Cultivation device for fruit vegetable plant, and cultivation method for fruit vegetable plant

Abstract

Provided are a cultivation device for a fruit vegetable plant and applications thereof, the cultivation device being designed to cultivate fruit vegetable plants of the Solanaceae family or Cucurbitaceae family, the device comprising: a light source that emits artificial light; hydroponic shelves; and a light reflection member. The hydroponic shelves are provided in two or more tiers in a vertical direction in a space in which temperature and humidity are controlled. The light source is disposed on a side of the fruit vegetable plant. The light reflection member is positioned so as to oppose the light source across the fruit vegetable plant.

Description

Fruit vegetable plant cultivation device and fruit vegetable plant cultivation method

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

[0002] In recent years, there has been a growing demand for vegetable production in plant factories using artificial light. In particular, production technology for some leafy vegetables such as lettuce has advanced, and there is a need to explore cultivation methods for fruit vegetables such as tomatoes.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-115158 describes a plant cultivation device having a stacked structure including a plurality of cultivation chambers each including a light environment adjusting means for adjusting the light environment for the plant, an exhaust means for adjusting the heat from the light environment adjusting means, a hydroponic cultivation means, and a means for adjusting the carbon dioxide concentration in the indoor atmosphere. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-159002 describes a plant cultivation method for raising seedlings using a plant cultivation device arranged in a closed structure, the closed structure including an air conditioning device for controlling temperature and humidity, the plant cultivation device including a plurality of plant cultivation shelves arranged in multiple levels, at least one seedling container for growing plants placed on the plant cultivation shelves, and a lighting device for irradiating light onto the seedling containers, the seedlings being cultivated under conditions in which the average temperature during the dark period is higher than the average temperature during the light period, and the photon flux density at the bottom of the plant cultivation shelf is 330 μmol / m ２ -A method of cultivating plants under conditions where the temperature is at least 100°C is described.

[0004] In plant factories using artificial light, there is a demand for both excellent workability and improved yield per unit area in the cultivation of fruit and vegetable plants.

[0005] The problem that one embodiment of the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants that is easy to work with and can improve yield per unit area, and a cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants.

[0006] The present disclosure includes the following aspects. <1> A cultivation device for cultivating fruit vegetable plants of the Solanaceae family or the Cucurbitaceae family, comprising: a light source that irradiates artificial light; a hydroponic cultivation shelf for fruit vegetable plants; and a light-reflecting member, wherein the hydroponic cultivation shelves are arranged in two or more vertical tiers in a temperature- and humidity-controlled space; the light source is arranged on a side of the fruit vegetable plants; and the light-reflecting member is provided in a position facing the light source with the fruit vegetable plants in between. <2> The cultivation device for fruit vegetable plants according to <1>, wherein the light-reflecting member is fixed to the hydroponic cultivation shelf in a movable or detachable state. <3> The cultivation device for fruit vegetable plants according to <1> or <2>, wherein the light-reflecting member has a reflectance of 70% or more for wavelengths of 400 nm to 700 nm. <4> The cultivation device for fruit vegetable plants according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the light-reflecting member has a thickness of 200 μm or less. <5> The cultivation device for fruit vegetable plants according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the hydroponic cultivation shelf has an openable / closable door, and the light reflecting member is provided on a surface of the door facing the fruit vegetable plants, and when the door is in a closed state, the light source and the light reflecting member face each other with the fruit vegetable plants in between. <6> The cultivation device for fruit vegetable plants according to <5>, further comprising a light source that irradiates the surface of the door facing the fruit vegetable plants with artificial light. <7> The cultivation device for fruit vegetable plants according to <5> or <6>, wherein the vertical upper end of the door is fixed to the hydroponic cultivation shelf. <8> The cultivation device for fruit vegetable plants according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the light sources are arranged on the sides and vertically above the fruit vegetable plants. <9> The cultivation device for fruit vegetable plants according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the height of one hydroponic cultivation shelf is 50 cm to 100 cm. <10> The cultivation device for fruit vegetable plants according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein the fruit vegetable plant is a tomato plant. <11> The cultivation device for fruit vegetable plants according to <10>, wherein the tomato plant satisfies the following formula (1):6.0≦L / X≦30.0 (1) In formula (1), when the tomato plant does not have lateral branches, L represents the length in centimeters from the planting surface to the growing point of the main branch, and X represents the sum of the number of inflorescences and fruit clusters on the main branch; when the tomato plant has lateral branches, L represents the length in centimeters from the planting surface to the growing point of one main branch or lateral branch, and X represents the sum of the number of inflorescences and fruit clusters on one main branch or lateral branch. X is an integer of 2 or more. <12> A method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant of the Solanaceae family or the Cucurbitaceae family, using the cultivation device according to any one of <1> to <11>.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants and a cultivation method for fruit and vegetable plants are provided that are easy to work with and capable of improving the yield per unit area.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the cultivation apparatus for fruit vegetable plants of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the cultivation apparatus for fruit vegetable plants of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the cultivation apparatus for fruit vegetable plants of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the cultivation apparatus for fruit vegetable plants of the present disclosure.

