Plant growth aid and method for growing plant using plant growth aid

Abstract

The present invention provides a plant-derived plant growth aid which has an excellent plant growth effect.　The present invention is a plant growth aid comprising an Alpinia plant extract. The plant growth aid contains a first component, a second component, and water. The first component is at least one component selected from the group consisting of p-cymene and linalool. The second component is a single component that is 1,8-cineole or a mixed component of 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol. The plant growth aid satisfies all of relational expressions (1) to (5). Relational expression (1): A ≥ 0.069 × B. Relational expression (2): A ≤ 65 × B. Relational expression (3): A ≥ 0.36 × C. Relational expression (4): A ≤ 5.5 × (B + C). Relational expression (5): A ≥ 0.0001. [In relational expressions (1) to (5), A is the ratio (ppm) of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and the water, B is the weight ratio (ppm) of the 1,8-cineole to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and the water, and C is the weight ratio (ppm) of the α-terpineol to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and the water.]

Description

Plant growth aid and plant growth method using the plant growth aid

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant growth aid and a plant growth method using the plant growth aid.

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for plant-derived plant growth aids that have a low environmental impact, and plant growth aids containing biomass are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, in order to procure the plant growth aids, it is necessary to cultivate the plants themselves, and a large amount of plant-derived material is required to achieve sufficient plant growth effects. Meanwhile, while "Alpinia plants (such as shell ginger)" are used in cosmetics and the like, much of their parts, such as juice squeezed from the leaves and stems, are discarded, and there is a demand for effective utilization of these discarded parts.

[0003] Patent No. 6498853 Patent No. 6741263

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a plant-derived plant growth aid that has an excellent plant growth effect.

[0005] The present inventors have conducted extensive research to solve the above-mentioned problems and have arrived at the present invention. Specifically, the present invention relates to a plant growth adjuvant containing an extract of an Alpinia plant, the plant growth adjuvant comprising a first component, a second component, and water, wherein the first component is at least one component selected from the group consisting of p-cymene and linalool, and the second component is 1,8-cineole alone or a mixture of 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol, and the plant growth adjuvant satisfies all of the following relationship formulas (1) to (5): Relational formula (1): A ≧ 0.069 × B Relational formula (2): A ≦ 65 × B Relational formula (3): A ≧ 0.36 × C Relational formula (4): A ≦ 5.5 × (B + C) Relational formula (5): A ≧ 0.0001 [In relational formulas (1) to (5), A represents the ratio (ppm) of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; B represents the weight ratio (ppm) of 1,8-cineole to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; and C represents the weight ratio (ppm) of α-terpineol to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water.]

[0006] The plant growth adjuvant of the present invention is derived from a plant and has an excellent plant growth effect.

[0007] The plant growth adjuvant of the present invention is a plant growth adjuvant containing an extract of a plant of the genus Alpinia, wherein the extract of a plant of the genus Alpinia contains a first component, a second component, and water, wherein the first component is at least one component selected from the group consisting of p-cymene and linalool, and the second component is 1,8-cineole alone or a mixture of 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol, and the plant growth adjuvant satisfies all of the following relational formulas (1) to (5): Relational formula (1): A ≧ 0.069 × B Relational formula (2): A ≦ 65 × B Relational formula (3): A ≧ 0.36 × C Relational formula (4): A ≦ 5.5 × (B + C) Relational formula (5): A ≧ 0.0001

[0008] In the plant growth aid, the second component essentially contains 1,8-cineole, and may or may not contain α-terpineol.

[0009] In the relational expressions (1) to (5), A represents the ratio (ppm) of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water. The ratio of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water is preferably 5 ppm or less, more preferably 1 ppm or less, particularly preferably 0.1 ppm or less, particularly preferably 0.05 ppm or less, and most preferably 0.01 ppm or less. The ratio of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water is preferably 0.0005 ppm or more. B represents the weight ratio (ppm) of 1,8-cineole to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water. The weight ratio of 1,8-cineole to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water is preferably 40 ppm or less. Furthermore, C is the weight ratio (ppm) of α-terpineol relative to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water. The weight ratio of α-terpineol relative to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water is preferably 16 ppm or less. Note that when the second component is 1,8-cineole alone, the value of C is 0 ppm.

[0010] Preferred Alpinia plants include shell ginger (Shima shell ginger, Tailin shell ginger, Daito shell ginger, Urai shell ginger, Tonka shell ginger, etc.), kumatake orchid, blue kumatake orchid, Alpinia mioga, Chikurinka, Anthias grandiflora, galangal, hybrids thereof, and closely related species, etc. One type of Alpinia plant extract may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0011] The plant growth adjuvant of the present invention can obtain an excellent plant growth adjuvant effect by satisfying the above-mentioned relational expressions (1) to (5).

