Method for cultivating solanaceae fruiting vegetables

Abstract

This method for cultivating solanaceae fruiting vegetables involves allowing one to six sheets of the leaf to develop on a lateral bud generated from a node immediately below a flower cluster to be harvested, and then pinching off the stem apex of the lateral bud.

Description

Cultivation methods for nightshade fruit vegetables

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables.

[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. 4-135419 describes a method for cultivating tomatoes in which lateral buds 4, which grow from the axils just below fruit branches 5 bearing fruits 2 that extend laterally at appropriate intervals from a main branch 1, are grown to a predetermined length, and carbon dioxide assimilation is activated from leaves 6 on these lateral buds 4, thereby activating the main branch and producing good quality fruit. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2008-131937 describes a method for cultivating tomatoes, which comprises: (a) cultivating tomato seedlings planted in a cultivation medium; (b) removing axillary buds that develop on the main stem until the fruit is harvested from the main stem, thereby allowing only the main stem to grow; (c) after harvesting the fruit from the main stem, cutting the main stem near the base of the plant; (c) cultivating the axillary buds that develop on the main stem after the cutting as a first lateral stem, and removing axillary buds that develop on the first lateral stem until the fruit is harvested from the first lateral stem, thereby allowing only the first lateral stem to grow; (d) after harvesting the fruit from the first lateral stem, cutting the first lateral stem near the base of the plant; (e) cultivating the axillary buds that develop on the first lateral stem after the cutting as a second lateral stem, and removing axillary buds that develop on the second lateral stem until the fruit is harvested from the second lateral stem, thereby allowing only the second lateral stem to grow; and thereafter repeating (d) and (e).

[0004] In the cultivation of solanaceous fruit vegetables, there is a demand for further improvement in the yield of harvested fruit.

[0005] An object of one embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables that allows for the harvest of fruits at a higher yield than conventional methods.

[0006] The present disclosure includes the following aspects. <1> A method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables, comprising pinching off the shoot tips of axillary buds that have developed from nodes directly below inflorescences to be harvested after one to six true leaves have developed on the axillary buds. <2> The method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables according to <1>, comprising pinching off the shoot tips of the axillary buds after two to four true leaves have developed on the axillary buds. <3> The method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables according to <1> or <2>, comprising pinching off the true leaf directly above the inflorescence to be harvested by the time at least one bud has formed on the inflorescence one level above the inflorescence to be harvested. <4> The method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the solanaceous fruit vegetables are tomatoes. <5> The method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein artificial light is used for cultivation.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables that allows for the harvest of fruits at a higher yield than conventional methods.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a Solanaceae fruit vegetable.

[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" refers not only to an independent process, but also to a process that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes, as long as the intended purpose of the process is achieved. In this disclosure, "fruit vegetables" refers to plants that produce fruit.

[0010] [Method for Cultivating Solanaceae Fruit Vegetables] In the method for cultivating solanaceae fruit vegetables according to the present disclosure, after one to six true leaves have developed on an axillary bud that has grown from a node immediately below an inflorescence to be harvested, the stem apex of the axillary bud is pinched off.

[0011] According to the method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables of the present disclosure, it is possible to harvest fruits at a higher yield than conventional methods. The reason for this is not clear, but is presumed to be as follows.

[0012] The inflorescence to be harvested and the axillary buds emerging from the node directly below the inflorescence are connected by vascular bundles. Therefore, it is believed that the products obtained by photosynthesis of the leaves developing in the axillary buds contribute to the growth of fruit in the inflorescence. Therefore, it is presumed that leaving the true leaves that develop from the axillary buds rather than pruning them promotes fruit growth and improves yield. Furthermore, in the cultivation method for solanaceous fruit vegetables according to the present disclosure, the shoot apex of the axillary bud is pruned after one to six true leaves develop on the axillary bud. This controls the number of true leaves that develop from the axillary bud to one to six. By controlling the number of true leaves that develop from the axillary buds, sufficient light exposure to the true leaves developing from the main stem is ensured. It is presumed that this results in improved yield.

[0013] In contrast, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 4-135419 and 2008-131937 do not describe pinching off the shoot apex of an axillary bud that has developed from the node immediately below the inflorescence to be harvested after one to six leaves have developed on the axillary bud.

[0014] (Cultivation of Solanaceae Fruit Vegetables) Examples of Solanaceae fruit vegetables that can be cultivated using the method for cultivating Solanaceae fruit vegetables according to the present disclosure include tomatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers. Among these, the Solanaceae fruit vegetables are preferably tomatoes.

