Germinated plant seed production method and germination treatment device

Abstract

Provided are a germinated plant seed production method and a germination treatment device that make it possible to adjust the ratio of amino acids.　The present invention employs a germinated plant seed production method including a germination step for inducing germination of plant seeds while intermittently supplying water to germinate the plant seeds, wherein the temperature of water is set for each water supply cycle in at least some water supply cycles. The present invention also employs a germination treatment device having a means for inducing germination of plant seeds while intermittently supplying water to germinate the plant seeds, wherein the means can set the temperature of water for each water supply cycle in at least some water supply cycles.

Description

Method for producing germinated plant seeds and germination treatment device

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing germinated plant seeds and a germination treatment device.

[0002] In recent years, germinated plant seeds have been attracting attention as food ingredients with high nutritional value and expected useful effects. For example, Patent Document 1 reports a method for producing germinated plant seeds with increased water-soluble polyphenols and antioxidants.

[0003] Patent No. 5722518

[0004] However, little research has been done on techniques to adjust the amino acid composition of germinated plant seeds.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a method for producing germinated plant seeds, and a germination treatment device, which are capable of adjusting the ratio of amino acids.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the inventors have conducted extensive research and found that the above problems can be solved by setting the water temperature for each water supply cycle in a germination process in which water is supplied intermittently, and have thus completed the present invention. Specifically, the present invention provides the following.

[0007] [1] A method for producing germinated plant seeds, comprising a germination step of inducing germination of plant seeds by intermittently supplying water to the seeds, wherein the temperature of the water is set for each water supply cycle in at least some of the water supply cycles.

[0008] [2] The manufacturing method described in [1], wherein the interval between water supply cycles is 2 hours or less in at least some of the water supply cycles.

[0009] [3] The manufacturing method described in [1] or [2], wherein in at least some of the water supply cycles, the temperature fluctuation range of the plant seeds within each water supply cycle is within 5°C.

[0010] [4] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the set water temperature is two or more types.

[0011] [5] A germination treatment device having a means for inducing germination of plant seeds by intermittently supplying water to the seeds, wherein the means is capable of setting the temperature of the water for each water supply cycle in at least some of the water supply cycles.

[0012] [6] The germination treatment device described in [5], wherein the means can be set so that the interval between water supplies is 2 hours or less in at least some of the water supply cycles.

[0013] [7] A germination treatment device described in [5] or [6], wherein the means can be set so that the temperature fluctuation range of the plant seeds within each water supply cycle is within 5°C in at least some of the water supply cycles.

[0014] [8] A germination treatment device according to any one of [5] to [7], wherein the means can be set to have two or more different water temperatures.

[0015] According to the present invention, a method for producing germinated plant seeds and a germination treatment device capable of adjusting the ratio of amino acids can be provided.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing amino acid compositions according to Test Examples 1-1 to 1-4. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing amino acid compositions according to Test Examples 2-1 to 2-4. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing amino acid compositions according to Test Examples 3-1 to 3-4. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state of seeds placed in a germination container. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the change in seed weight in Test Example 1-5. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the change in seed weight in Test Example 1-6.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0018] In methods for producing germinating plant seeds, water may be supplied to prevent the seeds from drying out or maintain their temperature. For example, Patent Document 1 describes watering at regular intervals. As shown in the examples below, the inventors have discovered that changing the temperature of the supplied water significantly changes the ratio of amino acids in germinating plant seeds. Specifically, they found that at relatively high temperatures, the ratio of acidic amino acids such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid increases, while at relatively low temperatures, the ratio of basic amino acids such as arginine and lysine increases. From these findings, they have deduced that the ratio of amino acids can be adjusted by setting the water temperature for each water supply cycle. The technical concept of setting the water temperature for each watering cycle is not disclosed in Patent Document 1. While the reason why the ratio of acidic amino acids increases at relatively high temperatures is not entirely clear, it is speculated to be due to the following. Furthermore, it is speculated that the reason why the ratio of basic amino acids increases at relatively low temperatures is the opposite. Supplying relatively high-temperature water increases the temperature of the plant seeds, increasing their respiration rate, resulting in an increase in CO2 in the germination induction container. ２ This lowers the pH in the plant seeds, and enzymes in the seeds that are optimally acidic are preferentially activated, resulting in an increase in the production of acidic amino acids.

[0019] <Method for producing germinated plant seeds> The method for producing germinated plant seeds includes a germination step in which plant seeds are induced to germinate by intermittently supplying water to them. In the germination step, the water temperature is set for at least some of the water supply cycles.