[0009] Modes for carrying out the present disclosure are described in detail below. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. In the following embodiments, components (including element steps, etc.) are not essential unless otherwise specified. The same applies to numerical values ​​and their ranges, and do not limit the present disclosure. In this disclosure, numerical ranges indicated using "to" include the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. In numerical ranges described in stages in this disclosure, the upper or lower limit of one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in numerical ranges described in this disclosure, the upper or lower limit of that numerical range may be replaced with a value shown in the Examples. In this disclosure, the term "process" includes not only independent processes, but also processes that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes as long as the intended purpose of the process is achieved. In this disclosure, "fruit vegetable plant" means a plant that produces fruit. In this disclosure, "fruit vegetable plant body" means a growing fruit vegetable plant. The fruit vegetable plant seedling means a fruit vegetable plant in the seedling stage among fruit vegetable plants.

[0010] [Fruit vegetable plant cultivation device] The fruit vegetable plant cultivation device (hereinafter simply referred to as "cultivation device") according to the present disclosure is a cultivation device for cultivating fruit vegetable plants of the Solanaceae family or Cucurbitaceae family, comprising a light source that irradiates artificial light, hydroponic cultivation shelves for the fruit vegetable plants, and a light reflecting member, the hydroponic cultivation shelves being arranged in two or more tiers vertically in a temperature- and humidity-controlled space, the light source being positioned on the side of the fruit vegetable plants, and the light reflecting member being positioned opposite the light source with the fruit vegetable plants in between.

[0011] In the cultivation device according to the present disclosure, two or more hydroponic cultivation shelves are arranged vertically in a temperature- and humidity-controlled space, allowing for efficient production of fruit and vegetable plants, resulting in a dramatically improved yield per unit area compared to conventional cultivation devices. In particular, because the light-reflecting members are positioned opposite the light source, sandwiching the fruit and vegetable plants, a sufficient amount of light can be ensured even with a small amount of light energy input, allowing for appropriate control of the size of the fruit and vegetable plants. Therefore, even when two or more hydroponic cultivation shelves are arranged vertically, the device provides excellent operability.

[0012] In contrast, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-115158 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-159002 do not describe the combination of arranging two or more hydroponic cultivation shelves and providing a light reflecting member.

[0013] <Fruit Vegetable Plant> The fruit vegetable plant cultivated in the cultivation device according to the present disclosure is a fruit vegetable plant of the Solanaceae family or Cucurbitaceae family.

[0014] The solanaceae plant or the cucurbitaceae plant is preferably a tomato or a melon, and more preferably a tomato. That is, the fruit vegetable plant cultivated in the cultivation device according to the present disclosure is preferably a tomato plant.

[0015] Tomatoes include midi tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, fruit tomatoes, etc. Melons include netted melons such as green-fleshed and red-fleshed varieties, and non-netted melons.

[0016] It is preferable that the tomato plant satisfies the following formula (1): 6.0≦L / X≦30.0 (1) In formula (1), when the tomato plant has no lateral branches, L represents the length in centimeters from the planting surface to the growing point of the main branch, and X represents the sum of the number of inflorescences and fruit clusters on the main branch, and when the tomato plant has lateral branches, L represents the length in centimeters from the planting surface to the growing point of one main branch or lateral branch, and X represents the sum of the number of inflorescences and fruit clusters on one main branch or lateral branch. X is an integer of 2 or greater.

[0017] When the L / X ratio is 6.0 or more, fruit set occurs well in the inflorescence, and when the L / X ratio is 30.0 or less, the space utilization efficiency in the cultivation of tomato plants can be improved, and the quality of the harvested tomato fruits can be improved.

[0018] The L / X ratio can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the light intensity of the light source used to cultivate the tomato plants.

[0019] In the above formula (1), L is preferably 100 cm or less, more preferably 95 cm or less, and even more preferably 90 cm or less. By setting L to 100 cm or less, the space utilization efficiency in the cultivation of tomato plants can be further improved. Furthermore, L is preferably 20 cm or more. By setting L to 20 cm or more, the number of tomato fruits harvested can be increased.

[0020] In the above formula (1), X being an integer of 2 or greater means that the tomato plant has grown to a certain level. X is preferably an integer of 10 or less, more preferably an integer of 7 or less, and even more preferably an integer of 5 or less. By setting X to an integer of 10 or less, the quality of the harvested tomato fruits can be further improved. Furthermore, X is preferably an integer of 3 or greater. By setting X to an integer of 3 or greater, the number of harvested tomato fruits can be increased.

[0021] It is preferable to pinch the tomato plant to bring X into the above range. In the present disclosure, "pinching" refers to pinching the bud at the growing point of the tomato plant to stop the growth of the stem.

[0022] From the viewpoint of space utilization efficiency and the quality of harvested tomato fruits, it is preferable that the tomato plant satisfies formula (2), and it is more preferable that the tomato plant satisfies formula (3): 11.0≦L / X≦22.0 (2) 11.0≦L / X≦15.0 (3) In formulas (2) and (3), L and X are as defined above.