[0012] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the plant growth adjuvant effect, it is preferable that the plant growth adjuvant of the present invention satisfies the following relational formula (6): A≦5×C

[0013] Furthermore, in the plant growth adjuvant of the present invention, when the second component is a mixed component of 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol, it is preferable that the following relational formula (7) be satisfied from the viewpoint of the plant growth adjuvant effect: Relational formula (7): 30≧B / C Furthermore, in the plant growth adjuvant of the present invention, when the second component is a mixed component of 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol, it is preferable that the following relational formula (8) be satisfied from the viewpoint of the plant growth adjuvant effect: Relational formula (8): 0.001≦B / C

[0014] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the plant growth adjuvant effect, it is preferable that the plant growth adjuvant of the present invention satisfies the following relational formula (9): A≦49×B

[0015] The plant growth adjuvant of the present invention can be adjusted to satisfy the above-mentioned relations (1) to (9) by the following methods: (1) Mixing multiple extracts of plants of the genus Alpinia with known concentrations, and adjusting the mixture to satisfy the relations; (2) Adding the first component, the second component, and / or a diluent described below to an extract of a plant of the genus Alpinia with known concentrations, and adjusting the mixture to satisfy the relations.

[0016] The plant growth aid of the present invention may further contain an additive, and may include at least one selected from the group including (but not limited to) preservatives, cleaning agents, antifreeze agents, hydrotropes, stabilizers, antioxidants, acidifying agents, chelating agents, complexing agents, pigments, rheology modifiers, antifoaming agents, drift prevention agents, organic solvents, thickeners, and combinations thereof.

[0017] The antioxidant may comprise at least one selected from the group including, but not limited to, potassium pyrosulfite, butylhydroxytoluene, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-, octadecyl ester, phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-, 1,1′,1″-phosphite ester.

[0018] The stabilizer may comprise at least one selected from the group including, but not limited to, urea, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl and propylcellulose, and further sodium carboxymethylcellulose, gelatin, casein, starch, gum arabic, hydroxyethyl starch, and sodium alginate.

[0019] The preservative may comprise at least one selected from the group including, but not limited to, 2-phenoxyethanol and 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one.

[0020] From the viewpoint of the plant growth support effect, the total weight ratio of the first component, the second component and water contained in the plant growth support of the present invention is preferably 90% by weight or more, based on the weight of the plant growth support, more preferably 95% by weight or more, and particularly preferably 97% by weight or more.

[0021] From the viewpoint of the plant growth-supporting effect, the total weight ratio of the first component and 1,8-cineole contained in the plant growth adjuvant of the present invention is preferably 0.0001 ppm or more, more preferably 0.0005 ppm or more, and particularly preferably 0.001 ppm or more, based on the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water. From the viewpoint of the plant growth-supporting effect, the total weight ratio of the first component and 1,8-cineole contained in the plant growth adjuvant of the present invention is preferably 30 ppm or less, more preferably 5 ppm or less, particularly preferably 0.5 ppm or less, particularly preferably 0.2 ppm or less, and most preferably 0.05 ppm or less, based on the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water. The total weight ratio of the additives in the plant growth adjuvant of the present invention is preferably 500 to 500,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water.

[0022] The weight proportion of potassium pyrosulfite in the plant growth aid of the present invention is preferably 500 to 300,000 ppm based on the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water.

[0023] The plant growth adjuvant of the present invention can be produced by the following method, which includes a step of obtaining an extract from an Alpinia plant. Stems and leaves of an Alpinia plant (such as Alpinia or Shell Ginger) are placed in a roller-type crusher and extracted by pressing at 15 to 35°C without adding water to obtain a squeezed juice. Solids contained in the obtained squeezed juice are preferably removed using a sieve such as a 50-mesh filter. The obtained squeezed juice is diluted with the diluent water as needed, and the additives are added as needed to obtain a plant growth adjuvant. The plant growth adjuvant obtained by the above method may be concentrated by removing water and other components using an evaporator. The obtained plant growth adjuvant is preferably stored at -80 to 4°C.

[0024] Plants for which the plant growth adjuvant of the present invention is used are preferably plants with leaves. Among the plants for which the plant growth adjuvant of the present invention is used, the following are preferred: Solanaceae: Solanum (eggplant, tomato, potato, etc.), Capsicum (bell pepper, etc.), etc. Fabaceae: Glycine soja (soybean, etc.), etc. Asparagaceae: Asparagus (asparagus, etc.), Amaryllidaceae: Allium (onion, chive, garlic, etc.), etc. Cucurbitaceae: Cucumis (cucumber, melon, etc.), Cucurbita (pumpkin, etc.), Melon (watermelon, etc.), Balsam pear (bitter melon, etc.), etc. Brassicaceae: Brassica (Chinese cabbage, bok choy, cabbage, broccoli, komatsuna, etc.), Radish (radish, radish, etc.), Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis, etc.), Watercress (watercress, etc.), etc. Asteraceae: Chrysanthemum (chrysanthemums, etc.), Lactuca (lettuce, etc.), Aster (aster), Calendula (calendula, etc.), Artemisia (mugwort, etc.), etc. Orchidaceae Convolvulaceae: Ipomoea (sweet potato, etc.), etc. Polygonaceae: Fagopyrum (buckwheat, tartary buckwheat, etc.), etc. Poaceae: Oryza (rice, etc.), etc. Apiaceae: Asteraceae (celery, parsley, etc.), etc. Rosaceae: Rosa (rose, etc.), Fragaria (strawberry, etc.), etc. Vitaceae Among these plants, more preferred are Cucurbitaceae (particularly preferred are cucumber and watermelon), Brassicaceae (watercress, radish), Asteraceae (particularly preferred is artemisia), Pyrrhaphiolepis (particularly preferred is tartary buckwheat), and Rosaceae (particularly preferred is strawberry).