[0020] (Germination process) The germination process is carried out while intermittently supplying water to the plant seeds. The intermittent water supply is carried out by repeating one cycle (water supply cycle) consisting of water supply and water supply pause. The water supply serves to prevent the plant seeds from drying out during the germination process and to maintain the temperature and humidity during the germination process.

[0021] The supply of water can be carried out, for example, by watering. In this specification, "watering" means spraying water on the plant seeds, sprinkling water on them, intermittently immersing them in water, misting the plant seeds, or maintaining a relatively high humidity (80% saturation or higher at a temperature within the germination temperature range of the plant seeds) to prevent the plant seeds from drying out.

[0022] In at least some of the water supply cycles, one water temperature is set for each water supply cycle. In order to easily adjust the ratio of amino acids, it is preferable to set two or more water temperatures, and more preferably three or more water temperatures. For example, when the water supply cycle is repeated multiple times, the temperature T ａ In the latter half, the temperature is set to T ｂ The temperature may be set to one temperature. In order to easily obtain a well-balanced amino acid composition, the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures of the two or more water temperatures set is preferably 1°C or more, more preferably 3°C or more, and even more preferably 5°C or more. The difference may be, for example, 15°C or less, or 10°C or less.

[0023] The water temperature is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set within the range of the optimum temperature conditions for germination to obtain the desired amino acid ratio. For example, if you want to increase the ratio of acidic amino acids, you can set the water temperature higher than the optimum temperature for germination; if you want to increase the ratio of neutral amino acids, you can set the water temperature near the optimum temperature for germination; and if you want to increase the ratio of basic amino acids, you can set the water temperature lower than the optimum temperature for germination. The optimum temperature for germination of plant seeds varies depending on the plant. For example, the optimum temperature for germination of soybeans is 10 to 30°C (optimum temperature: 27°C), the optimum temperature for germination of peas is 18 to 40°C (optimum temperature: 25°C), and the optimum temperature for germination of mungbean is 20 to 35°C (optimum temperature: 28°C).

[0024] All water supply cycles were divided equally into three parts, the first half, the middle and the last half, according to the number of cycles. The average water temperatures in the first half, the middle and the last half were calculated as T １ , T ２ , T ３ In this case, T １ ≧(preferably >) T２ ≧(preferably >) T ３ , or T １ ≦(preferably <) T ２ ≦(preferably <) T ３ It is preferable that the total amount of amino acids produced in the germinated plant seeds is increased. １ >T ２ >T ３ If the cycles cannot be divided equally, the extra cycles are allocated to the first half, or to the first half and the middle.

[0025] Between at least some of the water supply cycles, the interval between water supplies is preferably 2 hours or less, more preferably 1.5 hours or less. When the interval between water supplies is 2 hours or less, it is easy to suppress the temperature fluctuation range of the plant seeds, and the effects of the present invention are easily obtained. Furthermore, the interval between water supplies may be, for example, 10 minutes or more, 20 minutes or more, or 30 minutes or more. The interval between water supplies between each water supply cycle may be the same or different.

[0026] The water supply time in each water supply cycle is preferably 1 to 60 minutes, more preferably 5 to 30 minutes. If it exceeds 60 minutes, it tends to be difficult to adjust the amino acid ratio. The water supply time in each water supply cycle may be the same or different.

[0027] From a hygienic standpoint, the water used for watering may contain a disinfectant to prevent the growth of bacteria during the germination process. Examples of disinfectants include 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite, but other antibacterial compounds may also be used.

[0028] The germination step is preferably carried out under conditions of high carbon dioxide concentration and / or low oxygen concentration.

[0029] The oxygen concentration during the germination process is not particularly limited as long as it is lower than the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere (20%), but is preferably 4% to 20% by volume, more preferably 4% to 18% by volume, and even more preferably 4% to 15% by volume. A concentration of 4% by volume or higher is less likely to weaken the oxygen respiration of plant seeds. The oxygen concentration need only be maintained within a substantially constant concentration range, and does not necessarily have to be maintained within a constant concentration range. With regard to the oxygen concentration during the germination process, "substantially" means that the predetermined concentration is maintained for at least 60%, preferably at least 80%, and more preferably at least 90% of the total time during the germination process. The time during which the predetermined concentration is maintained may be continuous, but it is preferably maintained intermittently.

