil, it will be possible to stimulate the development of technology to produce the entire plant industrially and utilize its chemical synthesis power to harvest the desired substance. The nutrients necessary for the plant to synthesize the desired substance can be appropriately supplied, and absorption from the roots can be carried out directly and efficiently to efficiently synthesize the desired components. In short, the soil-free plant cultivation technology of this invention is the gateway to and fundamental technology for ultimate green chemistry. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a first embodiment of a plant cultivation device according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a part in section showing the cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in use; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the state in which the cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is used. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the plant cultivation device according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. 6 as seen from the front. [Figure 8] 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. 6, seen from the left side. [Figure 9]FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the plant cultivation device according to the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cultivation apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the plant cultivation device according to the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a photograph showing Example 1 of the cultivation device according to the present invention. [Figure 13] 4 is a plan view showing the results of measuring the photon flux density irradiated from a light source in Example 1. FIG. [Figure 14] 4 is a photograph showing the results of an analysis of the wavelength of light irradiated from a light source in Example 1. [Figure 15] 1 is an electron microscope photograph of a cross section of a sintered body, which is the inner body used in Example 1 of the cultivation device of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 is a diagram including photographs showing changes in the state of potatoes cultivated in Example 1 using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the cultivation device according to the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the results of measuring the photon flux density irradiated from a light source in Example 2. [Figure 20] 11 is a photograph showing the results of an analysis of the wavelength of light irradiated from a light source in Example 2. [Figure 21] 1 is a diagram including photographs showing changes in the state of potatoes cultivated in Example 2 using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a partially enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of FIG. 21. [Diagram 23] 1 is a diagram including photographs showing changes in state of turmeric cultivated in Example 3 using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of FIG. 23. [Diagram 25] FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of FIG. 23. [Figure 26] 1 is a diagram including photographs showing changes in state of ginger according to Example 4 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of FIG. 26. [Figure 29] 1 is a diagram including photographs showing changes in the state of corn according to Example 5 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Diagram 30] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 29. [Diagram 31] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 29. [Diagram 32] 1 is a diagram including photographs showing changes in the state of soybeans according to Example 6 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of FIG. 32. [Diagram 34] FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of FIG. 32. [Diagram 35] 11 is a diagram including photographs showing changes in state of rapeseed according to Example 7 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of FIG. 35. [Figure 37] FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of FIG. 35. [Figure 38] FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of FIG. 35. [Figure 39] FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of FIG. 35. [Diagram 40] 11 is a diagram including photographs showing changes in state of basil cultivated in Example 8 using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Diagram 41] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 40. [Diagram 42] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 40. [Diagram 43]This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 40. [Diagram 44] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 40. [Diagram 45] 11 is a diagram including photographs showing the change in state of the mint in Example 9 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 46] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 45. [Figure 47] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 45. [Figure 48] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 45. [Figure 49] 1 is a diagram including photographs showing the change in state of perilla according to Example 10 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 50] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 49. [Figure 51] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 49. [Figure 52] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 49. [Diagram 53] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 49. [Figure 54] 13 is a diagram including photographs showing changes in the state of strawberries cultivated in Example 11 using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 55] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 54. [Figure 56] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 54. [Figure 57] 13 is a diagram including photographs showing the change in state of trifoliate orange according to Example 12 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 58] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 57. [Figure 59] 13 is a diagram including photographs showing changes in state of the tea plant according to Example 13 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 60] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 59. [Figure 61] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 59. [Figure 62] 13 is a diagram including photographs showing the change in state of the passion fruit of Example 14 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 63] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 62. [Figure 64] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 62. [Figure 65] 13 is a diagram including photographs showing the change in state of figs according to Example 15 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 66] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 65. [Figure 67] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 65. [Figure 68] 13 is a diagram including photographs showing the change in state of Glycyrrhiza uralensis of Example 16 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 69] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 68. [Figure 70] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 68. [Figure 71] 1 is a diagram including photographs showing changes in the state of cotton according to Example 17 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 72] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 71. [Figure 73] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 71. [Figure 74] 13 is a diagram including photographs showing changes in the state of cherry tomatoes according to Example 18 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 75] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 74. [Figure 76] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 74. [Figure 77]13 is a diagram including photographs showing changes in the state of cucumbers cultivated in Example 19 using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 78] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 77. [Figure 79] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 77. [Figure 80] 13 is a diagram including photographs showing changes in the state of eggplants according to Example 20 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 81] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 80. [Figure 82] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 80. [Figure 83] 11 is a diagram including photographs showing the change in state of nasturtium according to Example 21 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 84] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 83. [Figure 85] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 83. [Figure 86] 13 is a diagram including photographs showing the change in state of the bellflower of Example 22 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 87] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 86. [Figure 88] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the diagram of Figure 86. [Figure 89] 13 is a diagram including photographs showing changes in the condition of soybeans according to Example 23 cultivated using the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention. [Figure 90] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 89. [Figure 91] This is an enlarged view of the photograph shown in the chart of Figure 89. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] A first embodiment of a cultivation apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings of Figs. 1 to 4. The cultivation device 10 according to the first embodiment comprises a light-shielding housing 11 and a water level adjusting means 20 for supplying the cultivation liquid 25 at a constant water level, and is used together with a light source (not shown). In the cultivation device 10 according to the first embodiment, a case in which potatoes, which are root vegetables, are cultivated among the whole plant body 50, will be described. A mounting table 30 is provided on the bottom surface of the light-shielding housing 11 , and inner surfaces 31 and 32 are provided on the inner surface of the mounting table 30 and the inner surface of the cover 15 .

[0036] By using the cultivation device 10 and the cultivation method for the plant body 50 according to the present invention, soil is not required, so there is no location restriction and anyone can cultivate the desired plant anywhere, anytime. In addition, because the root system is not hidden by the soil, it is possible to directly observe the function of the root system, particularly the root hairs, which will further advance research into plant ecology. Furthermore, because the same manufacturing method is used consistently from research and development to commercialization and business (regional implementation and social implementation), the time required for implementation and industrialization is shortened and collaboration with all cutting-edge technologies (IT, of course, but also photonics, nanotechnology, gene editing technology, etc.) is possible. In particular, scientific methods such as plant transfer, identity, homogeneity, cleanliness, and reproducibility can be incorporated, which leads to new technological developments. Therefore, based on this invention, a new concept of "plant factory" can be established, and the cultivation of plants is not limited to terrestrial areas, and as long as there is light necessary for photosynthesis, it has the advantage of being a driving force in creating inventions that enable installation not only in arid regions and disaster-stricken areas where abundant water supplies cannot be expected, but also in limited spaces such as vehicles, freight cars, ships, and aircraft, and even in outer space, such as space stations and other planets.

[0037] The light-shielding housing 11 is formed of a light-shielding housing main body 12 and a cover body 15 that covers an upper opening of the light-shielding housing main body 12. The light-shielding housing main body 12 is a box with a roughly U-shaped cross section, and an opening 13 provided on one side of the light-shielding housing has a door 14 that can be opened and closed from the top, but it is preferable to provide the door 14 as needed. Opening and closing the door 14 makes it easy to observe and manage the whole plant 50 cultivated within the light-shielding housing 11, for example, potato seed tubers 51, and makes it easy to harvest the baby tubers 54 that have emerged and grown. The boundary between the light-shielding housing body 12 and the cover 15, and the boundary between the opening 13 and the door 14 are sealed structures that prevent light from entering from the outside.

[0038] The shape and size of the light-shielding housing 11 depends on the plant body 50 to be cultivated, but is not limited as long as it has a spatial area that can contain the root system and grown underground storage organs of the plant body 50 (storage roots (e.g., sweet potato, yam, radish, turnip, carrot, burdock, ginseng), underground stems (e.g., potato, taro, onion, garlic, turmeric), etc.). Furthermore, as long as it has a spatial area capable of containing the root system, grown underground storage organs and underground stems of the plant as a whole 50 to be cultivated, it is not particularly limited to a rectangular shape, and may be, for example, a cube, a cylinder, a truncated cone, a truncated pyramid, or, in longitudinal section, a cylindrical shape that is, for example, approximately semicircular, approximately triangular, approximately trapezoidal or approximately hexagonal, and of course, can be selected appropriately depending on the cultivated plant and cultivation environment.

[0039] The cover 15 has a shape capable of covering the upper opening of the light-shielding housing main body 12 to provide light shielding, and is composed of two plates that can be divided into two, but may be formed of one single plate. If the cover 15 can be divided into two, it becomes easier to manage and take in and out the plant 50 to be cultivated. In particular, it is preferable because when the root system of the plant 50 swells, the door 14 can be opened to observe the root system of the plant 50, and it becomes easier to collect the plant 50. The cover 15 has a through hole 16 in the center through which the stem 52 of the plant 50 can pass. The through hole 16 may be formed, for example, as a round hole, an elliptical hole, a triangular hole, a square hole, a slit-shaped long hole, or an appropriate combination of these. The through-hole 16 not only passes through the above-ground part of the plant body 50 to support the stem 52 of the plant body 50, but also plays a role in taking in light. The position of the through-hole 16 is not particularly limited, but is preferably on the central axis of the light-shielding housing 11. The shape of the through-hole 16 is not particularly limited, and the external dimensions thereof may be any size that can accommodate the trunk or stem 52 of the plant body 50 to be cultivated, and are, for example, 1 to 10 cm. In the cultivation device of the present invention, for example, when cultivating potatoes, the diameter of the through-hole 16 can be formed to be 15 to 65 mm. The light-shielding housing 11 is sealed except for the through-hole 16 so as to prevent light from entering from the outside. Furthermore, in the case where the through-hole 16 is a long hole in the shape of a slit, when the stem of the plant body 50 grows and leaves emerge from the through-hole 16, it is preferable to cover the plant body 50 except for the stem to prevent light from entering the plant body 50. This is to prevent the stolons generated from the potato from being exposed to light and transforming into stems.