[0015] Tomatoes include midi tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, fruit tomatoes, etc.

[0016] (Cultivation Conditions) Solanaceae fruit vegetables can be cultivated by a conventionally known method, and may be cultivated by hydroponic culture or soil culture, but hydroponic culture is preferred.

[0017] The hydroponic method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include flooded hydroponic method, thin film hydroponic method, spray hydroponic method, and drip hydroponic method in which liquid fertilizer is dripped onto the roots or root supports.

[0018] The cultivation facilities for solanaceous fruit vegetables are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include artificial light type plant factories, sunlight type plant factories, and vinyl greenhouses.

[0019] From the viewpoints of the quality of the harvested fruit and cultivation efficiency, it is preferable to cultivate solanaceous fruit vegetables using a cultivation device equipped with one or more selected from a light source that irradiates the solanaceous fruit vegetables with artificial light from at least one of the top and side directions, a hydroponic cultivation mechanism, and a temperature and humidity control mechanism. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the cultivation device includes a mechanism for controlling the light intensity of the light source, the light-dark cycle, the carbon dioxide concentration, etc.

[0020] The cultivation step preferably includes a step of irradiating the solanaceous fruit vegetables with artificial light. In the cultivation step, the temperature conditions can be adjusted by irradiating the solanaceous fruit vegetables with artificial light. For example, the temperature conditions can be adjusted to two or more types: a light period temperature and a dark period temperature. 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The light and dark temperatures are measured by placing a thermometer 1 cm away from the solanaceous fruit vegetables. As the thermometer, for example, a temperature and humidity sensor THA-3151 manufactured by T&D Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0023] In the present disclosure, the term "light period" refers to a period during which solanaceous fruit vegetables are irradiated with a light source, and the term "dark period" refers to a period during which solanaceous fruit vegetables are not irradiated with a light source.

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

[0025] 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 1 to 3.

[0026] The light source for the artificial light is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and discharge lamps such as fluorescent lamps, but in the cultivation method for solanaceous fruit vegetables according to the present disclosure, it is preferable to use LEDs. One type of LED may be used, or two or more types may be used.

[0027] The LED may be one that emits visible light such as red, blue, and yellow, or one that emits invisible light such as ultraviolet light (wavelength of 380 nm or less) or infrared light (wavelength of 780 nm or more), but from the viewpoint of promoting photosynthesis in fruit and vegetable plants, it is preferable that the LED emits light in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm.

[0028] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, high sugar content, etc., the relative humidity during the cultivation process is preferably controlled to 50% to 80%, and more preferably 55% to 77%.

[0029] The relative humidity is measured by placing a hygrometer 1 cm away from the solanaceous fruit vegetables. As the hygrometer, for example, a temperature and humidity sensor THA-3151 manufactured by T&D Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0030] 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.

[0031] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and high sugar content, the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated on the solanaceous fruit vegetables 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.

[0032] The light intensity is measured by placing a measuring device 1 cm away from the solanaceous fruit vegetable with the light receiving surface facing the light source. For example, a photon sensor (LI-COR, LI-190R) can be used as the measuring device. When light sources are placed in two or more directions from the fruit vegetable plant, the sum of the light intensities measured by placing the measuring device facing each light source is defined as the light intensity.

[0033] The light intensity can be controlled by changing the type and number of light sources (LEDs, fluorescent lights, etc.) used, changing the distance between the light source and the fruit vegetable plant, or using a dimmable light source.

[0034] Artificial light may be irradiated from above or from the side of the solanaceous fruit vegetables, but is preferably irradiated from above from the viewpoints of cultivation efficiency, space utilization efficiency, etc. Artificial light may also be irradiated from both the side and above.

[0035] From the viewpoint of shortening the period until harvest, the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment during the cultivation step is preferably 300 ppm by volume to 5000 ppm by volume, and more preferably 400 ppm by volume to 3500 ppm by volume.

[0036] The carbon dioxide concentration is measured by placing a carbon dioxide concentration meter 1 cm away from the solanaceous fruit vegetables. As the carbon dioxide concentration meter, for example, the LI-850 manufactured by LI-COR Corporation can be used.

[0037] 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.

