HK1237202B - Seedling nursery member and seedling nursery set for grafting, and method for producing grafted seedling - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a seedling nursery member for grafting comprises at least one seedling nursery unit. The at least one seedling nursery unit comprises: a seed housing part that is configured so as to provide a space wherein a plant seed is housed and a plant sprouts from the seed; a stem housing part that is configured so as to house the stem of the plant sprouting and growing therein; and a stem holding part that is configured so as to hold the stem of the grown plant. At least a part of the seed housing part of the at least one seedling nursery unit is configured so as to be openable toward the outside of the at least one seedling nursery unit. At least a part of the stem housing part of the at least one seedling nursery unit is configured so as to be openable toward the outside of the at least one seedling nursery unit.

Description

Grafting seedling raising component, seedling raising kit and method for producing grafted seedlings

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This international application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-026570 filed in the Japan Patent Office on February 13, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a seedling raising component for grafting, a seedling raising kit, and a method for producing grafted seedlings.

Background Art

In the field of agricultural horticulture, grafting is widely used to avoid continuous cropping problems, improve quality and yield, and breed new varieties. Grafting is a very widely used method in the field of agricultural horticulture. Whether for commercial or household use, grafting has become widely popular, but most grafting is done by hand. Since a certain degree of practice is required in the implementation of grafting, there are problems such as deviation in the quality of grafted seedlings and slow production speed. As a method to solve these problems, the following patent document 1 discloses a fully automatic grafting device. And the following patent documents 2 to 7 disclose various grafting components. In addition, since it is based on the premise of being implemented by hand, grafting is only suitable for plant bodies that have grown to a size that can be handled by hand.

Prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-238805

Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-127149

Patent Document 3: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-99930

Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-327498

Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-242699

Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-280265

Patent Document 7: European Patent Application Publication No. 829199

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

As mentioned above, since grafting requires a certain degree of practice, there are problems such as variability in the quality of grafted seedlings and slow production speeds. Furthermore, the fully automatic grafting device described in Patent Document 1 is large and expensive, making it unsuitable for small-scale grafting operations. Furthermore, while the grafting components described in Patent Documents 2-7 include, for example, a seed container for holding plant seeds and a stem container connected to the seed container, inserting plant seeds from the stem container into the seed container requires the stem container's inner diameter to be larger than the seed container. Consequently, the plant stem contained in the stem container cannot be adequately held, making it difficult to position the stem during grafting. This results in a reduced grafting success rate and poor grafting operability. Furthermore, the low grafting accuracy makes grafting small plants difficult. Furthermore, the plants that can be handled by hand or with large devices are limited to those with larger plant bodies. Consequently, grafting is only suitable for vegetables with large embryos, such as those in the Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae families.

One aspect of the present disclosure is to enable easy production of grafted seedlings regardless of the size or growth stage of the plant body to be grafted, and to achieve improved productivity and quality of the grafted seedlings and reduced costs.

Technical solutions to the problem

The grafting seedling raising component of one aspect of the present disclosure is provided with at least one seedling raising unit. The at least one seedling raising unit includes a seed holding portion, a stem holding portion, and a stem retaining portion. The seed holding portion is configured to hold plant seeds and has a space for plant germination; the stem holding portion is configured to hold the stem of the plant that germinates and elongates; and the stem retaining portion is configured to retain the elongated stem of the plant. At least a portion of the seed holding portion of the at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of the at least one seedling raising unit in a direction orthogonal to the growth direction of the plant. At least a portion of the stem holding portion of the at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of the at least one seedling raising unit in a direction orthogonal to the growth direction of the plant.

The grafting seedling raising component includes at least one seedling raising unit. The at least one seedling raising unit has a simple structure including a seed receiving portion, a stem receiving portion, and a stem retaining portion. Therefore, the seedling raising component can be used to easily prepare a plant body (grafting seedling) for grafting. In particular, the at least one seedling raising unit includes a stem retaining portion, thereby easily preparing a grafting seedling with the stem retained by the stem retaining portion.