[0030] Oxygen concentration can be controlled by using an incubator, desiccator, cultivation room, or the like that can adjust the oxygen concentration. However, because oxygen is consumed by the respiration of plant seeds in a sealed or poorly ventilated device, it is possible to lower and adjust the oxygen concentration, for example, by stacking plant seeds in several layers in a sealable container. The oxygen in the container is consumed by the plant seeds that have begun to germinate, causing the oxygen concentration to decrease. To prevent the oxygen concentration from falling below the effective concentration range, the oxygen concentration can be maintained at an appropriate level by replacing the atmosphere with normal air at regular intervals. The replacement with normal air is achieved by supplying water as described above, which replaces the gas between the stacked plant seeds.

[0031] The carbon dioxide concentration in the germination step is not particularly limited as long as it is higher than the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere and does not impair the effects of the present invention. It is preferably 0.2% by volume (2,000 ppm) to 10% by volume (100,000 ppm), more preferably 0.4% by volume (4,000 ppm) to 5% by volume (50,000 ppm), and most preferably 1.2% by volume (12,000 ppm) to 2% by volume (20,000 ppm). A concentration of 0.2% by volume or higher is likely to provide a respiration inhibitory effect. Furthermore, a concentration of 10% by volume or lower is unlikely to impair germination. The carbon dioxide concentration need only be maintained within a substantially constant concentration range; it does not necessarily have to be maintained within a constant concentration range. With regard to the carbon dioxide concentration in the germination step, "substantially" means that the concentration is maintained at the predetermined concentration described above for at least 60% of the total time of the germination step, preferably at least 80%, and more preferably at least 90%. The time for which the predetermined concentration is maintained may be continuous, but it is preferable that the concentration is maintained intermittently.

[0032] Carbon dioxide concentration can be controlled by using an incubator, desiccator, or cultivation room capable of adjusting the carbon dioxide concentration. However, it is also possible to increase and adjust the carbon dioxide concentration without using special equipment by using the carbon dioxide emitted by the respiration of plant seeds. For example, by stacking plant seeds in several layers in a sealable container, the carbon dioxide concentration increases as the seeds begin to germinate and respire. To prevent the carbon dioxide concentration from rising above the effective range, the carbon dioxide concentration can be maintained at an appropriate level by replacing the air at regular intervals. Air replacement can be achieved by supplying water as described above to replace the air between the stacked plant seeds.

[0033] In the germination process, it is desirable that either the oxygen concentration or the carbon dioxide concentration be adjusted to meet the above conditions, but it is even more desirable to adjust both the oxygen concentration and the carbon dioxide concentration in order to obtain a more reliable effect.

[0034] The temperature conditions for the germination step are not particularly limited as long as they are an optimum germination temperature at which plant seeds can germinate and differentiate. The optimum germination temperature for plant seeds varies depending on the plant seed, but is, for example, 10°C to 50°C, preferably 20°C to 45°C. In the germination step, the plant seeds are preferably maintained within a certain temperature range, and more preferably maintained under conditions where the temperature repeatedly rises and falls.

[0035] In at least some of the water supply cycles, the temperature fluctuation range of the plant seeds within each water supply cycle is preferably within 5° C., more preferably within 3° C. When it is within 5° C., the effects of the present invention are likely to be favorably obtained.

[0036] During the germination process, the germination temperature conditions can be adjusted mainly by the heat of germination generated by the respiration of the germinating plant seeds and by the supply of water. By piling the plant seeds in several layers, the heat of germination is generated by the respiration of the plant seeds that have begun to germinate. The heat of germination generated by the piled plant seeds does not dissipate, and the temperature between the piled plant seeds rises over time. This elevated temperature can be lowered by supplying water at regular intervals, thereby adjusting the germination temperature within a certain temperature range. When the temperature conditions are adjusted in this way by the heat of germination and the supply of water, the temperature will gradually rise and fall within the temperature range in which the plant seeds can germinate.

[0037] Furthermore, light irradiation may be performed during the germination process. Even if no light is irradiated at all, fluorescent tubes commonly used in plant cultivation can be used for light irradiation. Light of different wavelengths, such as three-wavelength, four-wavelength, UV, and infrared, may be used alone or in combination. The light irradiation time is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2 hours or more, more preferably 4 hours or more, and most preferably 6 hours or more, and may be irradiated for up to 24 hours. The light intensity is 20 μmol / m ２ ・Seconds ~ 100μmol / m ２ - Seconds are preferred.