[0038] From the viewpoint of homogenizing the cultivation environment, uniformly growing fruit and vegetable plants, and breaking down the leaf surface boundary layer to improve photosynthetic efficiency, it is preferable to circulate air within the cultivation device. Any known method can be used for air circulation without limitation, and examples include a method using a circulation fan. It is also possible to utilize the blowing function of an air conditioner, and the air within the cultivation device can be circulated by the wind blown from the air conditioner.

[0039] (Picking of side shoots) In the cultivation process, the cultivation period is defined as the period from the start of planting to harvest.

[0040] At the start of the cultivation period, for example, the plant seedlings obtained in the seedling raising step described below are planted in a predetermined position in an environment suitable for hydroponic cultivation (hereinafter also referred to as the planting step).

[0041] In the method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables according to the present disclosure, a single solanaceous fruit vegetable may be cultivated, or multiple solanaceous fruit vegetables may be cultivated simultaneously. When cultivating multiple solanaceous fruit vegetables simultaneously, the plants are preferably planted with a certain distance between them. Specifically, the distance between the plants is preferably 10 cm to 30 cm. This improves fruit yield without interfering with the illumination of artificial light on each plant.

[0042] Typically, flowers form on the main stem of Solanaceae fruit vegetables at any time after planting. In the present disclosure, the flower formed at the lowest position on the main stem of Solanaceae fruit vegetables (the position closest to the root of Solanaceae fruit vegetables) is referred to as the first inflorescence. When fruit is set on the first inflorescence, the first inflorescence may be referred to as the first fruit inflorescence, but in the present disclosure, no distinction is made between the inflorescence and the fruit inflorescence, and both are described as "inflorescence." Furthermore, the flower formed at the lowest position on the main stem of Solanaceae fruit vegetables after the first inflorescence is referred to as the second inflorescence. Similarly, the inflorescence formed in the Nth tier from the lowest position on the main stem of Solanaceae fruit vegetables is referred to as the Nth inflorescence.

[0043] In tomato cultivation, the first inflorescence usually forms after eight or nine true leaves have developed on the main stem. After that, one inflorescence forms every time three true leaves develop. Lateral buds develop at each node on the main stem. Then, true leaves develop from the axillary buds.

[0044] Hereinafter, the method for treating side shoots in the cultivation method for solanaceous fruit vegetables according to the present disclosure will be specifically described.

[0045] The solanaceae fruit vegetable 100 shown in Figure 1 has a main branch 80, a first inflorescence 10, a second inflorescence 20, a third inflorescence 30, and a fourth inflorescence 40. Between the first inflorescence 10 and the second inflorescence 20 are three nodes 11, 12, and 13, from which true leaves 11B, 12B, and 13B develop and axillary buds 11A, 12A, and 13A emerge. Similarly, between each inflorescence, three true leaves develop and axillary buds emerge.

[0046] In the cultivation method for solanaceous fruit vegetables according to the present disclosure, after one to six true leaves have developed on an axillary bud 8A arising from the node 8 immediately below the first inflorescence 10, the shoot apex of the axillary bud 8A is pinched off. Pinching the shoot apex stops the axillary bud from growing. If the number of developed true leaves at the time of pinching the shoot apex is zero or seven or fewer, the yield decreases. Similarly, after one to six true leaves have developed on an axillary bud 13A arising from the node 13 immediately below the second inflorescence 20 to be harvested, the shoot apex of the axillary bud 13A is pinched off. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the axillary buds arising from the nodes immediately below the third inflorescence 30 and the fourth inflorescence 40 also develop one to six true leaves, and the shoot apex of the axillary bud is pinched off.

[0047] From the viewpoint of further improving the yield, it is preferable to pinch off the shoot apex of the axillary bud after one to four (preferably two to four) true leaves have developed on the axillary bud.

[0048] From the viewpoint of further improving the yield, it is preferable to pinch off the axillary buds 11A, 12A that have grown on nodes 11, 12 other than the node 13 immediately below the second inflorescence 20 to be harvested, from the base. Also, from the viewpoint of further improving the yield, it is preferable to pinch off the axillary buds 11A, 12A as soon as possible after they have grown. Specifically, it is preferable to pinch off the axillary buds before the true leaves unfold from them.

[0049] In the cultivation method for solanaceous fruit vegetables according to the present disclosure, it is preferable to pinch off the true leaf immediately above the inflorescence to be harvested by the time at least one bud is formed on the inflorescence one level above the inflorescence to be harvested. Specifically, it is preferable to pinch off the true leaf 21B immediately above the second inflorescence 20 by the time at least one bud is formed on the third inflorescence 30 one level above the second inflorescence 20.