[0023] A tomato plant has at least a main branch, but may also have one or more lateral branches. When a tomato plant has no lateral branches, L represents the length in centimeters from the planting surface to the growing point of the main branch, and X represents the sum of the number of inflorescences and fruit clusters on the main branch. When a tomato plant has one or more lateral branches, L represents the length in centimeters from the planting surface to the growing point of one main branch or lateral branch, and X represents the sum of the number of inflorescences and fruit clusters on the one main branch or lateral branch. In other words, when a tomato plant has one or more lateral branches, it is sufficient that one main branch or lateral branch satisfies the above formula (1), and the other branches do not necessarily have to satisfy the formula. From the viewpoints of space utilization efficiency in cultivating tomato plants and the quality of harvested tomato fruit, it is preferable that all of the main branches and lateral branches on a tomato plant satisfy the above formula (1). From the viewpoint of the quality of the harvested tomato fruit, the number of lateral branches is preferably three or less, more preferably one or less, and even more preferably the tomato plant has no lateral branches.

[0024] The number of fruits on each inflorescence on a main branch or lateral branch is preferably 1 to 7, and more preferably 2 to 5. By keeping the number of fruits within the above numerical range, the quality of the harvested tomato fruit can be further improved. Specifically, in tomato plants where the distance between adjacent inflorescences (or fruit clusters) is short, the inflorescences (or fruit clusters) can be effectively prevented from coming into contact with each other, causing crushing, etc., thereby improving the quality of the harvested tomato fruit. Furthermore, when the number of fruits is high, it is preferable to thin out the fruits.

[0025] <Light Source> The cultivation device according to the present disclosure includes a light source that irradiates artificial light. The light source is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and discharge lamps such as fluorescent lamps. From the viewpoint of suppressing heat generation from the light source, it is preferable that the light source be an LED.

[0026] The type of LED may be one type or two or more types. The LED may emit visible light such as red, blue, or green, or may emit ultraviolet light (wavelength 380 nm or less) or infrared light (wavelength 780 nm or more). Among these, LEDs emitting in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm are preferred from the viewpoint of promoting photosynthesis in fruit and vegetable plants. Furthermore, increasing fruit yield per plant is important in terms of improving energy efficiency and space utilization efficiency. From this viewpoint, the combined use of red and blue LEDs is more preferred. In particular, the selection of light source wavelength during the seedling raising period of the cultivation period of fruit and vegetable plants contributes to the increase or decrease of fruit yield, so it is preferable to use red and blue LEDs during the seedling raising period. This can be expected to result in increased yield compared to, for example, a seedling raising period using white LEDs.

[0027] The light source is arranged on the side of the fruit vegetable plant. By irradiating the fruit vegetable plant with artificial light from the side, the size (particularly the height) of the fruit vegetable plant can be controlled. The light source may be arranged not only on the side of the fruit vegetable plant but also on the vertically upper part. From the viewpoint of space utilization efficiency, it is preferable that the light source be arranged on the side and vertically upper part of the fruit vegetable plant. For example, multiple light sources are arranged on the side of the fruit vegetable plant at equal intervals along a direction parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0028] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and high sugar content, the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated onto the fruit vegetable plant body in the cultivation process is set to 200 μmol / m ２ / s~800μmol / m ２ / s, and 250 μmol / m ２ / s~600μmol / m ２ It is more preferable that the ratio is / s.

[0029] The light intensity is measured by placing a measuring device 1 cm away from the fruit or vegetable plant with the light receiving surface facing the light source. For example, a photon sensor (LI-190R, manufactured by LI-COR) can be used as the measuring device. When light sources are placed in two or more directions from the fruit or vegetable plant, the sum of the light intensities measured by placing the measuring device facing each light source is defined as the light intensity.

[0030] The light intensity can be controlled by changing the type and number of light sources (LEDs, fluorescent lights, etc.) used, by changing the distance between the light source and the fruit vegetable plant, or by using a dimmable light source.

[0031] <Hydroponic Cultivation Shelves> The cultivation device according to the present disclosure includes hydroponic cultivation shelves. The hydroponic cultivation shelves are arranged in two or more vertical tiers. The number of tiers of the hydroponic cultivation shelves is not particularly limited as long as it is two or more tiers, but from the viewpoint of workability, it is preferable that the number of tiers be eight or less. The cultivation device according to the present disclosure has two or more tiers, that is, two or more cultivation spaces necessary for cultivating fruit vegetable plants are secured in the vertical direction.

[0032] The height of one hydroponic cultivation shelf is preferably 50 cm to 100 cm, taking into account the height of the fruit and vegetable plants. Furthermore, the cultivation space is preferably 50 cm to 100 cm, taking into account the height of the fruit and vegetable plants. The height of one hydroponic cultivation shelf refers to the shortest distance from the bottom (floor) to the top (ceiling) of the hydroponic cultivation shelf. Furthermore, the cultivation space refers to a space in which fruit and vegetable plants can exist. When a hydroponic cultivation tank, which will be described later, is provided on the hydroponic cultivation shelf, the cultivation space refers to the space other than the hydroponic cultivation tank.