Furthermore, for example, a first plant is cultivated by the first seedling-raising component, and a second plant is cultivated by the second seedling-raising component. Next, the stem of the first plant held by the stem-holding portion of the seedling-raising unit in the first seedling-raising component is cut, and the stem of the second plant held by the stem-holding portion of the seedling-raising unit in the second seedling-raising component is cut. Then, the cross-section of the stem of the first plant in the first seedling-raising component and the cross-section of the stem of the second plant in the second seedling-raising component are joined. In this way, grafting can be performed with good precision through a simple and mechanized operation. Therefore, anyone can easily produce uniform grafted seedlings with good precision, thereby achieving an improvement in the productivity and quality of the grafted seedlings.

In addition, a seedling raising component (at least one seedling raising unit) can be prepared with a simple structure. Therefore, a large number of seedling raising components can be prepared. Thus, it is possible to utilize the seedling raising component to mass-produce grafted seedlings. In addition, it is easy to adjust the size of the seedling raising component to match the plant body as the grafting object. Therefore, regardless of the size of the plant, from small plants to large plants, and from seedlings shortly after germination to grown plants, regardless of the growth stage, grafting can be easily performed.

Furthermore, the use of seedling raising components facilitates seedling preparation and reduces space requirements at the seedling raising site. Furthermore, the plant cultivation cycle can be shortened, thereby reducing cultivation costs. Furthermore, if rice seedlings (particularly small rice seedlings that are difficult to handle by hand) are used as the target, cultivation costs can be reduced by shortening the cultivation time, and transportation costs can be reduced due to the small size of the grafted seedlings.

In addition, at least a portion of the seed storage section of at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of the seed storage section. Therefore, plant seeds can be easily dropped into the seed storage section from the opening portion of the seed storage section. As a result, there is no need to drop plant seeds from the stem storage section, and the inner diameter of the stem storage section can be set to match the diameter of the plant stem. In addition, for example, the seed storage section (specifically, the plant seeds contained in the seed storage section) can be supplied with plant growth medium required for plant germination and cultivation from the opening portion of the seed storage section, thereby enabling easy and smooth plant cultivation.

Furthermore, at least a portion of the stem accommodating portion of at least one of the seedling raising units is configured to be openable to the outside of the stem accommodating portion. Therefore, for example, plant growth medium, etc., required for plant germination and cultivation can be supplied to the stem accommodating portion (specifically, the stem of the plant accommodated therein) through the opening, thereby facilitating and smoothly cultivating the plant. Furthermore, the plant stem can be elongated, and cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. can be unfolded outside of at least one of the seedling raising units, thereby facilitating and smoothly cultivating the plant.

Furthermore, compared to using larger soil particles, using a plant growth medium such as an agar medium allows for significantly smaller seedling-raising components, making it easier to prepare seedling-raising components of a desired shape. Furthermore, using small seedling-raising components allows for positioning (coordinate determination) of a grafted seedling (e.g., a cross-section of a plant stem) at the micron level, enabling grafting with high precision. This makes it possible to easily and accurately graft small seedlings, which was previously difficult.

Furthermore, for example, the stem of a plant that has sprouted and grown can be directly held by the stem holding portion of at least one of the seedling raising units, so that grafting can be performed immediately after the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. emerge from the opening of the stem holding portion to the outside of the at least one of the seedling raising units. Thus, the seedling can be grafted immediately after it has sprouted.

A seedling raising kit for grafting according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of the above-mentioned seedling raising components for grafting.

The grafting seedling raising kit includes a plurality of the grafting seedling raising components. Therefore, as described above, grafting can be performed easily. Furthermore, anyone can easily produce uniform grafted seedlings, thereby improving the quality of the grafted seedlings. Furthermore, cultivation and transportation costs can be reduced.

A method for producing a grafted seedling according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the following steps: preparing a first seedling raising component and a second seedling raising component, each of the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component being the above-mentioned grafting seedling raising component; accommodating seeds of a first plant in a seed accommodating portion of a seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component, causing the seeds of the first plant to germinate in the seed accommodating portion of the seedling raising unit and causing the stem of the first plant to extend in the stem accommodating portion of the seedling raising unit; holding the stem of the first plant by a stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component; and cutting the stem of the first plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component; The seeds of the second plant are accommodated in the seed accommodation portion of the seedling unit in the second seedling raising component, the seeds of the second plant are germinated in the seed accommodation portion of the seedling raising unit, and the stem of the second plant is extended in the stem accommodation portion of the seedling raising unit; the stem of the second plant is held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising component; the stem of the second plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising component is cut; and the cross-section of the stem of the first plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component and the cross-section of the stem of the second plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising component are joined.