[0025] Next, a plant growth method using the plant growth supplement of the present invention will be described. This plant growth method is one embodiment of the present invention. The plant growth supplement of the present invention is particularly preferably used during the seedling raising period. When using the plant growth supplement during the seedling raising period, the seedling raising sheet material described below may be used, if necessary. A seedling raising sheet comprising a seedling raising sheet material and a seedling raising sheet base material can also be used. The seedling raising sheet can be used by being placed on the surface of the soil or underground. The seedling raising sheet material can be placed on the surface of the soil or underground or mixed with other materials. A plant growth method using the plant growth supplement and the seedling raising sheet material and / or seedling sheet during the seedling raising period is one preferred embodiment of the present invention. The plant growth method of the present invention is suitably used as a plant seedling raising method. The plants are preferably the above-mentioned plants.

[0026] Seedling raising includes sowing seeds, causing them to germinate, and greening, and may also include hardening after greening. In the present invention, it is preferable to apply (preferably spray) the plant growth supplement to the leaves of the seedlings during the greening period. When hardening is performed, the plant growth supplement may be applied to the leaves during the greening and / or hardening period, and is preferably applied to the leaves during the greening period. Examples of preferred embodiments of the plant growth method of the present invention when used during the seedling raising period include the following. Seeds are sown in soil on which a seedling raising sheet material and / or a seedling raising sheet has been placed, and are allowed to germinate and greened, and the plant growth supplement is applied to the leaves of the seedlings during the greening period. The plant growth supplement may be applied to the leaves (preferably foliar spray) on either the front or back side of the leaves, or on both sides of the leaves. The seedling raising sheet material and / or seedling sheet can be placed in a seedling box or the like, and it is preferable to place soil (bed soil) on top of the seedling raising sheet material and / or seedling sheet and sow seeds. The seeds are preferably seeds of the above-mentioned plants. Before sowing, preliminary seed treatments (seed selection, soaking, and germination, etc.) may be performed. The bed soil and conditions for seed sowing, germination, greening, and hardening may be selected or adjusted depending on the type of plant. After hardening, it is preferable to transplant the seedlings into a rice paddy or a main field.

[0027] The following describes an example of raising rice seedlings. Normally, seedlings planted by a rice transplanter are raised in a bed called a seedling bed, and the following seedling raising process is preferred.

[0028] 1) Preliminary measures for seeds 1-1) Seed selection: After disinfection, remove floating seeds using salt water selection, then wash and dry. 1-2) Soaking: Soak the seeds for 5 days to ensure that the seeds absorb water evenly. During this time, change the water every day and drain to supply oxygen. 1-3) Germination: After supplying oxygen, soak the seeds in 32°C hot water for 10 hours to make them dove-chested.

[0029] 2) Adjusting the soil: Select soil with a crumb structure that is breathable and well-drained, and adjust the pH to 5. Add base fertilizer.

[0030] 3) Adding soil Add soil to the seedbed and tamp it down to make it flat.

[0031] 4) Sowing: Sow the seeds evenly on the seedbed, water them, and allow the seeds to settle. Correct any uneven sowing.

[0032] 5) Cover with soil: Add soil to a thickness of 5 mm and level it to create a flat surface.

[0033] 6) Uniform germination using a seedling tray: Leave the seeds at 32°C for 2 days and train them to have a coleoptile length of about 1.2 cm.

[0034] 7) Preliminary greening After oxygen supply and irrigation, expose the seedlings to sunlight in a nursery bed and keep them at 25°C for one day and then at 20°C for one day.

[0035] 8) Greening The plants were placed in a greenhouse at 30°C during the day and 12°C at night for 8 days, with sufficient watering repeated several times each day until 2.5 leaves developed.

[0036] 9) Hardening: Grow the seedlings to 3.5 leaf stage and adapt to natural conditions for 10 days at 20°C during the day and 10°C at night.

[0037] The seedling raising sheet is preferably placed inside the seedling raising bed before "3) adding soil." The location and method of placement may be arbitrary, but placement at the bottom is preferred.

[0038] The plant growth aid is more preferably applied during the "8) greening" period, but may also be applied during the "9) hardening" period.

[0039] <Material for seedling raising sheets> The material for seedling raising sheets preferably contains a water-absorbent polymer material, and may contain fertilizer as needed. Furthermore, the material for seedling raising sheets preferably contains a filler.