[0040] The water level adjustment means 20 may be, for example, a ball tap, but is not limited to this. For example, a water level adjustment means using a combination of a water level sensor and an electromagnetic valve may also be used. A cultivation liquid 25, the level of which is adjusted by a water level adjustment means 20, is stored on the bottom surface of the light-shielding housing 11. The water level adjustment means 20 may inject the cultivation liquid 25 directly into the light-shielding housing 11 through a water supply port (not shown), or may supply the cultivation liquid 25 to the inner side of the light-shielding housing 11 through a supply pipe 23. This is to prevent the nutrients in the cultivation liquid 25 from being unevenly distributed, and to ensure uniform growth of the entire plant 50.

[0041] The cultivation liquid 25 may be water or a nutrient solution containing nutrients required for the growth of the plant as a cultivation target. The cultivation liquid 25 may be stagnant water, and the cultivation device 10 does not need a running water mechanism or an oxygen supply mechanism, but adding these mechanisms is not excluded.

[0042] In order to prevent the enlarged parts of the root systems of the plants to be cultivated, i.e., storage roots (sweet potato, yam, radish, turnip, carrot, burdock, ginseng) and underground stems (potato, taro, onion, garlic, turmeric, etc.), from being deeply immersed in the liquid, it is preferable that the support table 30 be formed so that the liquid-phase roots can be immersed in the liquid while the enlarged parts are placed on it. The mounting table 30 may be formed of the same material as the inner bodies 31, 32 described below, but is not limited to this. For example, the mounting table 30 may be formed by forming a stainless steel bar into a so-called lattice shape. In short, as long as the lower surface of the plant body 50 to be cultivated, for example, a potato seed tuber 51, can grow without being deeply immersed in the cultivation liquid 25, the material and shape of the plant body 50 are not important.

[0043] The inner bodies 31 and 32 are used to maintain constant humidity and temperature within the light-shielding housing 11 by wicking up the cultivation liquid 25 stored in the light-shielding housing 11 through capillary action and evaporating it. The material of the inner body 31 can be made from an organic solid material, a non-metallic inorganic solid material, pulp, paper, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, a microporous body, or the like, either alone or in combination. One specific example of the inner bodies 31, 32 may be a microporous fired product that is a fired product of a non-metallic inorganic solid material, contains communicating pores that are voids, has an average pore size of 3 μm or less, pores with a pore size of 3 μm or less account for 70% or more of all pores by volume, and has a porosity of 10 to 80% (vol / vol) relative to the entire fired product.

[0044] The inner surfaces 31 and 32 have the function of stabilizing the humidity and temperature inside the light-shielding housing 11 . The humidity is adjusted within the range of 20 to 100%, which is the humidity range when the plant body 50 is grown. The temperature is a temperature appropriate for the plant body 50 to be cultivated, and is regulated naturally or externally by a temperature control device. The cultivation device 10 of the present invention does not necessarily need to be equipped with a temperature control device, but may be equipped with one as necessary. The inner bodies 31, 32 having such a function have a water absorption capacity capable of retaining, for example, at 20° C., 0.005 to 500 times, preferably 0.01 to 100 times, more preferably 0.025 to 50 times, and most preferably 0.05 to 5 times (weight / weight) of water per unit weight of the material forming the inner bodies 31, 32. The material forming the inner bodies 31, 32 is not particularly limited as long as it is a microporous body having, for example, communicating pores with a pore size of 0.02 to 900 μm, preferably 0.05 to 80 μm, more preferably 0.1 to 9 μm, and most preferably 0.2 to 5 μm, and a porosity (volume / volume) of 0.05 to 1, and preferably 0.2 to 0.4, relative to the microporous body.

[0045] The inner bodies 31 and 32 may have any properties as described above, but are preferably made of a material that is resistant to various cultivation conditions or medium conditions such as high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization using an autoclave, strong alkalinity, strong acidity, high temperature, low temperature, high salt concentration, pressurization, decompression, organic solvents, radiation, or gravity, and examples of such materials include porous bodies obtained by kneading, molding, and firing non-metallic inorganic solid materials such as No. 10 clay, No. 2 clay (Shiroyama Cerapot Co., Ltd.), Murakami clay (produced in Niigata Prefecture), and Mikawa clay (Marutshun Ceramic Co., Ltd.) according to a normal method, and open-cell plastic foam materials such as polyvinyl alcohol foam, polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, polyvinyl chloride resin foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, phenolic resin foam, and urea resin foam. In particular, when the non-metallic inorganic solid material is to be a microporous porous body that easily absorbs and releases moisture, it is preferable to fire the material by adding, for example, 50 to 60% by weight of petalite, alumina, etc. In general, the petalite preferably contains 76.81% by weight of SiO2, 16.96% by weight of Al2O2, 4.03% by weight of LiO2, 0.26% by weight of K2O, and 1.94% by weight of unavoidable impurities. The non-metallic inorganic solid material may contain powdered inorganic foam. Furthermore, it is desirable that the inner bodies 31 and 32 used in the cultivation device 10 according to the present invention are made of a material whose strength does not decrease substantially or whose shape does not change even when it absorbs water. Although ceramics made of non-metallic inorganic materials have a stable structure, the inner bodies 31 and 32 made of paper or cloth are also useful depending on the plant to be cultivated.

[0046] Examples of molding methods for nonmetallic inorganic solid materials include casting, extrusion, press molding, wheel molding, and other molding methods known in the art, but extrusion molding is particularly preferred from the standpoint of mass production and cost reduction. Drying after molding can be performed using conventional methods and conditions known in the art. The subsequent firing of the molded body is not particularly limited as long as it is a commonly used condition and method, but for example, oxidation firing, which is likely to obtain the desired voids, can be selected, and the firing temperature is 1000°C to 2000°C, preferably 1100°C to 1500°C, more preferably 1150°C to 1250°C, and most preferably 1200°C. If the firing temperature of the nonmetallic inorganic solid material is less than 1000°C, sulfur components are likely to remain, while if it exceeds 2000°C, the desired water absorption cannot be obtained.

[0047] On the other hand, examples of the molding method of microporous bodies made of open-cell plastic foam include melt foaming, solid-phase foaming, and cast foaming. The main steps of melt foaming are melt kneading, unfoamed sheet molding, heat foaming or extrusion foaming, cooling, cutting, and processing. In solid-phase foaming molding, polymers are foamed in a solid phase or a state close to a solid phase. In cast foaming molding, liquid raw materials (monomers or oligomers) are used and foamed by casting while reacting in the air. In addition, a foaming agent is generally used to foam open-cell plastic foam.

[0048] The cultivation apparatus 10 according to the present invention may further include a pole or sleeve for supporting the plant mass 50 . Furthermore, when the cultivation of the whole plant 50 to be cultivated is started from the form of a seed, bulb or seed potato, the cultivation device 10 may be provided with a mounting table 30 for the seeds, bulbs or seed potatoes. The dimensions of the mounting table 30 may be such that the target seeds, bulbs or seed potatoes can be placed thereon and that the mounting table 30 can be accommodated inside the light-shielding housing 11. The cultivation device 10 may be provided with a support (not shown) that guides the plant main body, such as the trunk, stem, branches and leaves generated from the seeds, bulbs or seed potatoes, to grow toward the light from the through-hole 16 formed in the lid 15 during the period when the plant main body is less than the height of the light-shielding housing 11. Similarly, when the cultivation of the target plant body 50 is started from the form of a small seedling less than the height of the light-shielding housing 11, a support (not shown) may be provided to guide the plant body 50 to grow toward the light from the through hole 16 formed in the lid body 15.

[0049] In order to prevent the enlarged portions of the root system of the plant 50 to be cultivated, i.e., storage roots (sweet potato, yam, radish, turnip, carrot, burdock, ginseng) and underground stems (potato, taro, onion, garlic, turmeric, etc.), from coming into contact with the cultivation liquid, a support table may be provided on which the enlarged portions are placed while the liquid-phase roots are immersed in the cultivation liquid.

[0050] An example of the whole plant 50 according to the present invention is shown in Table 1. [Table 1] TIFF0007514580000001.tif55152 TIFF0007514580000002.tif97148 TIFF0007514580000003.tif247149 TIFF0007514580000004.tif215148 TIFF0007514580000005.tif191148 TIFF0007514580000006.tif248148

[0051] The method for cultivating a whole plant according to the present invention will now be described. The method for cultivating a whole plant according to the present invention comprises the steps of: A method for cultivating a whole plant using the above-mentioned cultivation device for a whole plant, comprising: a step of providing an inner surface body exhibiting capillary force on at least a part of the inner surface of a light-shielding housing for storing a liquid, and forming a spatial area capable of containing the root system of the entire plant within the light-shielding housing; supplying a cultivation liquid to the light-shielding housing before or after the step of forming the spatial region; Growing the roots in a liquid culture solution stored in a light-tight enclosure, the roots absorbing water and nutrients from the liquid phase; and growing roots that absorb oxygen from the gas phase in the moisture and oxygen present within the spatial region of the light-tight enclosure; The present invention provides a cultivation method comprising the steps of:

[0052] The main purpose of the cultivation method for the plant body 50 according to the present invention is to create an environment suitable for growing the plant body 50 by placing the roots of the plant body 50, particularly the enlarged parts, i.e., storage roots and rhizomes, on a support stand 30 placed on the bottom of the cultivation liquid stored in a light-shielding housing 11. In the present invention, the term "environment suitable for growing the whole plant" refers to a space area in which the humidity is kept at 20 to 100% RH without the need for soil, and the roots of the whole plant 50 to be cultivated can be grown separately into a "liquid phase root" area that mainly absorbs moisture and nutrients and a "gas phase root" area that mainly absorbs oxygen. This space area contains moisture from the cultivation liquid 25 stored on the bottom surface of the light-shielding housing 11 and gas components such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. The gas components can be ventilated between the inside and outside of the light-shielding housing 11 through the through holes 16. In addition, the temperature in the space area only needs to be within a temperature range suitable for the whole plant 50 to be cultivated, and since the root system is incompletely isolated from the outside air, there is no sudden temperature change, and a special temperature control mechanism is not required, but may be attached as necessary.