The method for producing grafted seedlings can be implemented using a plurality of the grafting seedling raising components. Therefore, as described above, grafting can be performed easily and with high precision, thereby enabling easy production of grafted seedlings with high precision. Furthermore, anyone can easily produce uniform grafted seedlings with high precision, thereby improving the quality of the grafted seedlings. Furthermore, cultivation and transportation costs can be reduced.

As described above, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, grafted seedlings can be produced inexpensively and simply regardless of the size or growth stage of the plant body to be grafted, and the productivity and quality of the grafted seedlings can be improved while reducing costs.

In the above-mentioned grafting seedling raising parts, at least a portion of the seed holding portion of at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit. The structure in which the seed holding portion is openable to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit includes the following structures: a structure in which the seed holding portion has an opening to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit, or a structure in which the seed holding portion has an opening to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit and is provided with a component capable of opening and closing the opening. In addition, it is preferred to supply the plant growth medium via a thin sheet component having water permeability such as a membrane or filter paper. If a harder agar medium is used as the plant growth medium, the above-mentioned sheet component does not need to be used.

At least a portion of the stem container of at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of the at least one seedling raising unit. The structure in which at least a portion of the stem container is openable to the outside of the at least one seedling raising unit includes the same structure as the seed container.

At least one of the seedling raising units may further include a root receiving portion configured to receive the roots of the plant that has germinated and grown. In this case, the roots of the plant can grow in the root receiving portion, thereby enabling easy and smooth plant cultivation.

At least a portion of the root accommodating portion of at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit. In this case, for example, a plant growth medium required for plant germination and cultivation can be supplied to the root accommodating portion (specifically, the roots of the plant accommodated in the root accommodating portion) from the opening portion of the root accommodating portion, thereby enabling easy and smooth cultivation of the plant. In addition, the roots of the plant can be further extended outside of at least one seedling raising unit, thereby enabling easy and smooth cultivation of the plant. Among them, the structure in which at least a portion of the root accommodating portion is openable to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit includes the same structure as the above-mentioned seed accommodating portion.

The stem retaining portion of at least one of the seedling raising units may be movable and configured to retain the stem of the plant while in contact with the elongated stem. In this case, even if the diameter of the plant stem changes as it grows, the stem retaining portion of at least one of the seedling raising units can maintain contact with the plant stem and fully retain the plant stem.

In at least one of the seedling raising units, the seed container may have a cross-sectional shape that allows rotation of the watered plant seeds. When the seed container has a circular cross-sectional shape, its diameter may range from approximately the same as the long diameter of the watered plant seeds to approximately two to three times the long diameter.

In at least one seedling raising unit, the width of the stem accommodating portion can be formed to a degree sufficient to accommodate the passage of the cotyledons of the plant. Furthermore, the width of the stem accommodating portion can be formed to a degree sufficient to hold the stem of the plant in a predetermined position. Furthermore, the width of the stem accommodating portion can be approximately 1/10 to 1/2 of the diameter of the seed accommodating portion. Furthermore, the length of the stem accommodating portion can be any length suitable for extending the stem of the plant. Furthermore, the stem accommodating portion can be formed separately from the seed accommodating portion or integrally therewith.

In at least one seedling raising unit, the root accommodating portion can be formed into a channel having a width that allows the roots of the plant to pass through. In addition, the width of the root accommodating portion can be about 1/10 to 1/2 of the diameter of the seed accommodating portion. The root accommodating portion can be constructed as described above so that at least a portion thereof can be opened to the outside, and the root accommodating portion can also be closed without opening to the outside as long as it has a space that can sufficiently accommodate the roots of the plant (such as a seed accommodating portion). The root accommodating portion can be formed separately from the seed accommodating portion or formed integrally with the seed accommodating portion. In addition, the root accommodating portion can be formed separately from the stem accommodating portion or formed integrally with the stem accommodating portion.

In at least one seedling raising unit, the stem retaining portion has no limitation on its shape, etc., as long as it can retain the elongated stem of the plant. Here, retaining the elongated stem of the plant means being able to retain the stem of the plant in a certain position. The stem retaining portion can be composed of a part of the stem accommodating portion, or it can be separately provided with the stem accommodating portion. For example, when a part of the stem accommodating portion (such as the inner wall surface) is made to function as the stem retaining portion, the stem can be retained by the pressure generated by a part of the stem accommodating portion. In this case, the width of the stem accommodating portion can be pre-formed to match the thickness of the stem at the growth stage. In addition, the stem retaining portion can also be provided inside the stem accommodating portion.