[0040] The water-absorbent polymer material may be a water-absorbent resin or the like, and is not particularly limited. However, a hydrophilic cross-linked polymer containing carboxyl groups is preferred, and polyacrylic acid (salt) is more preferred. Furthermore, it is not limited to a form in which the entire amount (100% by weight) is polymer. Note that polyacrylic acid (salt) refers to a polymer whose main component is acrylic acid (salt) as a repeating unit. Specifically, it refers to a polymer containing, as a monomer excluding the cross-linking agent, preferably 50 to 100 mol%, more preferably 70 to 100 mol%, even more preferably 90 to 100 mol%, and particularly preferably essentially 100 mol% acrylic acid (salt). Preferred salts of the polymer are alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts, and ammonium salts. Among these, monovalent salts and alkali metal salts are preferred, with potassium salts and sodium salts being particularly preferred. The shape of the polyacrylic acid (salt) is not particularly limited, and particulate or powdery form is preferred.

[0041] The water absorption capacity of a water-absorbent polymer material for ion-exchanged water at 25°C is usually 80 to 1000 times, preferably 90 to 670 times, more preferably 120 to 530 times, and even more preferably 130 to 480 times. If the water absorption capacity is less than 80 times, the water retention ability of the water retention agent will be low, and it will be necessary to use a large amount, which may increase costs or require frequent water replenishment. A higher water absorption capacity is preferable because only a small amount will be needed, but a water-absorbent polymer material with a water absorption capacity of more than 1000 times will have the problem of low water permeability and poor vegetation. The water absorption capacity is measured by the following method.

[0042] [Method for measuring water absorption capacity of ion-exchanged water] A weight L (g) of a sample of water-absorbent polymer material is placed in a nylon mesh bag (250 mesh), and the bag is immersed in excess ion-exchanged water. After 60 minutes of immersion, the bag is lifted into the air, left to stand and drain for 15 minutes, and then the weight M (g) is measured and the water absorption capacity is calculated using the following formula. Note that the same procedure as above is carried out using only the mesh bag, and the weight N (g) of this amount is subtracted as a blank. Water absorption capacity of ion-exchanged water = (M - N) / L

[0043] When 1 part by weight of the water-absorbent polymer material is allowed to absorb 100 parts by weight of ion-exchanged water at 25°C, the pH value of the water-absorbing body is preferably 4.5 to 7.5, more preferably 5.0 to 7.0, from the viewpoint of vegetation. The pH value is measured by the following method.

[0044] [Method for measuring pH value] 1 part by weight of a water-absorbent polymer material is added to 100 parts by weight of ion-exchanged water at 25°C, and the mixture is left in a thermostatic chamber at 25°C for 8 hours to swell the water-absorbent polymer material, producing a water-absorbing body. The temperature of the water-absorbent body is confirmed to be 25°C with a thermometer, a pH meter is inserted into the water-absorbent body, and the pH value is read after confirming that it has almost stabilized. Note that if the water-absorption capacity of the water-absorbent polymer material is low, the water-absorbent body of the water-absorbent polymer material and the ion-exchanged water will separate into two phases, so after stirring to homogenize, the pH meter is inserted and the value is measured. If the mixture separates into two phases again immediately after stirring and homogenization, the pH meter is inserted while stirring and the value is measured.

[0045] Examples of fertilizers include ordinary fertilizers such as nitrogenous fertilizers, phosphate fertilizers, potassium fertilizers, organic fertilizers, compound fertilizers, lime fertilizers, silicate fertilizers, magnesium fertilizers, manganese fertilizers, boron fertilizers, and trace element compound fertilizers, as well as other special fertilizers (slow-release fertilizers, etc.). These fertilizer components are in liquid or solid form such as powder, and can be present in the seedling raising sheet material or seedling raising sheet by adding them to the water-absorbent polymer material or by incorporating them into the water that is poured into the water-absorbent polymer material.

[0046] The amount of fertilizer to be added can be determined arbitrarily, taking into consideration the type of crop to be cultivated, the type of fertilizer to be used, etc., but it is important to consider the amount of fertilizer to be added based on the unit area of ​​the seedling sheet (m ２ In the case of a seedling raising sheet material, the amount is, for example, 1 to 500 g, preferably 3 to 300 g per unit area (m ２ It is preferable to mix fertilizer into the seedling-raising sheet material so that the amount of fertilizer used per 100g of seedlings falls within the above range.

[0047] The filler is preferably a powder, granular, fibrous, or cotton-like filler. The filler preferably has adequate breathability so as not to inhibit seed germination and growth, does not adversely affect the soil when attached to the ground, and / or is easily decomposed on the surface or inside of the soil, and examples thereof include inorganic porous materials such as perlite, vermiculite, and rock fiber, as well as wood chips, rice husks, buckwheat, rice bran, cotton, straw, peat, wool, sawdust, pulp, and wastepaper.

[0048] The amount of filler added is determined based on the unit area (m2) of the seedling sheet to ensure breathability and thickness. ２ In the case of a seedling raising sheet material, the amount is preferably 1 to 500 g, more preferably 3 to 300 g per unit area (m ２ It is preferable to blend the filler into the seedling-raising sheet material so that the amount of filler used per 100g of seedling sheet falls within the above range.

[0049] <Seedling raising sheet> The seedling raising sheet is a seedling raising sheet comprising the seedling raising sheet material and a seedling raising sheet base material. The seedling raising sheet base material may be a sheet.