[0033] The form of hydroponic cultivation carried out on the hydroponic cultivation shelf is not particularly limited, and examples include conventionally known hydroponic cultivation methods such as flooded liquid hydroponic cultivation, thin film hydroponic cultivation, drip hydroponic cultivation, spray hydroponic cultivation, and Ebb & Flow cultivation.

[0034] The hydroponic shelves are placed in a temperature and humidity controlled space.

[0035] Temperature conditions can be adjusted using an air conditioner installed in the cultivation device for cultivating fruit and vegetable plants. For example, temperature conditions can be adjusted to two or more types, light period temperature and dark period temperature, in conjunction with light conditions. From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the upper limit of the light period temperature is preferably 29°C or lower, more preferably 28.5°C or lower, and even more preferably 28°C or lower. From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the lower limit of the light period temperature is preferably 15°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, and even more preferably 25°C or higher.

[0036] From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, achieving high sugar content, etc., the upper limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 25° C. or lower, more preferably 23° C. or lower, and even more preferably 22° C. or lower. From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, achieving high sugar content, etc., the lower limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 10° C. or higher, more preferably 13° C. or higher, and even more preferably 15° C. or higher.

[0037] The light and dark temperatures are measured by placing a thermometer 1 cm away from the fruit vegetable plant. As the thermometer, for example, a temperature and humidity sensor THA-3151 manufactured by T&D Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0038] In the present disclosure, the term "light period" refers to a period during which a fruit vegetable plant is irradiated with a light source, and the term "dark period" refers to a period during which a fruit vegetable plant is not irradiated with a light source.

[0039] The method for controlling the light and dark temperatures is not particularly limited and can be performed by a conventionally known method. For example, the light and dark temperatures can be controlled by monitoring the light and dark temperatures using the thermometer and blowing hot or cold air as needed.

[0040] From the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the ratio of light period time to dark period time (light period time / dark period time) is preferably 0.5 to 5, more preferably 1 to 4, and even more preferably 2 to 3.

[0041] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the relative humidity is preferably controlled to 50% to 80%, and more preferably to 55% to 77%.

[0042] The relative humidity is measured by placing a hygrometer 1 cm away from the fruit or vegetable plant. As the hygrometer, for example, a temperature and humidity sensor THA-3151 manufactured by T&D Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0043] The method for controlling humidity is not particularly limited and can be carried out by a conventionally known method. For example, humidity conditions can be controlled by monitoring the humidity of the cultivation environment with the above-mentioned hygrometer and, if necessary, using an air conditioner having a humidifying function and a dehumidifying function.

[0044] From the viewpoint of increasing the yield, the carbon dioxide concentration in the space where the hydroponic cultivation shelves are arranged is preferably 300 to 2000 ppm by volume, and more preferably 400 to 1500 ppm by volume.

[0045] The carbon dioxide concentration is measured by placing a carbon dioxide concentration meter 1 cm away from the fruit or vegetable plant. As the carbon dioxide concentration meter, for example, the LI-850 manufactured by LI-COR Corporation can be used.

[0046] The method for controlling the carbon dioxide concentration is not particularly limited and can be carried out by a conventionally known method, for example, by monitoring the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment using the carbon dioxide concentration meter and, if necessary, by using an air conditioner or the like.

[0047] <Light Reflecting Member> The cultivation device according to the present disclosure is provided with a light reflecting member. The light reflecting member is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of reflecting light.

[0048] From the viewpoint of increasing light utilization efficiency and improving productivity, the light reflecting member preferably has a reflectance of 70% or more, more preferably 80% or more, and even more preferably 90% or more for wavelengths of 400 nm to 700 nm. The reflectance may be 100%.

[0049] Examples of the light-reflecting member include a reflecting plate and a reflecting sheet. The light-reflecting member may be a member in which a light-reflecting layer is provided on the surface of a support.

[0050] Examples of the reflecting plate include a metal plate (such as an aluminum plate) and a resin plate (such as a white resin plate). Examples of the reflective sheet include a sheet having a metal vapor deposition film in which a metal (such as aluminum or silver) is vapor-deposited onto a resin sheet (such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyethylene terephthalate) as a light-reflecting layer, a sheet in which a metal foil (such as aluminum foil) is attached to the resin sheet as a light-reflecting layer, and a sheet in which a coating film in which a light-reflective paint is applied to the resin sheet as a light-reflecting layer. Examples of the silver vapor deposition film include Ruirumirror (registered trademark) manufactured by Reiko Co., Ltd. The reflective sheet may also be a sheet formed of fiber (such as Tyvek (registered trademark) manufactured by DuPont).

[0051] The thickness of the light-reflecting member is preferably 300 μm or less, more preferably 200 μm or less, and even more preferably 150 μm or less. The thickness of the light-reflecting member is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 20 μm or more, and even more preferably 30 μm or more. When the thickness is within the above range, sufficient reflectivity is obtained, and the light-reflecting member is easy to handle during work, improving workability.

[0052] The light-reflecting member is disposed in a position facing the light source with the fruit vegetable plant sandwiched therebetween. The light-reflecting member is preferably fixed to the hydroponic cultivation shelf in a movable or removable state. By moving or removing the light-reflecting member, the fruit vegetable plant can be placed on the hydroponic cultivation shelf, and the fruits of the fruit vegetable plant can be harvested.