At least one seedling raising unit may be plate-shaped. In this case, the at least one seedling raising unit can be miniaturized, and the overall seedling raising component can be miniaturized. In addition, the miniaturization of the seedling raising component can save space in the seedling raising site.

When at least one of the seedling raising units is plate-shaped, for example, the seed receptacle, stem receptacle, root receptacle, etc. may be formed to be open on one main surface of the at least one seedling raising unit, or the seed receptacle, stem receptacle, root receptacle, etc. may be configured to be openable and closable. In this case, it is easy to place seeds into the seed receptacle, supply plant growth medium, etc. to the seed receptacle, stem receptacle, root receptacle, etc., and to remove the grafted seedling after grafting.

At least one seedling raising unit may include an elastically deformable material. In this case, the plant to be cultivated can be maintained in at least one seedling raising unit. For example, a portion of the stem accommodating portion (e.g., the inner wall surface) can be made to function as a stem retaining portion to maintain the stem of the plant to be cultivated. Thus, when the stem of the plant in the stem retaining portion of at least one seedling raising unit is cut off, thereby dividing the seedling raising component into a plurality of parts, the stem of the plant can also be maintained in the stem retaining portion. In addition, since at least one seedling raising unit can be flexibly deformed in accordance with the growth of the plant, the adhesion to the plant is improved, making it easy to maintain the stem of the plant, and the effect of suppressing the situation that hinders the growth of the plant can also be obtained. Among them, as the elastically deformable material, for example, PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), also known as silicone rubber, can be used. PDMS is a material with high biocompatibility and can be easily cut with a sharp instrument.

The seedling raising member may be configured to be capable of dividing the stem receiving portion of at least one seedling raising unit into a plurality of parts by transversely cutting the stem receiving portion of at least one seedling raising unit. In this case, if the seedling raising member can be divided into a plurality of parts at the cutting position when the stem of the plant in the stem receiving portion of the at least one seedling raising unit is cut, it is not necessary to cut the seedling raising member, and the seedling raising member can be reused.

At least one seedling raising unit may include a plurality of seedling raising units. In this case, the seedling raising components can be used to produce a larger number of grafted seedlings. Thus, the productivity of the grafted seedlings can be further improved.

The plurality of seedling raising units may be integrated into one unit. In this case, the structure of the seedling raising components can be simplified, and the operation of producing grafted seedlings using the plurality of seedling raising components can be facilitated.

The multiple seedling raising units can be arranged in a predetermined direction so that their stem receptacles face the same direction. This facilitates the production of grafted seedlings using the multiple seedling raising components (particularly, the cutting of plant stems and the joining of plant stem sections). Furthermore, the multiple seedling raising units can be arranged in either a two-dimensional (planar) or three-dimensional (stereoscopic) configuration.

A plurality of seedling raising units can be configured so that the stem accommodating portions of the respective seedling raising units are arranged at equal intervals. In this case, the operation of producing grafted seedlings (particularly the cutting of the stem of the plant, the joining of the sections of the stem of the plant to each other) using a plurality of seedling raising components becomes easy.

The seedling raising part can be used for the grafting of rice seedlings. In this case, by taking rice seedlings (particularly small-sized rice seedlings that cannot be handled by bare hands) as the object, it is possible to reduce the cultivation cost by shortening the cultivation time, and to reduce the transportation cost due to the small size of the grafted seedlings. In addition, the effect of being able to carry out the above-mentioned grafting can also be effectively exerted for small plants that have been difficult to implement grafting by human hands. Here, rice seedlings refer to plants in the period from the time when the primary leaves are unfolded after the plant germinates. For example, if it is a cruciferous plant, it is included in a state of being 1 mm in length after germination for several days (for example, after 3 days).

Part or all of the seedling raising component can be made of, for example, a biodegradable material. In this case, the grafted seedlings produced using the seedling raising component do not need to be removed from the seedling raising component, but can be spread along with the seedling raising component over a wide area of arable land (sowing seedlings). Examples of biodegradable materials include zein (a water-insoluble protein extracted from corn).