[0053] The moisture is supplied directly from the cultivation liquid 25 stored on the bottom surface of the light-shielding housing 11, and / or from the cultivation liquid 25 sucked up by capillary action through communicating holes, which are voids present in the inner bodies 31, 32 installed on the inner surface of the light-shielding housing 11.

[0054] In the light-shielding housing 11 having the inner bodies 31 and 32, the liquid-phase roots are immersed in the cultivation liquid 25 stored in the bottom surface of the light-shielding housing 11, and the air-phase roots do not come into contact with the cultivation liquid 25. Unlike the ceramic cultivation (JP Patent Publication 10-150871) developed by the present inventors, the cultivation method of the plant body 50 according to the present invention does not require any roots to grow in contact with the inner surface of the light-shielding housing 11 having the inner bodies 31, 32. However, it is not excluded that the elongated roots may come into contact with the inner surface of the light-shielding housing 11.

[0055] The cultivation liquid 25 stored in the light-shielding housing 11 is water or a nutrient solution containing nutrients required for the growth of the plant body 50 to be cultivated, and is stagnant water that does not need to flow and is prone to lack of dissolved oxygen. Therefore, in the present invention, in order to supply oxygen, there is no need for a running water mechanism for moving the cultivation liquid 25 or an oxygen supply mechanism for directly supplying oxygen to the cultivation liquid 25. This is because the cultivation method according to the present invention allows the "air-phase roots" that mainly absorb oxygen to be sufficiently developed. The nutrients required for the growth of the plant include carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, as well as essential macroelements such as at least nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, and further include essential trace elements such as iron, manganese, boron, zinc, molybdenum, copper, chlorine, and nickel, as well as useful elements such as silicon, sodium, and cobalt.

[0056] In the method for cultivating a plant body 50 according to the present invention, the cultivation of the plant body 50 can start from a seed, bulb or seed tuber form, which can be rooted and germinated in the cultivation apparatus 10 according to the present invention, or can start from a seedling form.

[0057] One specific example of the inner bodies 31, 32 to be placed on the inner surface of the light-shielding housing 11 is a sintered product of a non-metallic inorganic solid material, which contains communicating holes that are voids, has a porosity of 10 to 80% (vol / vol) relative to the entire sintered product, has an average pore size of 3 μm or less, and is characterized in that pores with a pore size of 3 μm or less account for 70% or more of the total voids by volume.

[0058] In the second embodiment of the cultivation device 10 according to the present invention, as shown in Fig. 5, the light-illuminating housing 40 is placed on the light-shielding housing 11 via a positioning frame 42 having a substantially T-shaped cross section. It is preferable to assemble the light-shielding housing 11, the light-illuminating housing 40, and the positioning frame 42 so that they can be separated from each other as necessary. A light source 41 installed on the ceiling surface of the light-illuminating housing 40 irradiates light toward the cover 15 of the light-shielding housing 11, thereby growing a plant 50. The shape of the light-illuminating housing 40 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is preferably a shape that can be stacked on the light-shielding housing 11, and may be a cube or a cylindrical shape with a semicircular cross section, a trapezoidal cross section, an inverted trapezoidal cross section, a triangular cross section, or a hexagonal cross section. Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the shape of the light-illuminating housing 40 is a shape that can be stacked on another light-shielding housing 11.

[0059] The light source 41 is not limited to being installed on the ceiling surface of the illumination housing 40, but may be installed on the inner surface, and the installation position, number, and installation direction can be selected appropriately as necessary. In addition, the light source 41 is not limited to a light source having an elongated shape, and it is of course possible to use a light source that irradiates light in a spot manner, or a combination of these. The light source 41 may be the same as that used in the first embodiment, but taking into consideration the temperature rise inside the illuminated housing 40, it does not have to be the same as that used in the first embodiment, and different light sources may be used in combination. Examples of the light source 41 include an LED lamp, a fluorescent lamp, a halogen lamp, a sodium lamp, a metal halide lamp, and an ultraviolet lamp.

[0060] Since the second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment except for the illumination housing 40, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] As shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the third embodiment of the cultivation apparatus 10 according to the present invention has a light-illuminating housing 40 mounted on a light-shielding housing 11, similar to the second embodiment described above. The light-shielding housing 11 is equipped with a door 14 that opens downward, and a lid 15 has three through holes 16 provided at a predetermined pitch. The light-shielding housing main body 12 and the water level adjustment means 20 communicate with each other via two water supply ports 17, 17 (see FIG. 8). An illumination housing 40 is mounted on the upper surface of the light-shielding housing 11. A water storage tank 43 is attached to the illumination housing 40, which is connected to the water level adjustment means 20 via a connection hose 24 and supplies the cultivation liquid 25. A light source (not shown) is installed on the ceiling surface of the illumination housing 40.

[0062] Since the third embodiment is substantially the same as the second embodiment described above, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. In the above embodiment, the temperature is a temperature appropriate for the plant body 50 to be cultivated, and is regulated externally, either naturally or by a temperature control device. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a temperature control device to the cultivation device 10 of the present invention, but it may be provided as necessary.

[0063] The cultivation apparatus 10 according to the second and third embodiments has an advantage that a plurality of cultivation apparatuses 10 can be stacked to effectively utilize land and can be used even on a small piece of land.

[0064] A fourth embodiment of the cultivation apparatus 10 according to the present invention is a case in which a light-shielding housing 11 is mounted on a support frame 60, as shown in FIG. The support frame 60 has a rectangular bottom plate 61 and supports 62 erected at the four corners of the bottom plate 61, on whose upper ends an illumination unit 64 is hung as a top plate. The outer peripheral edge of the bottom plate 61 is bent and raised to form ribs in order to increase the mechanical strength. Furthermore, a reinforcing plate 63 is hung between adjacent supports 62. The illumination unit 64 incorporates, for example, an LED (not shown) as a light source, and is equipped with a control unit 65. The illumination unit 64 irradiates light from the incorporated LED to the light-shielding housing 11 via a scattering plate (not shown) attached to the lower surface of the illumination unit 64. The scattering plate diffuses the light, thereby making the amount of light irradiated by the LED uniform.

[0065] 10, in the fourth embodiment, a holder 26 having a T-shaped cross section and a holder 27 having an L-shaped cross section are attached to the inner surface of the light-shielding housing 11. By inserting an inner body 31 (not shown) through the holders 26 and 27, the light-shielding housing 11 can be detachably attached.

[0066] According to this embodiment, the attachment and removal of the inner body 31 is simplified, improving workability. This has the advantage of facilitating replacement and cleaning of the inner body 31, improving maintainability. And, it goes without saying that the holders 26 and 27 may be attached not only to the inner surface of the light-shielding housing main body 12, but also to the ceiling surface of the cover 15. Furthermore, it goes without saying that only the holder 26 or only the holder 27 may be attached to the light-shielding housing 11 for use.

[0067] The inner body 31 does not necessarily have to be provided on the inner side and ceiling of the light-shielding housing 11, but may be provided in the center of the bottom surface like a pillar or a partition wall. By providing the inner body 31 in this manner, it is possible to maintain the humidity in the internal space more uniformly. Furthermore, the inner body 31 is not limited to being installed on the bottom surface of the light-shielding housing 11 as a mounting stand, but may be laid over the entire bottom surface of the light-shielding housing 11. In this case, the inner body 31 used preferably has not only the desired capillary force but also water retention capacity that can supply the cultivation liquid to the entire plant. Examples of the inner body 31 include paper, nonwoven fabric, foamed resin, and microporous bodies. Specific examples of microporous bodies include those disclosed in International Publication No. WO2004 / 101736. Furthermore, the inner body 31 may be disposed at an angle by leaning it against the inner surface of the light-shielding housing 11. When the inner body 31 is disposed at an angle, it is preferable that the through-hole 16 of the lid body 15 is provided along the outer periphery of the lid body 15. If the inner body 31 is disposed as described above, it becomes easier to grow, for example, carrots, radishes, burdock, and the like. In addition, the same parts are given the same numbers and their explanations are omitted.

[0068] 11, a fifth embodiment of the cultivation device 10 according to the present invention is a case in which a plurality of hanging tools 28, for example, formed by bending a wire, are hung at a predetermined pitch on both opposing side edges of the opening edge of the light-shielding housing main body 12. Then, for example, two sheets of black plastic cardboard are butted together and hung from the hanging tools 28 to form the lid body 15. Also, cutouts (not shown) are formed at opposing positions on the butted end faces of the plastic cardboard to form through holes.

[0069] The plastic cardboard used is not limited to black, and may be white and translucent, for example. When using white translucent plastic cardboard, it is preferable to cover the surface with, for example, aluminum foil to block light.