[0038] In this specification, the term "germinated plant seeds" refers to plant seeds that have transitioned from a dormant state to a germinable state. Therefore, as long as the germination reaction has been promoted, the term "germinated plant seeds" of the present invention includes plant seeds that do not appear to have germinated, as well as plant seeds that have germinated and have grown buds.

[0039] The time for which the germination step described above is carried out is not particularly limited, but is usually carried out for about 10 to 30 hours.

[0040] (Plant Seeds) Examples of plant seeds include, but are not limited to, Vitaceae such as grapes; Asteraceae such as sunflower, safflower, and burdock; Fabaceae such as soybean, pea, mung bean, clover, peanut, and fenugreek; Cruciferae (Brassica) such as Brassica; Pedaliaceae such as sesame; Lamiaceae such as perilla, linseed, shiso, rosemary, thyme, sage, and mint; Polygonaceae such as buckwheat; Poaceae such as rice, corn, wheat, wild rice, barley, foxtail millet, and barnyard millet; American red chives Examples of suitable seeds include seeds from the Rosaceae family (such as jelly, apricot, almond, plum, strawberry, and loquat); the Rutaceae family (such as grapefruit and orange); the Hypericaceae family (such as St. John's wort and mangosteen); the Solanaceae family (such as tomato and bell pepper); the Apiaceae family (such as carrot); the Anacardiaceae family (such as mango); the Pomegranate family (such as pomegranate); the Polygonaceae family (such as knotweed); the Sterculiaceae family (such as cacao); the Trifoliaceae family (Ginkgoceae); the Moraceae family (Theaceae); the Theaceae family (Oleaceae); and the Holly family. Among these, seeds from the Leguminosae family are preferred, and soybean, pea, and mung bean are more preferred, as they are more likely to provide the effects of the present invention.

[0041] The plant seeds used in the germination process are preferably in a germinating state. Germinating plant seeds are plant seeds that are not in a "dormant state." For example, plant seeds with a moisture content of 9 to 12% are considered to be in a dormant state. Specifically, plant seeds can be converted from a dormant state to a germinating state by heating and / or hydrating the plant seeds. However, it is also possible to increase the moisture content of plant seeds and convert them into a germinating state by supplying water during the germination process without any special pretreatment.

[0042] Combining heating and hydration is particularly effective. Plant seeds can be made germinating by hydration alone without heating, but the germination rate increases by simultaneously heating and hydrating plant seeds. Simultaneous heating and hydration can be achieved, for example, by immersing the plant seeds in heated water for a certain period of time. Plant seeds can be made germinating by simply spraying them with water within the germination temperature range without any special pretreatment. Plant seeds can be made germinating by heating within the germination temperature range. It is preferable to heat the seeds at a temperature 5°C to 30°C higher than the median of the optimum germination temperature for each plant. The heating temperature for heating the plant seeds is preferably in a temperature range higher than the optimum germination temperature for the plant seeds. The optimum germination temperature for plant seeds varies depending on the plant, but is, for example, 10°C to 50°C, preferably 20°C to 45°C. For example, the optimum temperature for germination of grape seeds is 20°C to 35°C, that of mung bean seeds is 20°C to 35°C, that of radish seeds is 18°C ​​to 30°C, and that of soybean seeds is 10°C to 30°C. The median optimum temperature for germination of grapes and mung beans is approximately 28°C, that of radish is 24°C, and that of soybeans is 20°C.

[0043] Hydration can be carried out simultaneously with heating, or separately. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned germination process, plant seeds can be hydrated by watering. This is because the heating causes the plant seeds to transition from a dormant state to a germination differentiation state, and the plant seeds absorb a large amount of water as germination differentiation begins.

[0044] <Germination Treatment Apparatus> The germination treatment apparatus has a means for inducing germination of plant seeds by intermittently supplying water, and the means is capable of setting the water temperature for each water supply cycle in at least some of the water supply cycles.

[0045] The above means may be capable of setting the temperature, intervals, supply time, etc. of water supply so as to embody the method described in <Method for producing germinated plant seeds>.

[0046] A specific example of a germination treatment device is a germination induction container 800 as shown in Figure 4. The germination induction container 800 can be used with the top surface 810 open, but it can also be used sealed. In order to control the carbon dioxide concentration, oxygen concentration, and temperature inside the container, it is desirable to use the top surface 810 and bottom surface 840 in a sealed state. It can also be used in an open state in a cultivation room or the like where the carbon dioxide concentration, oxygen concentration, and temperature can be controlled. The carbon dioxide, oxygen, and temperature inside the container are similar to those in a cultivation room.