[0050] Examples of the sheet include a water-permeable sheet, a water-disintegrating sheet, and a water-soluble sheet, and a combination of two or more of these may be laminated. The sheet is preferably one that has a thickness of 0.01 to 9 mm, more preferably 0.02 to 3 mm, after being formed into a seedling raising sheet. The weight of the sheet is determined, for example, based on the unit area (m ) of the seedling raising sheet in order to ensure the shape retention and thickness of the seedling raising sheet. ２ The amount is preferably 5 to 300 g, more preferably 10 to 100 g, per 100g of the mixture.

[0051] Examples of water-permeable sheets include cellulose fiber woven or knitted fabrics (cloths) and nonwoven fabrics, paper, water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol fiber woven or knitted fabrics and films, and paperboard. Among these, those with a water permeability of 5 minutes or less according to the water absorption rate method A described in JIS L 1096 are preferred. Furthermore, the water-permeable sheet preferably has adequate breathability so as not to inhibit seed germination and growth. Furthermore, the water-permeable sheet preferably has the property of being easily decomposed on the soil surface or inside when attached to the ground. From this perspective, cellulosic paper and nonwoven fabrics are preferred as water-permeable sheets.

[0052] Examples of water-disintegrating sheets include paper in which the pulp fibers of the paper are bonded together with a water-soluble or hydrophilic glue, a water-swellable polymer, or the like so that the pulp fibers disintegrate upon contact with water (such as "Dissolvo MDP" manufactured by Mishima Paper Co., Ltd.), and paper in which a heat-sealing agent is used in combination to add moldability (thermal adhesiveness) (such as "Dissolvo MDP-P" manufactured by Mishima Paper Co., Ltd.). These papers are characterized by their rapid disintegration upon water absorption.

[0053] Examples of water-soluble sheets include water-soluble films such as water-soluble poval film, starch film, and carrageenan film, as well as water-soluble nonwoven fabrics made of poval fiber (such as "Ecomold" and "Ecosolve" manufactured by Nippon Vilene Co., Ltd.) When compared at the same thickness, these sheets are characterized by their greater sheet strength in a dry state, although their water dissolution (disintegration) rate is slower than that of the above-mentioned water-disintegrable paper.

[0054] As a combination of two or more superimposed water-permeable sheets, water-disintegrating sheets, or water-soluble sheets, a laminated sheet formed by bonding water-disintegrating paper to a water-soluble film can be used. Examples of laminated sheets formed by bonding water-disintegrating paper to a water-soluble film include those formed by bonding and laminating at least one type of water-disintegrating paper and water-soluble film (such as "Dissolvo A" manufactured by Mishima Paper Co., Ltd., which is formed by bonding a poval film to the above-mentioned "Dissolvo MDP"). These laminated sheets are characterized by rapid dissolution (disintegration) in water and high film strength. This allows the thickness of the water-soluble film to be reduced by the strength of the paper, thereby improving both the dissolution (disintegration) rate and film strength overall. Among these water-soluble or water-disintegrating sheets, water-disintegrating paper and water-soluble nonwoven fabric are preferred. Furthermore, the time required for these water-soluble or water-disintegrating sheets to disintegrate or dissolve in water is, for example, within 5 minutes, preferably within 2 minutes, and more preferably within 1 minute.

[0055] The seedling raising sheet is preferably a sheet containing a water-absorbent polymer material, and is preferably a seedling raising sheet comprising a water-absorbent polymer material and a sheet, the water-absorbent polymer material being present on the surface or inside of at least one sheet. In this seedling raising sheet, fertilizer and / or a filler may further be present in at least one sheet.

[0056] The seedling raising sheet may comprise a water-absorbent polymer material, at least one sheet, and fertilizer and / or filler, and the water-absorbent polymer material and fertilizer and / or filler may be present on the surface or inside of at least one sheet. When two or more sheets are used as the seedling raising sheet, it is sufficient that the water-absorbent polymer material is present on the surface or inside of at least one sheet as a whole.

[0057] Examples of seedling sheets that use two or more sheets include those with a five-layer structure in which a layer of sheet, a layer of filler and absorbent polymer material, a layer of sheet, a layer of fertilizer, and another layer of sheet are stacked in that order; those with two layers of sheet, a layer of absorbent polymer material, fertilizer, and filler mixed together; and those with a four-layer structure in which layers of sheet are stacked in that order.

[0058] The seedling sheet can be produced by any known method, such as immersing the sheet in a mixture of a water-absorbent polymeric material, fertilizer and filler, or applying the mixture to the surface of the sheet.

[0059] When two sheets are used, in addition to the method of overlapping two sheets prepared in the same manner as above, the following two methods can be mentioned: (a) A method in which a mixture of water-absorbent polymer material, fertilizer, and filler is evenly spread on one sheet, and then the other sheet is overlapped and pressure-molded by embossing, etc. (b) A method in which a mixture of water-absorbent polymer material, fertilizer, and filler added to an appropriate binder (described below) is applied to one sheet, and then the other sheet is overlapped and molded, followed by drying.