[0070] According to this embodiment, the lid 15 is formed using a lightweight plastic cardboard, which has the advantage of making the entire cultivation device lighter. Also, according to this embodiment, an internal space of an appropriate height can be easily formed according to the cultivated plants, which has the advantage of allowing a wide variety of plants to be cultivated by sharing one light-shielding housing main body 12. This has the advantage of making it convenient since it is no longer necessary to change the shape of the light-shielding housing 11 for each cultivated plant. In addition, the same parts are given the same numbers and their explanations are omitted.

[0071] Various embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. Various aspects of the present invention will be described. In the following description, reference numerals will be used as examples.

[0072] The cultivation device for a whole plant according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises: The light-shielding housing 11 has at least one through hole 16 on the ceiling surface and stores the cultivation liquid 25, and is composed of inner surfaces 31, 32 exhibiting capillary force and installed on at least a part of the inner surface of the light-shielding housing 11.

[0073] The cultivation apparatus 10 for a whole plant according to the second aspect of the present invention is the cultivation apparatus 10 for a whole plant according to the first aspect, The light-shielding housing 11 is connected to a water level adjusting means 20 for adjusting the water level of the cultivation liquid 25.

[0074] The cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to a third aspect of the present invention is the cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to either the first or second aspect, The light-shielding housing 11 is configured to include a box-shaped light-shielding housing main body 12 and a detachable cover 15 that covers an upper opening of the light-shielding housing main body 12.

[0075] The cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to the third aspect, The cover 15 is suspended from a plurality of suspenders 28 that are suspended across opposing opening edge portions of the light-shielding housing main body 12.

[0076] The cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, The through hole 16 may be a long hole having a slit shape.

[0077] The cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, At least one of the sides of the light-shielding housing 11 may be provided with a door 14 that can be opened and closed.

[0078] The cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, The inner body 31 may be provided on the entire inner surface of the light-shielding housing 11 .

[0079] The cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, An inner body 32 may be provided on the inner surface of the cover 15 of the light-shielding housing 11 excluding the through-hole 16 .

[0080] The cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, An inner surface body 32 having a water-retaining capacity capable of supplying the cultivation liquid to the entire plant may be laid on the entire bottom surface of the light-shielding housing 11 .

[0081] The cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, The inner body 32 may be detachably installed on the light-shielding housing 11 via at least one of the holders 26 and 27 attached to at least the inner surface of the light-shielding housing 11 .

[0082] The cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, The inner body 32 may be disposed obliquely against the inner surface of the light-shielding housing 11 .

[0083] The cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, A base 30 for placing the plant body 50 thereon may be provided on the bottom surface of the light-shielding housing 11 .

[0084] The cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to the twelfth aspect, The mounting table 30 may be formed from the same material as the inner bodies 31 and 32 .

[0085] The cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to the twelfth aspect, The mounting table 30 may be made of a wooden slatted floor.

[0086] The cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, It is preferable that the inner bodies 31, 32 are sintered products of a non-metallic inorganic solid material, contain communicating pores which are voids, have a porosity of 10 to 80% (vol / vol) relative to the entire sintered product, have an average pore size of 3 μm or less, and have pores with a pore size of 3 μm or less account for 70% or more of the total pores by volume.

[0087] The cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, An illumination housing 40 including a light source 41 that irradiates light toward the upper surface of the light-shielding housing 11 may be stacked on the light-shielding housing 11 .

[0088] The cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the cultivation device 10 for a plant body 50 according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, An illumination unit 64 including a light source that irradiates light toward the upper surface of the light-shielding housing 11 may be disposed above the light-shielding housing 11 .

[0089] A method for cultivating a plant body 50 according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: A method for cultivating a plant body 50 using the cultivation device 10 for the plant body 50 according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, comprising at least a step of providing inner surfaces 31, 32 exhibiting capillary force on at least a part of the inner surface of a light-shielding housing 11 for storing a cultivation liquid 25, and forming a space area capable of containing the root system of the entire plant 50 within the light-shielding housing 11; a step of supplying a cultivation liquid 25 to the light-shielding housing 11 before or after the step of forming the spatial region; A step of growing roots in the cultivation liquid 25 stored in the light-tight housing 11, the roots absorbing water and nutrients from the liquid phase; and A step of growing roots that absorb oxygen from the gas phase in the moisture and oxygen present inside the spatial area of ​​the light-shielding housing 11. Includes.

[0090] A method for cultivating a plant body 50 according to a 19th aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: A method for cultivating a plant body 50 according to an eighteenth aspect, comprising: The plant body 50 is placed on a mounting table 30 installed on the bottom surface of the light-shielding housing 11 and cultivated.

[0091] A method for cultivating a plant body 50 according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: A method for cultivating a plant body 50 according to any one of the eighteenth and nineteenth aspects, comprising: The cultivation liquid 25 stored in the light-shielding housing 11 is water or a nutrient liquid containing nutrients required for the growth of the plant body 50 that is the cultivation target, and is characterized by being stagnant water.

[0092] A method for cultivating a plant body 50 according to a 21st aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: A method for cultivating a plant body 50 according to the twentieth aspect, The nutrients are characterized by being essential macroelements selected from nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur, essential trace elements selected from iron, manganese, boron, zinc, molybdenum, copper, chlorine and nickel, or useful elements selected from silicon, sodium, cobalt, etc. EXAMPLES

[0093] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. However, these examples are intended to illustrate the present invention by showing some embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. A person skilled in the art would be able to easily imagine modifications of these embodiments, but the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and modifications thereof as attached below.

[0094] Example 1 (1)Cultivation equipment The plant as a whole according to the present invention is a plant with a swollen root system. Therefore, the light-shielding housing of the cultivation device must have a shape, size, and weight that can support the plant to be cultivated and accommodate the swollen root system. Therefore, the cultivation device for the plant as a whole according to the first embodiment is composed of a light-shielding housing with a length of 90 cm, a width of 30 cm, and a height of 30.5 cm, as shown in FIG. 9, and a light source that irradiates light to the cultivated plant. The removable lid covering the light-shielding housing body had a through hole, which was a long hole 5 cm wide and 66 cm long, along the center line in the length direction in order to support the plant. After the potato stem grew and passed through the through hole, the rest of the hole was closed with light-shielding tape, except for the part where the stem passed through. The light-shielding housing according to the first embodiment is not provided with a door.

[0095] An inner body measuring 18.0 cm wide, 30.8 cm long, and 1.0 cm thick was attached and integrated to the inner surface of the light-shielding housing and the ceiling surface of the lid, with the dimensions appropriately adjusted. The function and characteristics of the inner body will be described in detail later. Three mounting tables were installed at a predetermined pitch on the bottom surface of the light-shielding housing, located directly below the through-hole. The mounting tables were made by adjusting the dimensions of the above-mentioned inner body appropriately. The height of the mounting table was adjusted by increasing the number of inner bodies as required.

[0096] (2) Light source Three LED lamps (6000K (Kelvin)) were installed in parallel at a height of approximately 35 cm from the top surface of the light-shielding housing and were turned on from 7:00 to 19:00. Initially, the room lights were turned on 24 hours a day, but from the 23rd day of the test, this was changed to 12 hours a day, from 7:00 to 19:00. The photon flux density irradiated to the top surface of the lid was measured using a measuring device (MQ-100, manufactured by Apogee). The measurement results are shown in Figure 10. The unit of photon flux density is μmol / m2 / s. The maximum photon flux density was 111 (μmol / m2 / s), and the minimum photon flux density was 53 (μmol / m2 / s). The wavelength distribution contained in the light source was measured with a wavelength distribution measuring instrument (Gospectro, manufactured by Goyalab), and the monitor showing the measurement results of the wavelength distribution measuring instrument was photographed. The photographed results are shown in Figure 11. The horizontal axis is the wavelength (unit: nm), and the vertical axis is the spectral irradiance (unit: mW / m2 / nm) which indicates the amount of energy. The measurement results showed that the spectral irradiance was maximum at a wavelength of 451 nm, and the maximum spectral irradiance was 393 mW / m2 / nm.

[0097] (3) Cultivated plants Three potatoes that had been treated with chemicals to prevent mold were placed on each table. In order to make the process more efficient, potatoes that had already germinated were used as seed potatoes.

[0098] (4)Cultivation liquid Water was used as the cultivation liquid until the three seed potatoes took root. In this case, the water level of the cultivation liquid was set to a level above the surface of the mounting stand installed on the bottom of the light-shielding enclosure and just enough to slightly submerge the bottom of the seed potatoes. After the roots had formed, the cultivation liquid was changed to a nutrient solution, and to prevent the seed potatoes from rotting, a total of two inner plates were stacked to form a platform. The bottom surface of the seed potatoes was adjusted so that it was almost flush with the liquid level. The components and concentration of the nutrient solution were adjusted according to the growth rate of the potatoes.

[0099] (5) Inner body The material for the inner surface of the fired material used in the present invention was Mikawa clay for ceramic roofing tiles R2-6. The results of quantitative analysis of Mikawa clay for ceramic roofing tiles R2-6 (conducted at the Aichi General Center for Industry, Science and Technology) are shown in Table 2.

[0100] [Table 2] TIFF0007514580000007.tif29170 At the Mikawa ware kiln (Marutshun Ceramic Co., Ltd.), a microporous fired material (clay R2-6 for ceramic roofing tiles) was formed into a plate shape and fired in a gas kiln under the following firing conditions: firing temperature 1090°C x 13 hours, firing for 30 hours, to produce an inner body made of a microporous fired body. The manufacturing conditions for the inner body and the dimensions of the produced inner body are shown in Table 3. An electron microscope photograph of the cross section of the microporous fired body is shown in Figure 12.