[0047] The germination induction container 800 has nozzles 860 at the top for spraying water 820. The bottom has drainage holes (air vents) 850 spaced approximately 1 cm apart, allowing excess water to be drained. The drainage holes are connected to vertical pipes (not shown) emerging from the bottom of the lower container 840. Each pipe is fitted into one arm of a U-shaped tube. The other arm of each U-tube is open to the ambient room environment. When the sprayed water accumulates to a certain height in the U-tube, the water overflows from the open arm, and the U-tube acts as a siphon. This siphon empties the container after watering is finished.

[0048] The present invention will be specifically explained below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0049] (Test Example 1-1: Soybean Seeds (Normal)) 100 g of soybean seeds were washed with running water and then immersed in an aqueous solution (40°C) containing 100 ppm of sodium hypochlorite, a fungicide, for 4 hours. Next, the seeds were washed with distilled water and the water was removed with soft paper. The seeds were stacked approximately 5 cm thick in a germination induction container 800 (Figure 4). The germination induction container 800 was placed in a cultivation room at room temperature (28°C), and watered with a 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 27°C for 8 minutes every 4 hours. Germination was induced for 24 hours, and approximately 226 g of germinated seeds were collected. The seed temperature fluctuation range during each watering cycle was 23°C. The collected 226 g of germinated seeds was frozen at -80°C and freeze-dried overnight. 0.25 g of the freeze-dried germinated seeds was placed in a mortar and crushed with a pestle. The crushed germinated seeds were mixed with 1 mL of 70% ethanol and sonicated for 60 minutes. The mixture was centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 10 minutes, and the supernatant was collected. The supernatant was then filtered through a 0.2 μm filter to obtain an extract.

[0050] (Test Example 1-2: Soybean seeds (acidic)) An extract was obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1, except that instead of spraying 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 27° C. every four hours, 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 30° C. was sprayed every hour. The temperature fluctuation range of the seeds during each watering cycle was 5° C.

[0051] (Test Example 1-3: Soybean seeds (neutral)) An extract was obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1, except that instead of spraying 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 27° C. every four hours, 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 27° C. was sprayed every hour. The temperature fluctuation range of the seeds during each watering cycle was 5° C.

[0052] (Test Example 1-4: Soybean seeds (basic)) An extract was obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 1-1, except that instead of spraying 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 27° C. every four hours, 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 24° C. was sprayed every hour. The temperature fluctuation range of the seeds during each watering cycle was 5° C.

[0053] (Test Example 2-1: Pea seeds (normal)) An extract was obtained in the same manner as Test Example 1-1, except that pea seeds were used instead of soybean seeds, and a 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 25° C. was sprayed instead of a 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 27° C. The temperature fluctuation range of the seeds during each watering cycle was 24° C.

[0054] (Test Example 2-2: Pea seeds (acidic)) An extract was obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1, except that instead of spraying 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 25° C. every four hours, 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 28° C. was sprayed every hour. The temperature fluctuation range of the seeds during each watering cycle was 5° C.

[0055] (Test Example 2-3: Pea seeds (neutral)) An extract was obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1, except that instead of spraying 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 25° C. every four hours, 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 25° C. was sprayed every hour. The temperature fluctuation range of the seeds during each watering cycle was 5° C.

[0056] (Test Example 2-4: Pea seeds (basic)) An extract was obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 2-1, except that instead of spraying 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 25° C. every four hours, 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 22° C. was sprayed every hour. The temperature fluctuation range of the seeds during each watering cycle was 5° C.

[0057] (Test Example 3-1: Mung Bean Seeds) An extract was obtained in the same manner as Test Example 1-1, except that mung bean seeds were used instead of soybean seeds, and a 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 28° C. was sprayed instead of a 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 27° C. The temperature fluctuation range of the seeds during each watering cycle was 22° C.

[0058] (Test Example 3-2: Mung bean seeds (acidic)) An extract was obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 3-1, except that instead of spraying 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 28° C. every four hours, 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 31° C. was sprayed every hour. The temperature fluctuation range of the seeds during each watering cycle was 5° C.

[0059] (Test Example 3-3: Mung bean seeds (neutral)) An extract was obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 3-1, except that instead of spraying 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 28° C. every four hours, 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 28° C. was sprayed every hour. The temperature fluctuation range of the seeds during each watering cycle was 5° C.

[0060] (Test Example 3-4: Mung bean seeds (basic)) An extract was obtained in the same manner as in Test Example 3-1, except that instead of spraying 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 28° C. every four hours, 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution at 25° C. was sprayed every hour. The temperature fluctuation range of the seeds during each watering cycle was 5° C.