[0053] <Other Configurations> The cultivation device according to the present disclosure preferably includes a hydroponic cultivation tank that contains a culture solution, and a culture solution storage tank that stores the culture solution to supply the culture solution to the hydroponic cultivation tank.

[0054] The culture solution can be prepared by appropriately selecting and blending single fertilizers. The fertilizer composition of the culture solution can be adjusted using a blending program such as "Best Blend" provided by the NPO Japan Hydroponic Culture Research Association. The components in the culture solution can be quantified using ion chromatography or high-frequency inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis.

[0055] Examples of fertilizer components of liquid fertilizers include sodium nitrate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, ammonium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc. Liquid fertilizers may be simple fertilizers containing a single fertilizer component as the main component, compound fertilizers containing two or more components selected from nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), or compound fertilizers containing a combination of multiple solid fertilizers.

[0056] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a cultivation device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG.

[0057] The cultivation device 100 shown in Fig. 1 has two hydroponic cultivation shelves 10, and a hydroponic cultivation tank 12 is provided vertically below each hydroponic cultivation shelf 10. In the cultivation device 100, the height of the hydroponic cultivation shelves 10 is approximately 95 cm. The height of the hydroponic cultivation tank 12 is approximately 15 cm. In other words, the height of the cultivation space that can be occupied by the stems and leaves of fruit vegetable plants is approximately 80 cm.

[0058] In the cultivation device 100, a plurality of LED light sources 11, which are an example of a light source, are arranged on the side of a fruit vegetable plant (not shown). The hydroponic cultivation tank 12 contains a nutrient solution in which the roots of the fruit vegetable plant are immersed. The contained nutrient solution is absorbed by the roots into the fruit vegetable plant. One end of a discharge pipe (not shown) for discharging the contained nutrient solution is connected to the hydroponic cultivation tank 12.

[0059] A nutrient solution storage tank 14 is provided below the lowest hydroponic cultivation shelf 10. The nutrient solution storage tank 14 is equipped with a supply pipe (not shown) and stores the nutrient solution to be supplied to the hydroponic cultivation tank 12. The other end of a discharge pipe connected to the hydroponic cultivation tank 12 is positioned above the liquid level of the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution storage tank 14, so that the nutrient solution is returned to the nutrient solution storage tank 14 from the other end of the discharge pipe in accordance with the supply of the nutrient solution from the supply pipe. The circulation mechanism 15 is equipped with a drive pump (not shown) and is configured to supply the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution storage tank 14 to the hydroponic cultivation tank 12 by driving the drive pump P.

[0060] A reflective sheet 16, which is an example of a light-reflecting member, is provided in a position facing the LED light source 11 with the fruit vegetable plants sandwiched between them. The reflective sheet 16 functions as an openable / closable door. The vertical upper end of the reflective sheet 16 is fixed to the support 13. Portions other than the upper end of the reflective sheet 16 are not fixed to the support 13, and the fruit vegetable plants can be placed on the hydroponic cultivation shelf by, for example, rolling up the reflective sheet 16, and the fruits of the fruit vegetable plants can be harvested.

[0061] The cultivation device 200 shown in Fig. 2 has two hydroponic cultivation shelves 20, and a hydroponic cultivation tank 22 is provided vertically below each hydroponic cultivation shelf 20. Details of the hydroponic cultivation shelves 20, the LED light source 21, the hydroponic cultivation tank 22, the nutrient solution storage tank 24, and the circulation mechanism 25 in the cultivation device 200 are similar to those of the hydroponic cultivation shelves 10, the LED light source 11, the hydroponic cultivation tank 12, the nutrient solution storage tank 14, and the circulation mechanism 15 in the cultivation device 100 shown in Fig. 1 .

[0062] The cultivation device 200 is equipped with an openable / closable door. The openable / closable door has a reflective sheet 26, which is a light-reflecting member, attached to a reflective sheet support plate 27, so that light from the LED light source 21 can be reflected by the reflective sheet 26 and irradiated onto the fruit vegetable plants. The reflective sheet 26 is a light-reflecting member having a vapor-deposited film formed by depositing aluminum on a resin sheet. When the door is closed, the reflective sheet 26 is positioned opposite the light source 21, sandwiching the fruit vegetable plants. The door is kept closed during cultivation of the fruit vegetable plants. The reflective sheet support plate 27 is attached to the support 23, for example, via a hinge. Note that in the cultivation device 200, the reflective sheet 26 is attached to the reflective sheet support plate 27. However, instead of the reflective sheet 26, a reflective layer may be provided on the surface of the reflective sheet support plate 27, for example, by applying a highly reflective paint. The surface on which the reflective layer is provided is the surface facing the light source 21, sandwiching the fruit vegetable plants, when the door is closed.