[0101] [Table 3] TIFF0007514580000008.tif19164

[0102] The porosity and pore composition of the inner surface body made of a microporous fired body were calculated for each sample by a filtration type centrifugal method according to the following procedure. (1) Crush the target microporous sintered body sample to obtain a small sample piece (5 to 8 mm square, approximately 0.5 g) that can fit in the middle of a microcentrifuge tube. (2) Dry the sample piece until it reaches a constant weight, measure its dry weight Ws, and measure the dry weight Wt of the microcentrifuge tube. (3) Immerse the sample piece in distilled water for 24 hours. (4) Take out the sample piece, lightly wipe off the water adhering to the surface with tissue paper, and measure the water weight W of the sample piece. Subtract the dry weight W of the sample piece from the water weight W to calculate the total water absorption W0 (= W-Ws) of the sample piece. (5) Place the sample piece into a microcentrifuge tube, making sure that the sample piece is not caught midway through the tube and is not touching the bottom. (6) After centrifugation at 3,000 rpm for 5 minutes, remove the sample piece and measure the weight Wa of the microcentrifuge tube with water pooled at the bottom. Subtract the weight Wt of the microcentrifuge tube from this weight to calculate the amount of water removed at 3,000 rpm, W3000 (=Wa-Wt). (7) Put the sample pieces back into the microcentrifuge tube with the water still in it, centrifuge at 5,500 rpm for 5 minutes, remove the sample pieces, and measure the weight Wb of the microcentrifuge tube with water in the bottom. Subtract the weight Wa of the microcentrifuge tube with water in the bottom from this weight to obtain the amount of dehydration at 5,500 rpm W5500 (=Wb-Wa). (8) Put the sample pieces back into the microcentrifuge tube with the water still in it, centrifuge at 8,000 rpm for 5 minutes, remove the sample pieces, and measure the weight Wc of the microcentrifuge tube with water in the bottom. Subtract the weight Wb of the microcentrifuge tube with water in the bottom from this weight to calculate the amount of dehydration at 8,000 rpm W8000 (=Wc-Wb). (9) The sample pieces are again placed into the microcentrifuge tube with the water still in it, and centrifuged at 10,500 rpm for 5 minutes. The sample pieces are then removed and the weight of the microcentrifuge tube with water in the bottom, Wd, is measured. The weight of the microcentrifuge tube with water in the bottom, Wc, is subtracted from this weight to obtain the amount of water removed at 10,500 rpm, W105000 (=Wd-Wc). (10) Finally, subtract the total amount of water removed from the total amount of water absorbed W0 to obtain the amount of remaining water Wr (=W0-Wa-Wb-Wc-Wd) that was not removed even after centrifugation at 10,500 rpm. (11) The above measurements were carried out on nine sample pieces, and the totals of the measured values ​​were used to calculate the porosity and pore composition of the target microporous fired body samples. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0103] [Table 4] TIFF0007514580000009.tif24967

[0104] The distance from the rotation center of the centrifuge to the free water surface was taken as the rotation radius, and the pore composition was calculated based on the centrifugal force and pore diameter table shown in Table 5. Here, the free water surface was set to the center position of the top and bottom of the microcentrifuge tube, and dehydration from pores having a pore diameter of 3.5 μm or more occurred at 3,000 rpm, dehydration from pores having a pore diameter of 1.0 μm or more occurred at 5,500 rpm, dehydration from pores having a pore diameter of 0.5 μm or more occurred at 8,000 rpm, and dehydration from pores having a pore diameter of 0.3 μm or more occurred at 10,500 rpm. The results of calculating the pore composition are summarized in Table 6. Furthermore, the porosity of the entire fired product, which is a microporous fired body, was about 13%.

[0105] [Table 5] TIFF0007514580000010.tif168120

[0106] [Table 6] TIFF0007514580000011.tif33145

[0107] Observation under an electron microscope and measurements of the pore composition revealed that the surface of the inner body made of this microporous fired body had continuous pores with pore sizes of 0.2 to 5 μm (average pore size: 3 μm).

[0108] The inner surface is not limited to a fired material, but may be made of a fibrous material, for example, a fibrous sheet of paper, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric or the like wrapped around a plate-shaped wire framework. The inner body can also be formed by compressing fibrous materials such as pulp and lint into a plate shape.

[0109] Furthermore, the inner surface body may be made of a resin material to form a microporous body having specific communicating pores, similar to the sintered body material.

[0110] (6) Potato cultivation environment and period The cultivation device consisting of the above-mentioned light-shielding enclosure was placed indoors at a room temperature of 20°C and a humidity of 50%. Table 16As shown in the figure, the potatoes were grown for 116 days from November 23, 2022 to March 19, 2023, and then harvested.

[0111] (7) Test results On the 15th day after the start of cultivation, Figure 17 As shown in Figure 1, numerous fluffy lateral roots had grown on the surface of the aerial roots located in the air between the seed potato and the stem. The fluffy lateral roots were determined to be aerial roots because their tips were not submerged in water. The aerial roots extended underwater, and the aboveground parts continued to grow without withering. On the 27th day, the above-ground part passed through the through-hole, and on the 44th day, flowering was confirmed. On the 50th day, fruiting was confirmed, and it was confirmed that baby potatoes had borne fruit on the seed potatoes. On the 80th day, the baby potatoes had grown larger than the seed potatoes, and were harvested on the 116th day. The weights of the baby potatoes were 163.4g and 89.1g.

[0112] The potatoes cultivated using the cultivation device of the present invention grew well, and baby potatoes were produced from the seed potatoes. During the cultivation period, most of the liquid-phase roots and air-phase roots of the potatoes cultivated using the cultivation device of the present invention did not come into contact with the inner surface of the light-shielding housing. The potatoes taken out were in a clean state, with no algae or the like adhering to them.

[0113] As demonstrated in Example 1, it was confirmed that the cultivation apparatus and cultivation method of the present invention can grow air-phase roots above the water surface using only stagnant water, without using complex water circulation equipment for cultivated plants, and at the same time, can grow liquid-phase roots underwater. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to reproduce the environment of soil aggregate structure, which has been thought to affect good plant growth, without using soil. In addition, since the present invention does not use soil, at the end of cultivation, the roots of the plants are clean and free of soil, algae, etc., and it has been found that the plants can be shipped as is without the need for complicated cleaning work.

[0114] Example 2 (1)Cultivation equipment Example 2 Figure 18 As shown in the figure, a cultivation device consisting of a light-shielding housing similar to that in Example 1 was used. On the bottom surface of the light-shielding housing, directly below the through-hole, four mounting tables each consisting of an inner surface (thickness: 1.0 cm) were installed at a specified pitch. The mounting tables were made by adjusting the dimensions of the inner surface described above. After the seed potatoes had sufficiently grown roots, the height of the support base was raised by placing a sintered body made of the same material as the inner body and shaped like a flowerpot upside down to serve as a support base.

[0115] (2) Light source Three LED lamps identical to those in Example 1 were arranged in parallel and turned on for 12 hours from 7:00 to 19:00. The interior light was turned on for 10 hours from 8:00 to 18:00. The photon flux density irradiated to the top surface of the lid was measured using a measuring device (MQ-100, manufactured by Apogee). The unit of photon flux density is μmol / m 2 / s. The measurement results are Figure 19 As shown in. The maximum photon flux density is 229 (μmol / m 2 / s, and the minimum photon flux density is 134 (μmol / m 2 / s). The wavelength distribution contained in the light source was measured with a wavelength distribution measuring instrument (Gospectro, manufactured by Goyalab), and the monitor showing the measurement results of the wavelength distribution measuring instrument was photographed. Figure 20 The horizontal axis is the wavelength (unit: nm), and the vertical axis is the spectral irradiance (unit: mW / m2 / nm) which indicates the amount of energy. The measurement results showed that the spectral irradiance was maximum at a wavelength of 428 nm, and the maximum spectral irradiance was 198 mW / m2 / nm.

[0116] (3) Cultivated plants Four potatoes that had been treated with chemicals to prevent mold were placed on each table. In order to make the process more efficient, potatoes that had already germinated were used as seed potatoes.

[0117] (4)Cultivation liquid Water was supplied as the cultivation liquid until the four seed potatoes took root. The water level of the cultivation liquid was set to a depth (2 cm) that exceeded the surface of the mounting stand installed on the bottom of the light-shielding enclosure and slightly immersed the lower part of the seed potatoes. After the roots had grown, the cultivation liquid was changed to a nutrient solution. After the roots had grown sufficiently, in order to prevent the seed potatoes from rotting, a fired body made of the same material as the inner body and shaped like a flowerpot was turned upside down and placed on a stand (height: 7 cm). However, the liquid-phase roots were fully immersed in the nutrient solution. The composition and concentration of the nutrient solution were adjusted according to the growth stage of the potatoes.

[0118] (5) Inner body The inner body according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0119] (6) Potato cultivation environment and period The cultivation device consisting of the above-mentioned light-shielding enclosure was placed indoors at a room temperature of 20°C and a humidity of 50%. Table 21 As shown in Figure 1, cultivation began on November 8, 2022. Cultivation tests are still ongoing as of April 28, 2023.

[0120] (7) Test results Roots appeared on the sixth day after the start of cultivation, and on the twelfth day Fig. 22As shown in the figure, the tips of the liquid-phase roots that developed from the seed potatoes extended into the water, and numerous fluffy lateral roots appeared on the surface above the water. The fluffy lateral roots were determined to be aerial roots because their tips were not submerged in the water. On the 22nd day, the above-ground parts passed through the holes, and on the 28th day, the above-ground parts developed leaves on the surface of the light-shielding enclosure. On the 42nd day, stolons appeared, and on the 63rd day, the holes were closed with light-shielding tape. On the 100th day, flowering was confirmed, and it was confirmed that baby potatoes had set fruit.