[0060] Examples of binders used to secure the water-absorbent polymer material, fertilizer, and filler to the seedling sheet include natural polymers, synthetic resins, and natural or synthetic rubbers. Examples of natural polymers include starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium alginate, guar gum, xanthan gum, bean gum, carrageenan, and gluten. Examples of synthetic resins include acrylic resins, polyurethane resins, unsaturated polyester resins, polyamide resins, and ethylene copolymer resins other than water-absorbent polymer materials. Examples of natural or synthetic rubbers include natural rubber, acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, polyisobutylene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, and chloroprene rubber. These can be used alone or in combination. Among these, water-soluble natural polymers such as starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, and sodium alginate are preferred.

[0061] This specification describes the following inventions:

[0062] The present invention (1) is a plant growth adjuvant containing an extract of an Alpinia plant, the plant growth adjuvant containing a first component, a second component, and water, the first component being at least one component selected from the group consisting of p-cymene and linalool, and the second component being 1,8-cineole alone or a mixture of 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol, and satisfying all of the following relational formulas (1) to (5): Relational formula (1): A ≧ 0.069 × B Relational formula (2): A ≦ 65 × B Relational formula (3): A ≧ 0.36 × C Relational formula (4): A ≦ 5.5 × (B + C) Relational formula (5): A ≧ 0.0001 [In relational formulas (1) to (5), A represents the ratio (ppm) of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; B represents the weight ratio (ppm) of 1,8-cineole to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; and C represents the weight ratio (ppm) of α-terpineol to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water.]

[0063] The present invention (2) is the plant growth aid according to the present invention (1), which further satisfies the following relational formula (6): A≦5×C (In the relational formula (6), A is the ratio (ppm) of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; and C is the weight ratio (ppm) of α-terpineol to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water).

[0064] The present invention (3) is the plant growth adjuvant according to the present invention (1) or (2), wherein the extract of a plant of the genus Alpinia is an extract of Shell Ginger.

[0065] The present invention (4) is a method for growing plants, which uses the plant growth adjuvant according to any one of the present inventions (1) to (3).

[0066] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following, "parts" means "parts by weight."

[0067] Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7: Production of Plant Growth Adjuvants Stems and leaves of Alpinia plants (Shell Ginger) of the types listed in Table 1 were placed in a roller-type crusher and extracted by pressing at 25°C without adding water to obtain a crudely squeezed juice. The solids from this crudely squeezed juice were removed using a 50-mesh strainer to obtain a squeezed juice. Water was added to the obtained squeezed juice to obtain plant growth adjuvants X1 to X12 and comparative plant growth adjuvants X'1 to X'7. The contents of p-cymene, linalool, 1,8-cineole, and α-terpineol contained in each plant growth adjuvant are shown in Table 1. The obtained plant growth adjuvants were stored in a freezer at -20°C.

[0068] Example 13: Production of plant growth adjuvant Plant growth adjuvant X1 obtained in Example 1 was concentrated 10 times using a rotary evaporator (Tokyo Rikakikai N-1210) at a rotation speed of 120 rpm and a temperature of 40°C under reduced pressure. The distillate obtained in this process was designated plant growth adjuvant X13. The contents of p-cymene, linalool, 1,8-cineole, and α-terpineol contained in plant growth adjuvant X13 are shown in Table 1. The obtained plant growth adjuvant was stored in a freezer at -20°C.

[0069]

[0070] The contents of p-cymene, linalool, 1,8-cineole, and α-terpineol contained in each plant growth aid were measured by gas chromatography under the following conditions: 1,8-cineole (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), p-cymene (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), linalool (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.), and α-terpineol (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.) were used as standards.

[0071] <Measurement conditions> Apparatus: 8890 / 5977B GC / MSD (Agilent Technologies) Column: DB-WAX UI (30 m, 0.25 mm, 0.25 μm) Vaporization chamber temperature: 250°C Pressure: 100 kPa Split ratio: splitless Temperature program: After holding at 80°C for 5 minutes, the temperature was increased to 250°C at a rate of 10°C / min and held at 250°C for 10 minutes. Measurement sample injection volume: 1 μl

[0072] Using each plant growth aid, a plant growth test was carried out under the following conditions. The plants were grown in an incubator, so that they were in an environment free from the influence of pathogenic bacteria.

[0073] <Plant Growth Test (Tomato)> Seeding of each seed was carried out using a cell tray (TO Plug Tray 128 holes, manufactured by Tokai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) and sterilized vegetable soil (Vegetable Soil S Standard Type, manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.). The vegetable soil was placed in the cell tray and allowed to absorb a 500x solution of Hyponex. Seeds were then immersed in water for 3 minutes and sown to a depth of 1 cm. The seeds were then covered with aluminum foil and grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours light and 8 hours dark.

[0074] After sowing each seed, the plants were grown in an incubator for at least one week, and then seedlings with the same number of true leaves were selected and the test was initiated.

[0075] Plant growth supplement X1 was diluted with water at the dilution ratio shown in Table 2, and 300 μL of plant growth supplement X1 was sprayed onto the leaves using a spray vial (manufactured by Maruemu Co., Ltd.) per seedling, or soaked into the soil using a dropper (once a week). As a control, the same procedure was carried out using water instead of plant growth supplement X1. The plants were then grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness.