[0050] It is known that true leaves 21B have no direct connection to second inflorescence 20 via fiber bundles, and by pruning true leaves 21B early, the photosynthetic products and inorganic nutrients required for the growth of true leaves 21B can be allocated to fruit growth. In addition, light is more likely to reach other true leaves that are directly connected to second inflorescence 20 via fiber bundles. Promoting photosynthesis in other true leaves promotes the growth of fruits formed on second inflorescence 20, improving yield.

[0051] Typically, one inflorescence produces approximately 1 to 10 flowers. It is preferable to remove the true leaves before at least one flower bud is formed. In the present disclosure, the completion of flower formation is determined when the long axis of the bud reaches 5 mm.

[0052] <Seedling raising step> The method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables according to the present disclosure can include a seedling raising step in which germinated solanaceous fruit vegetables are grown into fruit vegetable plant seedlings.

[0053] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency, seedlings of solanaceous fruit vegetables are preferably raised by the hydroponic method, more preferably by the submerged liquid hydroponic method.

[0054] In the seedling raising process, light and dark periods can be switched by irradiating the solanaceous fruit vegetables with artificial light after germination, 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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%.

[0057] From the viewpoint of cultivation efficiency and high sugar content, the light intensity of the artificial light irradiated on the solanaceous fruit vegetables 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.

[0058] Artificial light may be irradiated from above or from the side of germinated solanaceous fruit vegetables, 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.

[0059] From the viewpoint of shortening the period until harvest, the carbon dioxide concentration in the environment during the seedling raising step is preferably 300 ppm by volume to 5000 ppm by volume, and more preferably 400 ppm by volume to 3500 ppm by volume.

[0060] The period of the seedling raising process is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of growth after planting and shortening the period until buds appear, 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 33 days.

[0061] When the seedling raising process is carried out using the hydroponic method, the support for supporting the solanaceous fruit vegetables after germination is not particularly limited, but a material having both adequate water permeability and water retention is preferred, and a support base provided with a urethane sponge, a phenolic resin sponge, rock wool, or a water-retaining sheet is more preferred.

[0062] The method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables according to the present disclosure may include a germination step in which seeds of solanaceous fruit vegetables to be used in the germination step are germinated.

[0063] The germination method is not particularly limited and can be carried out by a conventionally known method. For example, seeds of solanaceous fruit vegetables can be sown on a support that has been sufficiently moistened with water and stored in a dark place. Examples of the support include the same supports as those used in the seedling raising process.

[0064] It is also preferable to select seeds of solanaceous fruit vegetables 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.

[0065] The temperature for the germination process varies depending on the type and variety of the solanaceous fruit vegetable used, but for commercially available seeds, this is generally disclosed as the germination temperature. Also, if the germination temperature is unknown, it can be confirmed experimentally. Also, depending on the type and variety of the fruit 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 known in the same way as the germination temperature.

[0066] 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 solanaceous fruit vegetables from drying out during the germination period and ensure good growth.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The above embodiment will be specifically described below using examples, but the above embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0069] Example 1 (Germination process) Fifty tomato seeds (variety: Momotaro York (registered trademark), manufactured by Takii Seed Co., Ltd.) were sown on a support (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, yielding 47 tomato seedlings.

[0070] (Seedling raising process) Forty-five plants showing good growth were selected from the tomato seedlings obtained in the germination process. The selected 45 plants were transplanted into a hydroponic cultivation device equipped with an artificial light irradiation device and a culture solution tank containing nutrient solution in a temperature and humidity control environment. An LED CIVILIGHT (manufactured by Showa Denko) was attached 30 cm above the planting surface of the plant body. The light intensity at the planting surface was 200 μmol / m for 660 nm light. ２ / s, 450 nm light is 100 μmol / m ２ The nutrient solution used was a 500-fold dilution of Hyponica liquid fertilizer solution A and solution B manufactured by Kyowa Co., Ltd. The seedlings were grown for 20 days using the flooded hydroponic method under the following light and dark conditions, and 45 tomato seedlings were obtained. Light period: 18 hours, light intensity: 300 μmol / m ２ / s, 27℃ ・Dark period: 6 hours, light intensity 0 μmol / m ２ / s, 19°C Relative humidity: 70% (light period, dark period) Carbon dioxide concentration: 400 volume ppm