[0063] The cultivation device 300 shown in Fig. 3 has two hydroponic cultivation shelves 30, and a hydroponic cultivation tank 32 is provided vertically below each hydroponic cultivation shelf 30. Details of the hydroponic cultivation shelves 30, the LED light source 31, the hydroponic cultivation tank 32, the nutrient solution storage tank 34, and the circulation mechanism 35 in the cultivation device 300 are similar to those of the hydroponic cultivation shelves 10, the LED light source 11, the hydroponic cultivation tank 12, the nutrient solution storage tank 14, and the circulation mechanism 15 in the cultivation device 100 shown in Fig. 1 .

[0064] The cultivation device 300 is equipped with an openable / closable door. The openable / closable door has a reflective sheet 36, a light-reflecting member, attached to a reflective sheet support plate 37, and multiple LED light sources 38 attached to the reflective sheet 36. Light from the LED light sources 31 is reflected by the reflective sheet 36 to irradiate the fruit vegetable plants, and light can also be directly irradiated from the LED light sources 38 onto the sides of the fruit vegetable plants. The reflective sheet 36 is a light-reflecting member having a vapor-deposited film formed by depositing aluminum on a resin sheet. When the door is closed, the reflective sheet 36 and the light sources 38 are positioned opposite the light sources 31, sandwiching the fruit vegetable plants between them. The door is kept closed during cultivation of the fruit vegetable plants. The reflective sheet support plate 37 is attached to a support 33, for example, via a hinge. Note that, although the cultivation device 300 has multiple light sources 38 attached to the reflective sheet 36, the multiple light sources 38 may also be attached directly to the reflective sheet support plate 37. In this case, the reflective sheet 36 is attached to an area on the reflective sheet support plate 37 other than the area where the light source 38 is attached.

[0065] The cultivation device 400 shown in Fig. 4 has two hydroponic cultivation shelves 40, and a hydroponic cultivation tank 42 is provided vertically below each hydroponic cultivation shelf 40. Details of the hydroponic cultivation shelves 40, the LED light source 41, the hydroponic cultivation tank 42, the nutrient solution storage tank 44, and the circulation mechanism 45 in the cultivation device 400 are similar to those of the hydroponic cultivation shelves 10, the LED light source 11, the hydroponic cultivation tank 12, the nutrient solution storage tank 14, and the circulation mechanism 15 in the cultivation device 100 shown in Fig. 1 .

[0066] The cultivation device 400 is equipped with a roll-shaped partition wall that unwinds, closes, and opens when wound up. The roll-shaped partition wall has a reflective sheet 46, a light-reflecting member, attached to a reflective sheet support plate 47, and multiple LED light sources 48 attached to the reflective sheet 46. The reflective sheet 46 is a light-reflecting member having a vapor-deposited film of aluminum vapor-deposited on a resin sheet. The reflective sheet 46 and light source 48 are positioned opposite the light source LED 41, sandwiching the fruit vegetable plants therebetween. The vertical upper end of the reflective sheet 46 is fixed to the support 43. The rest of the reflective sheet 46 is not fixed to the support 43. By rolling up the roll-shaped partition wall, the fruit vegetable plants can be placed on a hydroponic cultivation shelf, and the fruits of the fruit vegetable plants can be harvested. Although the cultivation device 400 has the reflective sheet 46 attached to the reflective sheet support plate 47, the reflective sheet 46 alone may be used without the reflective sheet support plate 47. Furthermore, a reflective sheet 46 is attached to a reflective sheet support plate 47, and a plurality of LED light sources 48 are attached to the reflective sheet 46, but the LED light sources 48 may be attached to the reflective sheet 46 without providing the reflective sheet support plate 47.

[0067] [Method for Cultivating Fruit Vegetable Plants] The method for cultivating fruit vegetable plants according to the present disclosure preferably involves cultivating a fruit vegetable plant of the Solanaceae family or the Cucurbitaceae family using the cultivation device described above. Cultivation of the fruit vegetable plants using the cultivation device described above is preferably carried out in a cultivation step after a seedling raising step, and may commence either before or after planting the fruit vegetable plants after seedling raising, preferably after planting the fruit vegetable plants.

[0068] <Seedling raising step> The method for cultivating fruit vegetable plants of the present disclosure can include a seedling raising step, in which the germinated fruit vegetable plants are grown into fruit vegetable plant seedlings.

[0069] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, seedlings of fruit and vegetable plants are preferably grown by hydroponic methods, more preferably by submerged hydroponic methods.

[0070] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, it is preferable to use a culture solution having a nitrogen concentration of more than 10 ppm by mass in the seedling raising step.

[0071] In the seedling raising process, light and dark periods can be switched by irradiating the germinating fruit vegetable plant with artificial light, and it is preferable to adjust the temperature conditions between the light and dark periods. For example, two or more temperature conditions, light temperature and dark temperature, can be adjusted. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the upper limit of the light period temperature is preferably 29°C or less, more preferably 28.5°C or less, and even more preferably 28°C or less. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the lower limit of the light period temperature is preferably 15°C or more, more preferably 20°C or more, and even more preferably 25°C or more. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the upper limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 25°C or less, more preferably 23°C or less, and even more preferably 22°C or less. From the viewpoint of shortening the period until bud formation, the lower limit of the dark period temperature is preferably 10°C or more, more preferably 13°C or more, and even more preferably 15°C or more. The light source, wavelength, etc. of the artificial light can be those described in the cultivation process.