[0061] <Method for Analyzing Amino Acids in Germinated Plant Seeds> The amino acid composition (unit: mg / g) in the extract of each germinated plant seed obtained above was measured under the following conditions. The results of Test Examples 1-1 to 1-4 are shown in Figure 1, the results of Test Examples 2-1 to 2-4 in Figure 2, and the results of Test Examples 3-1 to 3-4 in Figure 3. Equipment used: High-performance liquid chromatograph (UHPLC), manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation Detector: Fluorescence detector Column: "Inertsil ODS-4 HP 3 μm" (100 mm L. × 3.0 mm I.D.), manufactured by GL Sciences Column temperature: 40°C Elution buffer composition: 15 mmol / L potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 5 mmol / L dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, water / acetonitrile / methanol = 15 / 45 / 40 (V / V / V) Flow rate: 0 to 1.5 min 9.5%, 1.5 to 6.0 min 30%, 6.0 to 11.0 min 40%, 11.0 to 22.0 min 100%

[0062] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, we found that changing the watering temperature significantly changes the ratio of amino acids in germinating plant seeds. Specifically, relatively high watering temperatures increased the ratio of acidic amino acids such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid, while moderate watering temperatures increased the ratio of neutral amino acids. Relatively low watering temperatures increased the ratio of basic amino acids such as arginine and lysine. In particular, we found that these results were more easily achieved by limiting the water supply interval to two hours or less and by limiting the temperature fluctuation range of the plant seeds within each watering cycle to within 5°C. These results demonstrate that the amino acid ratios can be adjusted by setting the water temperature for each watering cycle. Furthermore, we found that the amino acid ratios can be freely adjusted by combining different temperatures.

[0063] (Test Example 1-5: Soybean seeds (high temperature → medium temperature → low temperature)) An extract was obtained in the same manner as Test Example 1-1, except that the germination induction time was changed to 15 hours instead of 24 hours, and 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution was sprayed every hour at 30°C for the first 5 cycles, 27°C for the next 5 cycles, and 24°C for the next 5 cycles. The temperature fluctuation range of the seeds within each watering cycle was 5°C.

[0064] (Test Example 1-6: Soybean seeds (low temperature → medium temperature → high temperature)) An extract was obtained in the same manner as Test Example 1-5, except that 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution was sprayed every hour at 24°C for the first 5 cycles, 27°C for the next 5 cycles, and 30°C for the next 5 cycles. The temperature fluctuation range of the seeds within each watering cycle was 5°C.

[0065] In Test Examples 1-5 and 1-6, the weight of the seeds after germination induction was measured at 30-minute intervals using a weight measuring device installed in the germination induction container. The results are shown in Figures 5 and 6, respectively. From Figures 5 and 6, the average values ​​of the water temperatures in the first, middle, and last stages were respectively T １ , T ２ , T ３ In this case, T １ >T ２ >T ３ That is, T ３ >T ２ >T１ Although there was not much difference in the final plant seed weight, it was found that the plant seed weight increased earlier during the process.

[0066] The amount of amino acids in the extracts of the germinated plant seeds obtained in Test Examples 1-5 and 1-6 was determined by the same method as described above. As a result, the total amount of amino acids in Test Example 1-5 was about 45% higher than that in Test Example 1-6. This is presumably due to the early increase in the activity of various enzymes in the seeds as the seed weight increased, resulting in the early promotion of amino acid production.

Claims

1. A method for producing germinated plant seeds, comprising a germination step of inducing germination of plant seeds while intermittently supplying water to the seeds, and setting the water temperature for at least some of the water supply cycles.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in at least some of the water supply cycles, the interval between water supplies is 2 hours or less.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature fluctuation range of the plant seeds in each water supply cycle is within 5°C in at least some of the water supply cycles.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water temperature is set at two or more different temperatures.

5. A germination treatment device having a means for inducing germination of plant seeds by intermittently supplying water to the seeds, the means being capable of setting the water temperature for each water supply cycle in at least some of the water supply cycles.

6. The germination treatment device according to claim 5, wherein said means can be set so that the interval between water supplies is 2 hours or less in at least some of the water supply cycles.

7. A germination treatment device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said means can be set so that the temperature fluctuation range of the plant seeds in each water supply cycle is within 5°C in at least some of the water supply cycles.

8. A germination treatment device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein said means can be set to provide two or more different water temperatures.