[0071] (Cultivation Process) Forty tomato seedlings with good growth were selected from the seedlings obtained in the above seedling raising process. The selected 40 plants were planted in a hydroponic cultivation device equipped with an artificial light irradiation device and a nutrient solution tank containing nutrient solution, with a spacing of 20 cm between plants, under a temperature and humidity control environment. Kyowa Co., Ltd.'s "Hyponica Liquid Fertilizer" was diluted with pure water and used as the nutrient solution. At planting, the liquid fertilizer was diluted to a nutrient solution conductivity of 1.5 dS / m. After the third inflorescence flowered, the liquid fertilizer was diluted to a nutrient solution conductivity of 3.5 dS / m. Cultivation was initiated under the cultivation conditions shown below. During the cultivation period, pruning (side shoot removal, leaf removal, etc.) and training were performed in a single-stemmed manner according to standard methods. However, side shoots emerging from the nodes directly below each inflorescence were not removed. After four true leaves had developed from the side shoots, the shoot tips of the side shoots were removed. Furthermore, when one or more buds were confirmed on the second inflorescence, the true leaf immediately above the first inflorescence was pinched off. Furthermore, when one or more buds were confirmed on the third inflorescence, the true leaf immediately above the second inflorescence was pinched off. Thereafter, after confirming that two true leaves had unfolded above the third inflorescence, the tip of the main stem was pinched off, leaving the true leaves. Fruit was pinched off so that the number of fruits on each inflorescence was three, and tomato fruits that had borne fruit by the third inflorescence were harvested, completing cultivation. Light source: RYODEN Co., Ltd., plant growth LED 4-color type, PGL-200DWBF26D Light intensity: 500 μmol / m ２ / s Light composition: conforms to the light emission behavior of the above LED. Light / dark cycle (light period / dark period): 16 hours / 8 hours Temperature: 27°C (light period), 19°C (dark period) Relative humidity: 70% Carbon dioxide concentration: 400 volume ppm Hydroponic cultivation method: NFT

[0072] Example 2 Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that after one true leaf had developed from the axillary buds that had grown from the nodes immediately below each inflorescence, the shoot tips of the axillary buds were pinched off.

[0073] Example 3 Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that after six true leaves had developed from the axillary buds that had grown from the nodes immediately below each inflorescence, the shoot tips of the axillary buds were pinched off.

[0074] Example 4 Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the true leaves immediately above the first inflorescence and the true leaves immediately above the second inflorescence were not picked.

[0075] Example 5 Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the true leaves immediately above the first inflorescence and the true leaves immediately above the second inflorescence were not picked.

[0076] Example 6 Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the plant spacing was changed to 15 cm.

[0077] Example 7 Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the carbon dioxide concentration was changed to 1200 ppm by volume.

[0078] Comparative Example 1 Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the axillary buds that had grown from the nodes immediately below each inflorescence were pinched off before true leaves developed.

[0079] Comparative Example 2 Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 4, except that after seven true leaves had developed from the axillary buds that had grown from the nodes immediately below each inflorescence, the shoot tips of the axillary buds were pinched off.

[0080] <<Evaluation>> [Average yield] The average mass of fruit harvested per plant was calculated and used as the average yield. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1. In Table 1, "Y" is entered when the true leaves immediately above each inflorescence were removed, and "N" is entered when the true leaves immediately above each inflorescence were not removed. In Table 1, "ppm" means "volume ppm."

[0081]

[0082] As shown in Table 1, in Examples 1 to 7, after one to six true leaves had developed on the axillary buds that had grown from the node directly below the inflorescence to be harvested, the shoot tips of the axillary buds were pinched off, enabling fruit to be harvested at higher yields than in conventional methods.

[0083] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-082012, filed on May 20, 2024, is incorporated herein by reference in its 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 method for cultivating Solanaceae fruit vegetables, comprising the steps of: plucking the stem apex of an axillary bud that has developed from the node immediately below the inflorescence to be harvested after one to six true leaves have developed on the axillary bud; 2. The method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables according to claim 1, wherein the shoot tips of the axillary shoots are pinched off after two to four true leaves have developed on the axillary shoots.

3. A method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the true leaf immediately above the inflorescence to be harvested is picked off before at least one bud has formed on the inflorescence one level above the inflorescence to be harvested.

4. A method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the solanaceous fruit vegetables are tomatoes.

5. A method for cultivating solanaceous fruit vegetables according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cultivation is carried out using artificial light.

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