[0076] After 21 days of growth, plant height, leaf number, and weight were measured and compared with the control. Evaluation of plant height, leaf number, and weight was performed after carefully removing each seedling from the soil, immersing the roots in water, and shaking the seedling to remove the soil. Plant height was measured by stretching the washed seedlings, placing them on a Kimtowel (manufactured by Nippon Paper Crecia Co., Ltd.), and taking a photograph with a ruler. The photograph was imported into ImageJ and measured. Weight was evaluated by wiping the entire seedling with a Kimtowel after taking the photograph in the "Plant Height Measurement" step, and measuring the seedling's weight (measured in the second experiment described below). Similar experiments were performed twice (first and second experiments). The results are shown in Table 2. Each evaluation value is the average of five values ​​selected arbitrarily.

[0077]

[0078] Tomatoes were grown in the same manner except that the plant growth aids, dilution ratios, and growth periods used were changed as shown in Table 3. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0079]

[0080] <Plant Growth Test (Tartar Buckwheat)> Tartar buckwheat was used as the plant species, and growth of Tartary buckwheat was carried out in the same manner as the tomato growth test, except that the plant growth supplements, dilution ratios, and growth periods were as shown in Table 4. After growth for the period shown in Table 4, the plant height and leaf number were measured and compared with the control. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0081]

[0082] <Plant Growth Test (Spinach)> Spinach was used as the plant species, and spinach was grown in the same manner as in the tomato growth test, except that the plant growth supplements, dilution ratios, and growth periods were as shown in Table 5. After growing for the periods shown in Table 5, the plant height was measured and compared with that of the control. The results are shown in Table 5.

[0083]

[0084] <Plant Growth Test (Radish)> Radish was used as the plant species, and radish was grown in the same manner as the tomato growth test, except that the plant growth supplement, dilution ratio, and growth period were as shown in Table 6. After growing for the period shown in Table 6, the plant height, number of leaves, and weight were measured and compared with the control. The results are shown in Table 6.

[0085]

[0086] <Plant Growth Test (Aster)> Aster was used as the plant species, and growth of the aster was carried out in the same manner as in the tomato growth test, except that the plant growth supplements, dilution ratios, and growth periods were as shown in Table 7. After growth for the period shown in Table 7, the number of leaves was measured and compared with the control. The results are shown in Table 7.

[0087]

[0088] <Plant Growth Test (Calendula)> Calendula was used as the plant species, and growth of calendula was carried out in the same manner as in the tomato growth test, except that the plant growth supplements, dilution ratios, and growth periods were as shown in Table 8. After growth for the period shown in Table 8, the plant height, number of leaves, and number of flowers were measured and compared with the control. The results are shown in Table 8.

[0089]

[0090] <Plant Growth Test (Arabidopsis thaliana)> Arabidopsis thaliana was used as the plant species, and growth of Arabidopsis thaliana was carried out in the same manner as in the tomato growth test, except that the plant growth supplements, dilution ratios, and growth periods were as shown in Table 9. After growth for the period shown in Table 9, the number of leaves and stems was measured and compared with the control. The results are shown in Table 9.

[0091]

[0092] <Plant Growth Test (Cucumber)> Seeding of each seed was carried out using a cell tray (TO Plug Tray, 128 holes, manufactured by Tokai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) and sterilized vegetable soil (Vegetable Soil S Standard Type, manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.). The vegetable soil was placed in the cell tray and allowed to absorb a 500x solution of Hyponex. Seeds were then immersed in water for 3 minutes and sown to a depth of 1 cm. The seeds were then covered with aluminum foil and grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours light and 8 hours dark.

[0093] One week after sowing of each seed, seedlings that had at least one expanded leaf were selected and transplanted into polypots (manufactured by Tokai Chemical Co., Ltd.) filled to about 80% capacity with a mixture of sterilized vegetable soil (Vegetable Soil S Standard Type, manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.) and vermiculite (fine granules, manufactured by Akagi Engei Co., Ltd.) in a weight ratio of 1:1, and then the test was initiated.

[0094] Plant growth supplement X1 was diluted with water at the dilutions shown in Tables 10 and 11, and 300 μL of plant growth supplement X1 was sprayed onto the leaves (once a week) using a spray vial (manufactured by Maruemu Co., Ltd.) per seedling. The seedlings were then grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness. As a control, the same procedure was performed using water instead of plant growth supplement X1. After growing for the periods shown in Tables 10 and 11, the plant height, number of leaves, weight, and root length were measured and compared with the control. Root length was evaluated by carefully removing each seedling from the soil, immersing the roots in water, and shaking the seedling to remove the soil. To measure root length, the roots of the washed seedlings were stretched, placed on a Kimtowel, and photographed with a ruler. The photographs were imported into ImageJ, and the length of the longest root was measured. The results are shown in Tables 10 and 11.

[0095]

[0096]

[0097] <Plant Growth Test (Watercress)> Seeding of each seed was carried out using a cell tray (TO Plug Tray 128 holes, manufactured by Tokai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) and sterilized vegetable soil (Vegetable Soil S Standard Type, manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.). The vegetable soil was placed in the cell tray and allowed to absorb a 500x solution of Hyponex. Seeds soaked in water for 3 minutes were then sown to a depth of 1 cm, covered with aluminum foil, and grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours light and 8 hours dark.