[0121] By using the cultivation device of the present invention, the cultivated potatoes grew well, and baby potatoes were produced from the seed potatoes. The liquid-phase roots of the potatoes cultivated using the cultivation device of the present invention extended to the inner body installed on the inner surface of the light-shielding housing.

[0122] Example 3 (Turmeric) A light-shielding enclosure (RB1 type) of the same shape as in Example 1 was placed in a room set to a temperature of 22°C and a humidity of 60%. Three LED lamps (6000K (Kelvin)) were placed above the light-shielding enclosure and were lit for 14 hours for cultivation. As shown in Figure 23, on June 6, 2023, two sprouted turmeric seeds were placed on a ceramic plate installed on the bottom of an RB1-type light-shielding enclosure, and the roots were shaded with a lid. Roots sprouted on the second day from the start date, and on the ninth day, the sprouts grew and aerial roots appeared. On the 21st day, the above-ground part passed through the through hole. On the 43rd day, the rhizome began to swell, and on the 62nd day, new leaves unfolded. On the 92nd day, the rhizome part formed continued to swell. It was harvested on the 121st day. Of the two harvested turmeric plants, the turmeric on the left plant weighed a total of 79.0 g, and the turmeric on the right plant weighed a total of 70.4 g. For reference, FIG. 24 shows an enlarged view of the aerial roots that appeared on the 21st day, and FIG. 25 shows an enlarged view of the turmeric roots on the 121st day.

[0123] Example 4 (Ginger) A light-shielding enclosure (RB1 type) of the same shape as in Example 1 was placed in a room set to a temperature of 22°C and a humidity of 60%. Three LED lamps (6000K (Kelvin)) were placed above the light-shielding enclosure and were lit for 14 hours for cultivation. As shown in Figure 26, on May 22, 2023, sprouted seed ginger was placed on a ceramic plate installed on the bottom of an RB1-type light-shielding enclosure, and the roots were shaded with a lid. Roots sprouted on the 8th day from the start date, and liquid-phase roots grew on the 30th day. Leaves passed through the through holes on the 31st day, and aerial roots developed on the 36th day. New rhizomes sprouted on the 58th day. Stems grew on the 71st day, and new rhizomes were formed on the 122nd day. The ginger was harvested on the 136th day. The harvested ginger weighed 23.9g. For reference, FIG. 27 shows an enlarged view of the developed aerial roots on the 36th day, and FIG. 28 shows an enlarged view of the harvested ginger on the 136th day.

[0124] Example 5 (Corn) The roots of corn seedlings purchased as potted seedlings on April 26, 2023 were washed with water and the soil was removed. Meanwhile, an RB1 type box was installed in a cultivation box set in a research building with a temperature set at 25°C. The cultivation box was equipped with a ventilation fan, and a high-pressure sodium lamp (FEC Sunlux Ace NH360LS manufactured by Iwasaki Electric Co., Ltd.) was lit for 12 hours. As shown in Figure 29, on May 1, corn seedlings were set upright on a wooden slatted mat installed on the bottom of the RB1 box using clips. At this time, the tips of the roots of the corn seedlings were immersed in the cultivation liquid. Four days after the start of the experiment, the growth of liquid-phase roots and the development of aerial roots were visually confirmed. Tassels were confirmed on the 35th day, and pollen was collected from the tassels on the 42nd day. Female ears were confirmed on the 46th day, and artificial pollination was performed on the female ears on the 49th day. The caryopsis swelled, and the caryopsis was confirmed on the 79th day. For reference, FIG. 30 shows an enlarged view of the root section on day 4, and FIG. 31 shows an enlarged view of the whole corn plant on day 79.

[0125] Example 6 (Soybean) The roots of soybean seedlings purchased as potted seedlings on April 26, 2023 were washed with water and the soil was removed. Meanwhile, an RB1 type box was installed in a cultivation box set in a research building with a temperature set at 25°C. The cultivation box was equipped with a ventilation fan, and a high-pressure sodium lamp (FEC Sunlux Ace NH360LS manufactured by Iwasaki Electric Co., Ltd.) was lit for 12 hours. As shown in Figure 32, on May 1, soybean seedlings were set upright on a wooden slatted mat installed on the bottom of an RB1 type box using clips. At this time, the tips of the roots of the soybean seedlings were immersed in the cultivation liquid. Four days after the start of cultivation, the growth of liquid phase roots and the development of aerial phase roots were visually confirmed. Flowering and fruiting occurred on the 21st day. Flowering and enlargement occurred on the 35th day. Enlargement progressed on the 51st day, and the soybeans were harvested on the 56th day. The total weight of the harvested soybeans was 23g. For reference, FIG. 33 shows a partial enlargement of the root section on day 4, and FIG. 34 shows an enlargement of all soybeans harvested on day 56.

[0126] Example 7 (rapeseed) As shown in Figure 35, an RB1 type box was placed in a room with a temperature of 20.5°C and humidity of 70%. Then, rapeseed seedlings that had been rooted from seeds were placed on a ceramic plate placed on the bottom of the RB1 type box. Next, two 4 mm thick black plastic cardboard sheets were butted together and hung 15 cm above the bottom to support the rapeseed seedlings' stems and shield the roots. The lighting was LED (EL-L01-LT104F-DQM-D2423, Solidlite) and was turned on for 12 hours, and cultivation began on June 30, 2023. Seven days after the start date, aerial roots appeared. On the 35th day, the lower leaves began to wither, and on the 56th day, the stem branched into two. On the 77th day, the leaves reached the upper shelf, and even on the 105th day, the leaves protruded significantly to the sides. For reference, Fig. 36 and Fig. 37 show enlarged views of the growing seedlings and the emerged aerial roots on the 7th day, and Fig. 38 and Fig. 39 show enlarged views of the grown rapeseeds and roots on the 105th day.

[0127] Example 8 (basil) As shown in Figure 40, an RB1 type box was installed in a room set at a temperature of 20.5 ° C and a humidity of 70%. Then, basil seedlings rooted from seeds were placed on a ceramic plate placed on the bottom of the RB1 type box. Next, two 4 mm thick black plastic cardboard sheets were butted together and hung at a height of 15 cm from the bottom to support the stems of the basil seedlings and shield the roots. LEDs (SOLIDLITE EL-L01-LT104F-DQM-D2423) were used as lighting and turned on for 12 hours, and cultivation began on June 30, 2023. Aerial roots appeared 7 days after the start of cultivation. Flower buds appeared on the 49th day, and inflorescences grew on the 56th day. Flowering occurred on the 67th day, and the seeds were almost mature on the 105th day. For reference, Fig. 41 shows an enlarged view of the aerial roots that appeared on day 7. Figs. 42, 43 and 44 show enlarged views of the basil plants grown on day 105, the harvested seeds and the roots, respectively.

[0128] Example 9 (Mint) As shown in Figure 45, an RB1 type box was installed in a room set at a temperature of 20.5 ° C and a humidity of 70%. Then, a mint seedling rooted by cutting was placed directly on the bottom of the RB1 type box. Next, two 4 mm thick black plastic cardboard sheets were butted together and hung at a height of 10 cm from the bottom to support the stem of the mint seedling and shield the roots. LEDs (SOLIDLITE EL-L01-LT104F-DQM-D2423) were used as lighting and turned on for 12 hours, and cultivation began on August 2, 2023. Aerial roots appeared 7 days after the start of cultivation. Flower buds appeared in the leaf axils on the 28th day, and flowers bloomed on the 33rd day. Flower buds also appeared on the lateral branches on the 35th day, and numerous runners appeared on the 49th day. Seeds matured inside the fruit on the 63rd day, and the fruit had further matured on the 70th day. For reference, Fig. 46 shows an enlarged view of the aerial roots that appeared on day 7. Figs. 47 and 48 show enlarged views of the grown mint and maturing seeds on day 70, respectively.

[0129] Example 10 (Perilla) As shown in Figure 49, an RB1 type box was installed in a room set at a temperature of 20.5 ° C and a humidity of 70%. Then, a perilla seedling rooted by cutting was placed on a ceramic plate placed on the bottom of the RB1 type box. Next, two 4 mm thick black plastic cardboard sheets were butted together and hung at a height of 12 cm from the bottom to support the stem of the perilla seedling and shield the roots. LEDs (SOLIDLITE EL-L01-LT104F-DQM-D2423) were used as lighting and turned on for 12 hours, and cultivation began on July 13, 2023. On the 7th day after the start of the experiment, new shoots began to grow, and on the 14th day, aerial roots appeared. On the 21st day, flower buds appeared, along with axillary buds, and on the 27th day, flowers bloomed. On the 35th day, flowers progressed and fruit set occurred. On the 56th day, the fruit turned brown, and the seeds were harvested. For reference, Figure 50 shows an enlarged view of the installation status of the perilla seedlings, Figure 51 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the aerial roots that appeared on the 14th day, Figure 52 shows an enlarged view of the roots on the 56th day, and Figure 53 shows an enlarged view of the seeds harvested on the 56th day.