[0072] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the ratio of light period time to dark period time (light period time / dark period time) is preferably 0.3 to 3, and more preferably 0.5 to 2.

[0073] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the relative humidity during the seedling raising process is preferably controlled to 50% to 80%, and more preferably 55% to 77%.

[0074] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and high sugar content, the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated onto the fruit vegetable plants after germination in the seedling raising process is set to 200 μmol / m ２ / s~800μmol / m ２ / s, and 250 μmol / m ２ / s~600μmol / m ２ It is more preferable that the ratio is / s.

[0075] Artificial light may be irradiated from above or from the side of the germinated fruit vegetable plant, but from the above is preferred from the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, space utilization efficiency, etc. Artificial light may also be irradiated from both the side and above.

[0076] From the viewpoint of shortening the time until harvest, the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment during the seedling raising step is preferably 300 ppm by volume to 2000 ppm by volume, and more preferably 400 ppm by volume to 1500 ppm by volume.

[0077] The period of the seedling raising process is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of growth after planting and shortening the time until bud formation, it is preferably 5 to 40 days, more preferably 10 to 35 days, even more preferably 12 to 30 days, and particularly preferably 15 to 30 days.

[0078] When the seedling raising process is carried out using the hydroponic method, the support for supporting the fruit vegetable plants after germination is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a material that has both moderate water permeability and water retention, and more preferable are support stands provided with urethane sponges, phenolic resin sponges, rock wool, and water-retaining sheets.

[0079] <Germination step> The method for cultivating a fruit vegetable plant according to the present disclosure can include a germination step, in which seeds of the fruit vegetable plant to be used in the germination step are germinated.

[0080] The germination method is not particularly limited and can be carried out by a conventionally known method. For example, germination can be carried out by sowing seeds of fruit and vegetable plants on a support that has been sufficiently moistened with water and storing the seeds in a dark place. Examples of the support include supports similar to those used in the seedling raising process.

[0081] It is also preferable to select seeds of fruit and vegetable plants that have been confirmed to have germinated and have similar growth rates, and then raise them as seedlings. This allows the fruit to be harvested at the same time, improving cultivation efficiency.

[0082] The temperature for the germination process varies depending on the type and variety of fruit and vegetable plant used, but for commercially available seeds, this is generally disclosed as the germination temperature. Furthermore, if the germination temperature is unknown, it can be confirmed experimentally. Furthermore, depending on the type and variety of fruit and vegetable plant used, some require treatment such as breaking dormancy before germination. During the germination process, some require light of a specific wavelength, while others require darkness, and some will germinate in either case. These can also be determined in the same way as the germination temperature.

[0083] The relative humidity during the germination process is preferably 70% to 100%, and particularly preferably 80% to 95%. By keeping the humidity within this range, it is possible to prevent the plant body from drying out during the germination period and ensure good growth.

[0084] The period required for the germination process is not fixed, but is preferably the period from root formation to the start of subsequent hypocotyl elongation, which is generally several days to one week. By allocating this period to the germination process, the roots can grow sufficiently and excessive hypocotyl elongation can be avoided, resulting in good seedling growth in the subsequent seedling raising process and shortening the period until flowering.

[0085] The above embodiment will be specifically described below using examples, but the above embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0086] <Example 1> (Germination process) Thirty tomato seeds (variety: Momotaro York (registered trademark), manufactured by Takii Seed Co., Ltd.) were sown on support A (5 cm x 5 cm x 2 cm foam polyurethane) sufficiently saturated with pure water, and stored in a dark environment at a temperature of 28°C and a relative humidity of 70% for 3 days to germinate, and 28 tomato seedlings were obtained.

[0087] (Seedling raising step) Twenty-five plants showing good growth were selected from the tomato seedlings obtained in the above germination step, and placed in an artificial light irradiation device (LED CIVILIGHT manufactured by Showa Denko KK was attached 30 cm above the planting surface of the plant body, and the light intensity at the planting surface was 660 nm light: 200 μmol / m ) installed in a temperature and humidity control environment. ２ / s, 450nm light: 100μmol / m２ The seedlings were grown for 20 days using the flooded hydroponic method under the following light and dark conditions to obtain 25 tomato seedlings. Light period: 18 hours, light intensity 300 μmol / ms (as above), 27°C Dark period: 6 hours, light intensity 0 μmol / ms (lights off), 19°C *Relative humidity was 70% during both the light and dark periods.

[0088] (Cultivation Process) The cultivation apparatus shown in Figure 1 was installed in a temperature- and humidity-controlled space. 20 well-grown tomato seedlings from the seedling-raising process were selected and planted in upper and lower hydroponic cultivation tanks, 10 each, spaced apart so as not to shade each other from the LED light. Cultivation was initiated under the following conditions. During the cultivation period, the plants were trained to a single stem and trained according to standard methods, with pruning (side shoot removal, leaf removal, etc.) and training. After three inflorescences (first to third inflorescences) had formed on the main branch, the top two leaves of the third inflorescence were pinched off when flowering of the third inflorescence was confirmed. Fruit was thinned so that each inflorescence bore three fruits, and the tomatoes that had borne fruit by the third inflorescence were harvested to terminate cultivation.