[0098] One week after sowing of each seed, seedlings that had at least one expanded leaf were selected and transplanted into polypots (manufactured by Tokai Chemical Co., Ltd.) filled to about 80% capacity with a mixture of sterilized vegetable soil (Vegetable Soil S Standard Type, manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.) and vermiculite (fine granules, manufactured by Akagi Engei Co., Ltd.) in a weight ratio of 1:1, and then the test was initiated.

[0099] Plant growth supplement X1 was diluted with water at the dilution ratio shown in Table 12, and 300 μL of plant growth supplement X1 was sprayed onto the leaves of each seedling using a spray vial (manufactured by Maruemu Co., Ltd.) (once a week). One node of the seedling's roots was then removed, and the seedlings were subsequently grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness. As a control, the same procedure was performed using water instead of plant growth supplement X1. After growing for the period shown in Table 12, the weight was measured and compared with the control. The results are shown in Table 12.

[0100]

[0101] <Plant Growth Test (Artemisia princeps)> Seeds were sown in polypots and covered with aluminum foil to prevent drying until germination. They were grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours light and 8 hours dark. After germination, when the number of leaves reached one, the seeds were planted in cell trays filled to approximately 80% capacity with a 1:1 mixture of sterilized vegetable soil (Vegetable Soil S Standard Type, manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.) and vermiculite (fine granules, manufactured by Akagi Engei Co., Ltd.). The seeds were then grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours light and 8 hours dark.

[0102] One week after sowing of each seed, seedlings that had at least one expanded leaf were selected and transplanted into polypots (manufactured by Tokai Chemical Co., Ltd.) filled to about 80% capacity with a mixture of sterilized vegetable soil (Vegetable Soil S Standard Type, manufactured by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.) and vermiculite (fine granules, manufactured by Akagi Engei Co., Ltd.) in a weight ratio of 1:1, and then the test was initiated.

[0103] Each plant growth supplement was diluted to the dilution shown in Tables 13 to 16, and 300 μL of the plant growth supplement was sprayed (once a week) onto the leaves of each seedling using a spray vial (manufactured by Maruemu Co., Ltd.). The plants were then grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness. As a control, the same procedure was carried out using water instead of the plant growth supplement. After growing for the period shown in Tables 13 to 16, the plant height, number of leaves, and weight were measured and compared with those of the control.

[0104]

[0105]

[0106]

[0107]

[0108] <Plant Growth Test (Watermelon)> Heat-treated potting gravel (Iris Ohyama Co., Ltd.) and Yanmar vegetable soil (Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd., Vegetable Soil S Standard Type) were placed in a No. 10 pot, a ring-shaped support was installed, and watermelon seedlings with 4 to 5 true leaves were planted. After planting, the plants were allowed to grow in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness, with automatic watering at 8:00 a.m. every morning. The elongated main vine was fixed to the ring-shaped support, and the secondary vines were cut as appropriate.

[0109] One week after planting, plant growth supplement X1 was diluted with water at the dilution ratio shown in Table 17, and 1000 μL of plant growth supplement X1 was sprayed (once a week) onto the leaves of each seedling using a hand spray vial (manufactured by Maruemu Co., Ltd.). The seedlings were then grown in an incubator at 25°C under long-day conditions of 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness. Three weeks after planting, pollination was performed by attaching the tip of the stamen to the flowering pistil. As a control, the same procedure was performed using water instead of plant growth supplement X1. After 20 days of growth, the vine length, number of nodes, number of vines, and size of the watermelon were measured and compared with the control. The results are shown in Table 17.

[0110]

[0111] The plant growth adjuvant of the present invention is derived from a plant and has an excellent plant growth effect, and therefore is extremely useful for horticultural and agricultural applications.

Claims

1. A plant growth aid containing an extract of an Alpinia plant, the plant growth aid containing a first component, a second component, and water, the first component being at least one component selected from the group consisting of p-cymene and linalool, and the second component being 1,8-cineole alone or a mixture of 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol, and satisfying all of the following relationship formulas (1) to (5): Relational formula (1): A ≧ 0.069 × B Relational formula (2): A ≦ 65 × B Relational formula (3): A ≧ 0.36 × C Relational formula (4): A ≦ 5.5 × (B + C) Relational formula (5): A ≧ 0.0001 [In relational formulas (1) to (5), A represents the ratio (ppm) of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; B represents the weight ratio (ppm) of 1,8-cineole to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; and C represents the weight ratio (ppm) of α-terpineol to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water.] 2. The plant growth supplement according to claim 1, further satisfying the following relationship (6): Relationship (6): A≦5×C [In relationship (6), A is the ratio (ppm) of the total weight of the first component to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water; and C is the weight ratio (ppm) of α-terpineol to the total weight of the first component, the second component, and water.] 3. A plant growth aid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extract of an Alpinia plant is an extract of Shell Ginger.

4. A method for growing plants using the plant growth aid according to claim 1 or 2.

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