[0130] Example 11 (strawberry) As shown in Figure 54, an RB1 type box was installed in a room set at a temperature of 20.5 ° C and a humidity of 70%. Then, strawberry seedlings that had been divided and rooted from runner shoots were placed on a ceramic plate placed on the bottom of the RB1 type box. Next, two 4 mm thick black plastic cardboard sheets were butted together and hung at a height of 12 cm from the bottom to support the stems of the strawberry seedlings and shield the roots. LEDs (SOLIDLITE EL-L01-LT104F-DQM-D2423) were used as lighting and lit for 12 hours, and cultivation began on July 13, 2023. Runners appeared on the 7th day after the start of cultivation, and aerial roots appeared on the 14th day. Flower buds appeared on the 25th day, and flowers bloomed on the 28th day, so artificial pollination was performed. The swollen receptacle began to color on the 68th day. Mature receptacles were harvested on the 70th day. For reference, FIG. 55 shows an enlarged portion of the aerial roots that appeared on the 14th day, and FIG. 56 shows an enlarged portion of strawberries harvested on the 70th day.

[0131] Example 12 (Tricolor orange) As shown in Fig. 57, the roots of trifoliate orange seedlings purchased as potted seedlings were washed with water and the soil was removed. Meanwhile, a light-shielding housing was installed as a cultivation device in a room set at a temperature of 22°C and a humidity of 60%. The light-shielding housing used had the same structure as that of the first embodiment (referred to as RB2 type) except that the through-holes were round holes. Three LED lamps (6000K (Kelvin)) were placed above the light-shielding housing (RB2 type) and were lit for 14 hours for cultivation. On August 31, 2023, the roots of trifoliate orange were placed on a ceramic plate installed on the bottom of the RB2 type, and the roots were shaded with a lid. The liquid phase roots grew on the 14th day from the start date, and new leaves unfolded on the 28th day. The liquid phase roots developed on the 35th day, and air phase roots appeared on the 42nd day. For reference, Figure 58 shows an enlarged view of the aerial roots that appeared on the 42nd day.

[0132] Example 13 (Tea plant) As shown in Figure 59, the roots of tea plant seedlings purchased as potted seedlings were washed with water and the soil was removed. Meanwhile, RB2 type was placed in a room set at a temperature of 22°C and a humidity of 60%. Three LED lamps (6000K (Kelvin)) were placed above RB2 type and were cultivated by turning them on for 14 hours. On August 31, 2023, the roots of the tea plant were placed on a ceramic plate installed on the bottom of the RB2 type and shaded with a lid. The liquid phase roots grew on the 14th day from the start date, and the buds swelled and aerial roots appeared on the 28th day. The liquid phase roots and aerial roots further developed on the 35th day, and the plant bloomed on the 40th day. For reference, FIG. 60 shows an enlarged view of the developed air-phase roots and liquid-phase roots on the 35th day, and FIG. 61 shows an enlarged view of a flower that has bloomed on the 40th day.

[0133] Example 14 (Passion fruit) As shown in Figure 62, the roots of the passion fruit seedlings purchased as potted seedlings were washed with water and the soil was removed. Meanwhile, the RB2 type was placed in a room set at a temperature of 22°C and a humidity of 60%. Three LED lamps (6000K (Kelvin)) were placed above the RB2 type and were cultivated by turning them on for 14 hours. On July 24, 2023, passion fruit seedlings were placed on a ceramic plate installed on the bottom of the RB2 type, and the roots were shaded with a lid. The growth of liquid phase roots was confirmed on the 8th day from the start date, and the appearance of air phase roots was confirmed on the 25th day. On the 59th day, side shoots were elongated, and on the 80th day, new leaves were confirmed to be formed one after another. Cultivation will continue in the future. For reference, FIG. 63 shows an enlarged view of the aerial roots that appeared on the 25th day, and FIG. 64 shows a partial enlarged view of the developed aerial roots on the 73rd day.

[0134] Example 15 (fig) As shown in Figure 65, the roots of the fig seedlings purchased as potted seedlings were washed with water and the soil was removed. Meanwhile, an RB2 type box was placed in a room set at a temperature of 22°C and a humidity of 60%. Three LED lamps (6000K (Kelvin)) were placed above the RB2 type box and were cultivated by turning them on for 14 hours. On July 24, 2023, a fig seedling was placed on a ceramic plate installed on the bottom of the RB2 type, and the roots were shaded with a lid. On the 8th day from the start date, liquid phase roots appeared, on the 30th day the leaf area of ​​the top leaf expanded, and on the 36th day aerial roots appeared. On the 44th day, new leaves appeared, on the 66th day aerial roots developed from the liquid surface appeared, and even on the 79th day aerial roots were still developing from roots attached to the inner surface of the lid. For reference, Figure 66 shows an enlarged view of the air roots that emerged on the 36th day, and Figure 67 shows an enlarged view of the air roots that emerged above the liquid surface on the 66th day.

[0135] Example 16 (Day lily) As shown in Figure 68, the roots of the potted Glycyrrhiza uralensis seedlings were washed with water and the soil was removed. Meanwhile, the RB2 type was placed in a room set at a temperature of 22°C and a humidity of 60%. Three LED lamps (6000K (Kelvin)) were placed above the RB2 type and were cultivated by turning them on for 14 hours. On July 20, 2023, a Ural Glycyrrhiza seedling was placed on a ceramic plate installed on the bottom of the RB2 type, and the roots were shaded with a lid. The liquid phase roots grew on the 12th day from the start date, and the aerial phase roots appeared on the 18th day. The tap root swelled and grew on the 40th day. It sprouted on the 56th day, and the maximum diameter of the roots grew to 10 mm on the 82nd day. For reference, FIG. 69 shows an enlarged view of the aerial roots that appeared on the 18th day, and FIG. 70 shows an enlarged view of the enlarged roots on the 82nd day.

[0136] Example 17 (Cotton) As shown in Figure 71, the roots of the cotton seedlings purchased as potted seedlings were washed with water and the soil was removed. Meanwhile, the RB2 type was placed in a room set at a temperature of 22°C and a humidity of 60%. Three LED lamps (6000K (Kelvin)) were placed above the RB2 type box and were cultivated by turning them on for 14 hours. On August 11, 2023, cotton seedlings were placed on a ceramic plate installed on the bottom of the RB2 type, and the roots were shaded with a lid. On the 12th day from the start date, the liquid roots grew and buds appeared. On the 26th day, aerial roots appeared above the liquid surface, and on the 37th day, the first flower bloomed. On the 41st day, the first flower set and the second flower bloomed. On the 61st day, the first fruit was enlarging and aerial roots had developed. For reference, FIG. 72 shows an enlarged view of the aerial roots that appeared on the 26th day, and FIG. 73 shows an enlarged view of the developed aerial roots on the 61st day.

[0137] Example 18 (Cherry Tomato) The roots of cherry tomato seedlings purchased as potted seedlings on April 19, 2023 were washed with water and the soil was removed. Meanwhile, the RB2 type was installed in a cultivation box installed in a research building set at a temperature of 25 ° C. The cultivation box was equipped with a ventilation fan, and a high-pressure sodium lamp (FEC Sunlux Ace NH360LS manufactured by Iwasaki Electric Co., Ltd.) was lit for 12 hours. As shown in Figure 74, on April 24th, cherry tomato seedlings were placed on the ceramic plate installed on the bottom of the RB2 type and cultivation was started. Nine days after the start date, liquid roots grew and aerial roots developed. On the 16th day, the first inflorescence bloomed and the second inflorescence appeared. On the 21st day, the first inflorescence set fruit and the fruit swelled. On the 39th day, the second inflorescence bloomed and set fruit. On the 56th day, two fruits from the first inflorescence were harvested and their weight and sugar content were measured. On the 74th day, the coloring of the fruit from the second inflorescence was confirmed. For reference, FIG. 75 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the root on the 9th day, and FIG. 76 shows an enlarged view of a cherry tomato on the 74th day.

[0138] Example 19 (Cucumber) As shown in Figure 77, the roots of cucumber seedlings purchased as potted seedlings on April 19, 2023 were washed with water and the soil was removed. Meanwhile, the RB2 type was installed in a cultivation box installed in a research building with a temperature set to 25 ° C. The cultivation box was equipped with a ventilation fan, and a high-pressure sodium lamp (FEC Sunlux Ace NH360LS manufactured by Iwasaki Electric Co., Ltd.) was turned on for 12 hours as a lighting lamp. On April 24, cucumber seedlings were placed on the ceramic plate installed on the bottom of the RB2 model. At this time, the surface of the ceramic plate was almost at the same level as the surface of the cultivation liquid, and the tips of the roots of the cucumber seedlings were submerged in the stagnant cultivation liquid. Nine days after the start of cultivation, the growth of liquid phase roots and the development of aerial phase roots were visually confirmed. Female flowers were confirmed on the 16th day, flowering of female flowers on the 21st day, and fruit setting on the 28th day. The first fruit (179.3 grams) was harvested on the 56th day, the second fruit (156.2 grams) on the 63rd day, the third fruit on the 81st day, and the fourth fruit (121.5 grams) on the 107th day. Even 148 days after the start of cultivation, it was confirmed that the fifth fruit had grown and swelled, and that the liquid phase roots and aerial phase roots were thriving. For reference, FIG. 78 shows an enlarged view of the root portion on the 9th day, and FIG. 79 shows a partially enlarged view of the root portion on the 148th day.