[0089] Light source: RYODEN Co., Ltd., plant growth LED 4-color type, PGL-200DWBF26D Light intensity: 500 μmol / m ２ / s Light composition: Same as the LED light emission behavior. Light / dark cycle (light / dark): 16 hours / 8 hours. Temperature: 27°C (light), 19°C (dark). Relative humidity: 70%. Carbon dioxide concentration: 1,000 ppm. Fertilization method: NFT hydroponic. Liquid fertilizer: Kyowa Co., Ltd.'s "HYPONICA liquid fertilizer" diluted with pure water. From planting until the third inflorescence bloomed, the liquid fertilizer was diluted to an EC value of 1.5 ds / m. After the third inflorescence bloomed, the liquid fertilizer was diluted to an EC value of 3.5 ds / m. If the nutrient solution in the nutrient solution storage tank decreased, diluted HYPONICA liquid fertilizer was added. The EC value in the nutrient solution storage tank was monitored throughout the cultivation period, and if it deviated significantly from the above value, the desired EC value was adjusted by adding the actual HYPONICA liquid fertilizer solution.

[0090] Example 2 Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the cultivation apparatus used in the cultivation step was changed to the cultivation apparatus shown in FIG.

[0091] Example 3 Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the cultivation apparatus used in the cultivation step was changed to the cultivation apparatus shown in FIG.

[0092] Example 4 Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the cultivation apparatus used in the cultivation step was changed to the cultivation apparatus shown in FIG.

[0093] Example 5 Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the reflective sheet 16 in FIG. 1 was replaced with Tyvek 400AG (reflectivity 92%, thickness 140 μm) manufactured by DuPont.

[0094] Example 6 Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the reflective sheet 26 in FIG. 2 was replaced with Polyshine Heiden (reflectance 75%, thickness 60 μm) manufactured by AIC Tech Co., Ltd.

[0095] Example 7 Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the reflective sheet 36 in FIG. 3 was replaced with Ruirumirror 72W41 (reflectance 98.5%, thickness 81 μm) manufactured by Reiko Co., Ltd.

[0096] Comparative Example 1 The reflective sheet 16 was removed from the cultivation apparatus shown in Fig. 1. Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the cultivation apparatus with the reflective sheet removed was used.

[0097] The yield of the resulting tomato fruits is shown in Table 1.

[0098]

[0099] As shown in Table 1, it was found that the yield of tomato fruits obtained in Examples 1 to 7 was significantly greater than that of Comparative Example 1.

[0100] The disclosures of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-042745, filed on March 18, 2024, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-017704, filed on February 5, 2025, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In addition, all documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A cultivation device for growing fruit vegetable plants of the Solanaceae family or Cucurbitaceae family, comprising: a light source that irradiates artificial light; hydroponic cultivation shelves for fruit vegetable plants; and a light reflecting member, wherein the hydroponic cultivation shelves are arranged in two or more vertical tiers in a temperature and humidity controlled space; the light source is arranged on the side of the fruit vegetable plants; and the light reflecting member is provided in a position facing the light source with the fruit vegetable plants in between.

2. A cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants as described in claim 1, wherein the light reflecting member is fixed to the hydroponic cultivation shelf in a movable or detachable state.

3. A fruit and vegetable cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the light reflecting member has a reflectance of 70% or more for wavelengths of 400 nm to 700 nm.

4. A cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1, wherein the light reflecting member has a thickness of 200 μm or less.

5. A cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants as described in claim 1, wherein the hydroponic cultivation shelf has an openable door, the light reflecting member is provided on the surface of the door facing the fruit and vegetable plants, and when the door is in a closed state, the light source and the light reflecting member face each other with the fruit and vegetable plants in between.

6. The cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 5, further comprising a light source for irradiating artificial light onto the surface of the door facing the fruit and vegetable plants.

7. The cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 5, wherein the vertical upper end of the door is fixed to the hydroponic cultivation shelf.

8. A cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1, wherein the light sources are arranged on the sides and vertically above the fruit and vegetable plants.

9. The cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1, wherein the height of one stage of the hydroponic cultivation shelf is 50 cm to 100 cm.

10. The cultivation device for fruit and vegetable plants according to claim 1, wherein the fruit and vegetable plants are tomato plants.

11. The cultivation device for fruit vegetable plants according to claim 10, wherein the tomato plant satisfies the following formula (1): 6.0≦L / X≦30.0 (1) In formula (1), if the tomato plant does not have lateral branches, L represents the length in centimeters from the planting surface to the growing point of a main branch, and X represents the sum of the number of inflorescences and fruit clusters on the main branch; if the tomato plant has lateral branches, L represents the length in centimeters from the planting surface to the growing point of one main branch or lateral branch, and X represents the sum of the number of inflorescences and fruit clusters on the one main branch or lateral branch. X is an integer of 2 or greater.

12. A method for cultivating fruit vegetable plants, comprising cultivating fruit vegetable plants of the Solanaceae family or Cucurbitaceae family using the cultivation device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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