[0139] Example 20 (eggplant) As shown in Figure 80, the roots of eggplant seedlings purchased as potted seedlings on April 19, 2023 were washed with water and the soil was removed. Meanwhile, the RB2 type was installed in a cultivation box installed in a research building with a temperature set to 25 ° C. The cultivation box was equipped with a ventilation fan, and a high-pressure sodium lamp (FEC Sunlux Ace NH360LS manufactured by Iwasaki Electric Co., Ltd.) was turned on for 12 hours as a lighting lamp. On April 24, eggplant seedlings were placed on the ceramic plate installed on the bottom of the RB2 model. At this time, the surface of the ceramic plate was at a position almost equal to the surface of the cultivation liquid, and the tips of the eggplant seedlings' roots were submerged in the stagnant cultivation liquid. Nine days after the start, the growth of liquid phase roots and the development of aerial phase roots were visually confirmed. On the 25th day, spider mites appeared, but the plant regained vigor and flowered. On the 140th day, new flowers and fruit were produced. On the 154th day, the fruits swelled, and on the 158th day, two eggplants were harvested. The first one weighed 143.0g, and the second one 69.4g. For reference, FIG. 81 shows an enlarged view of the roots on the 9th day, and FIG. 82 shows a partially enlarged view of the roots on the 140th day.

[0140] Example 21 (Nasturtium) As shown in Figure 83, the RB2 type was installed in a room set at a temperature of 20.5 ° C and a humidity of 70%. However, the nasturtium seedlings were placed directly on the bottom of the RB2 type. Then, two 4 mm thick white plastic cardboard sheets were hung at a height of 95 mm from the bottom to support the stems of the nasturtium seedlings. Furthermore, the surface of the plastic cardboard was covered with aluminum foil to shade the roots. Then, LEDs (EL-L01-LT104F-DQM-D2423 made by SOLIDLITE) were turned on as lighting for 12 hours, and cultivation began on July 25, 2023. The stems began to elongate on the 27th day after the start of cultivation, and aerial roots were confirmed on the 62nd day. The leaves began to grow luxuriantly on the 72nd day, and buds appeared on the 78th day, along with numerous aerial roots. The plants flowered on the 80th day. For reference, FIG. 84 shows an enlarged view of the aerial roots on the 62nd day, and FIG. 85 shows an enlarged view of the flowering state on the 80th day.

[0141] Example 22 (Platycodon) As shown in Figure 86, the RB2 type was installed in a room set at a temperature of 20.5 ° C and a humidity of 70%. However, the bellflower seedlings rooted from the seeds were placed directly on the bottom of the RB2 type. Then, two sheets of white plastic cardboard with a thickness of 4 mm were hung at a height of 95 mm from the bottom to support the stems of the bellflower seedlings. Furthermore, the surface of the plastic cardboard was covered with aluminum foil to shade the roots. Then, LEDs (EL-L01-LT104F-DQM-D2423 made by SOLIDLITE) were turned on as lighting for 12 hours, and cultivation began on July 25, 2023. Buds appeared on the 52nd day from the start date, and flowering occurred on the 62nd day, with the aerial roots protruding from the surface of the culture liquid. Flowers were removed to promote root growth. Flowering occurred on the 69th day, and the flowers were removed in the same manner. On the 78th day, the roots had a diameter of 12 mm. For reference, FIG. 87 shows an enlarged view of the air-phase roots on the 62nd day, and FIG. 88 shows an enlarged view of the roots on the 78th day.

[0142] Example 23 (Soybean) As shown in Figure 89, the RB3 type was installed in a room set to a temperature of 22°C and humidity of 60%. An LED lamp (HMW95E2SV1A-RM manufactured by Kyoritsu Densho) was placed above the RB3 type and was cultivated with the lamp on for 14 hours. On August 23, 2023, soybeans were sown on a ceramic plate placed on the bottom of the RB3 type and covered with a lid with a through hole. Roots developed on the first day after the start date, and the radicles extended on the second day. The cotyledons turned green on the sixth day, and the cotyledons unfolded and the aerial roots extended on the 22nd day. The true leaves passed through the through hole on the 43rd day. Flower buds formed and aerial roots developed on the 50th day. For reference, Figure 90 shows an enlarged view of the liquid-phase roots on the 22nd day, and Figure 91 shows an enlarged view of the developed air-phase roots on the 50th day.

[0143] The "soil-free plant cultivation" proposed by the inventors can be applied to a wide range of plant varieties, and not only does it not require soil, but it also does not require a large site or running water, and it enables the cultivation of almost all plants in plant factories, from grains that require roots, small woody plants (coffee, tea, etc.), and fruit trees. The soil-free plant cultivation technology dramatically increases the freedom of plant cultivation, and can contribute to the supply of food and plant-derived raw materials by diversifying and industrializing plant cultivation methods that have been limited to soil cultivation or hydroponic cultivation with facilities. Furthermore, it is possible to incorporate scientific methods such as identity, homogeneity, cleanliness, and reproducibility, as well as the movement of plants, which leads to the development of new technologies. In addition, since the technology is manufactured using a consistent "same whole plant manufacturing method" from research and development to commercialization and commercialization, the time until local implementation and social implementation is shortened. [Industrial Applicability]

[0144] The plant factory created based on the concept of "soil-free plant cultivation" proposed by the inventors can be operated inexpensively, anywhere, anytime, by anyone. Therefore, as long as there is light necessary for photosynthesis, it can be installed not only in arid regions where abundant water supply cannot be expected or in disaster areas, but also in limited spaces such as vehicles, freight cars, ships, and aircraft, and even in outer space such as space stations and other planets. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 10 Cultivation equipment 11 Light-shielding housing 12 Light-shielding housing body 13 Opening 14 Doors 15 Lid 16 Through hole 17 Water inlet 20 Water level adjustment means 21 Water supply pipe 22 Drain pipe 23 Supply pipe 24 Connecting hose 25 Cultivation liquid 26 Holder (T-shaped cross section) 27 Holder (L-shaped cross section) 28 Hanging Device 30 Placement table (inner surface) 31 Inner Body 32 Inner Body 40 Illuminated housing 41 Light source 42 Positioning frame 43 Water Tank 50 Plants in total (cultivated plants: potato) 51 Seed potatoes 52 Stem 53 leaves 54 Baby Potato 60 Support Frame 61 Bottom plate 62 Pillar 63 Reinforcement plate 64 Illumination unit (top plate) 65 Control Unit

Claims

1. A light-shielding housing having at least one through hole on a ceiling surface and storing a cultivation liquid; an inner surface body exhibiting capillary force that is provided on at least a part of the inner surface of the light-shielding housing; A cultivation device for plants comprising:

2. 2. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, further comprising a water level adjusting means for adjusting the level of the cultivation liquid connected to the light-shielding housing.

3. 2. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the light-shielding housing comprises a box-shaped light-shielding housing main body and a detachable lid body that covers an upper opening of the light-shielding housing main body.

4. 4. The plant cultivation device according to claim 3, wherein the lid body is hung across a plurality of hanging devices that are hung across opposing opening edge portions of the light-shielding housing body.

5. 2. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the through-hole is a long hole having a slit shape.

6. 2. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein an openable and closable door is provided on at least one of the sides of the light-shielding housing.

7. 2. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein an inner body is provided on the entire inner surface of the light-shielding housing.

8. 2. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the cover of the light-shielding housing is provided on an inner surface thereof excluding the through-hole.

9. 2. The cultivation device for plants as claimed in claim 1, wherein an inner surface having a water-retaining capacity capable of supplying cultivation liquid to the entire plant is laid on the entire bottom surface of the light-shielding casing.

10. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner body is removably attached to the light-shielding housing via at least one holder attached to at least the inner surface of the inner surface of the light-shielding housing.

11. 2. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the inner body is tilted and disposed obliquely against the inner surface of the light-shielding housing.

12. 2. The cultivation device for whole plants according to claim 1, further comprising a platform for placing the whole plant on the bottom surface of the light-shielding housing.

13. 13. The plant cultivating device according to claim 12, wherein the support table is made of the same material as the inner body.

14. 13. The plant cultivating device according to claim 12, wherein the support table is made of a wooden slatted board.

15. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner body is a sintered product of a non-metallic inorganic solid material, contains interconnecting holes which are voids, has a porosity of 10 to 80% (vol / vol) relative to the entire sintered product, has an average pore size of 3 μm or less, and pores with a pore size of 3 μm or less account for 70% or more of the total voids by volume.

16. 2. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein an illumination housing having a light source for irradiating light toward an upper surface of the light-shielding housing is stacked on the light-shielding housing.

17. 2. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, further comprising an illumination unit disposed above the light-shielding housing, the illumination unit including a light source for irradiating light toward an upper surface of the light-shielding housing.

18. A method for cultivating a whole plant using the cultivation device for a whole plant according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising: A step of providing an inner surface body exhibiting capillary force on at least a part of the inner surface of a light-shielding housing for storing a cultivation liquid, and forming a space area capable of containing the root system of the entire plant within the light-shielding housing; supplying a cultivation liquid to the light-shielding housing before or after the step of forming the spatial region; Growing the roots in a liquid culture solution stored in a light-tight enclosure, the roots absorbing water and nutrients from the liquid phase; and growing roots that absorb oxygen from the gas phase in the moisture and oxygen present within the spatial region of the light-tight enclosure; A method for cultivating the entire plant, comprising:

19. 20. The method for cultivating a whole plant according to claim 18, wherein the whole plant is placed on a platform provided on the bottom surface of the light-shielding housing and cultivated.

20. 20. The method for cultivating a whole plant according to claim 18, wherein the cultivation liquid stored in the light-shielding housing is water or a nutrient liquid containing nutrients required for the growth of the whole plant to be cultivated, and is stagnant water.

21. 21. The method for cultivating a whole plant according to claim 20, characterized in that the nutrients are essential macroelements selected from nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur, essential trace elements selected from iron, manganese, boron, zinc, molybdenum, copper, chlorine and nickel, or useful elements selected from silicon, sodium, cobalt, etc.

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