The seedling raising component may be composed of a single component or a plurality of components. For example, the seedling raising component may be composed of a component having a seed receiving portion of at least one seedling raising unit and a stem receiving portion of at least one seedling raising unit, and a component having a stem retaining portion of at least one seedling raising unit.

Furthermore, at least a portion of the seed housing portion is configured to be openable in a perpendicular direction toward the outside of at least one seedling raising unit so that the plant growth medium can be supplied to the plant.

Furthermore, at least a portion of the stem accommodating portion is configured to be openable in a perpendicular direction toward the outside of at least one of the seedling raising units so that a plant growth medium can be supplied to the plant.

In the above-mentioned grafting seedling raising kit, when a plurality of seedling raising components each have a plurality of seedling raising units, the plurality of seedling raising units can be configured so that the stem receiving portions of the plurality of seedling raising units are arranged at the same intervals. In this case, the operation of producing grafted seedlings using the plurality of seedling raising components (particularly the cutting of plant stems and the joining of the cut surfaces of plant stems) becomes easier. In addition, the plants to be grafted are not limited to plants of approximately the same size. Even plants of different sizes can be easily positioned, thereby enabling grafting to be performed with good operability.

The method for producing grafted seedlings further includes the following steps: dividing the first seedling raising component into a plurality of parts to form a plurality of split pieces; and dividing the second seedling raising component into a plurality of parts to form a plurality of split pieces, and the step of joining the cut surface of the stem of the first plant held by the stem retaining portion of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component and the cut surface of the stem of the second plant held by the stem retaining portion of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising component may include: arranging one of the plurality of split pieces of the first seedling raising component and one of the plurality of split pieces of the second seedling raising component in such a manner that the cut surface of the stem of the first plant held by the stem retaining portion of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component and the cut surface of the stem of the second plant held by the stem retaining portion of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising component abut against each other. In this case, the grafting operation (particularly the joining of the cut surface of the stem of the first plant and the cut surface of the stem of the second plant) is facilitated.

In the above-described method for producing grafted seedlings, preferably, a plant growth medium for germinating and growing the first and second plants is supplied to the seed and stem receptacles of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising member and the seed and stem receptacles of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising member. In this case, germination and growth of the first and second plants can be easily and smoothly performed.

In the above-mentioned method for producing grafted seedlings, when one end of the stem receiving portion of the seedling raising unit of the first seedling raising component and one end of the stem receiving portion of the seedling raising unit of the second seedling raising component are opened toward the outside of the seedling raising unit, the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component can be placed in a dark place until the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. of the first plant and the second plant reach one end of the stem receiving portion, and then the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component can be placed in a light place. In this case, by placing the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component in a dark place, the stem can be fully extended without the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. being expanded in the stem receiving portion of the seedling raising unit, thereby allowing the stem to be appropriately arranged in the stem receiving portion. In addition, by placing the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component in a light place, the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. can be expanded outside the stem receiving portion of the seedling raising unit. This further causes the stem to grow thicker, so that the stem retaining portion can fully retain the stem. Thus, the first plant and the second plant can be easily and smoothly cultivated. Alternatively, instead of placing the first and second seedling raising members in a dark and bright place, the first and second seedling raising members may be made of a material with low light transmittance so that the interior of the seedling raising unit becomes dark and the exterior of the seedling raising unit becomes bright.

In addition, if the stem of the first plant that has germinated and elongated can be fully maintained by the stem holding portion of the seedling unit in the first seedling raising component, and the stem of the second plant that has germinated and elongated can be fully maintained by the stem holding portion of the seedling unit in the second seedling raising component, seedlings can be raised in the open from beginning to end.

In the above-mentioned method for producing grafted seedlings, when the stem of the first plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit of the first seedling raising member is cut, the stem can be cut together with the first seedling raising member. Alternatively, only the stem of the first plant can be cut, and the first seedling raising member, which is configured to be divisible, can be divided at the cut position. When cutting together with the first seedling raising member, the first seedling raising member is preferably made of a material that is easy to cut.

In the above-mentioned method for producing grafted seedlings, when the stem of the second plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit of the second seedling raising member is cut, the stem can be cut together with the second seedling raising member. Alternatively, only the stem of the second plant can be cut, and the second seedling raising member, which is configured to be divisible, can be divided at the cut position. When cutting together with the second seedling raising member, the second seedling raising member is preferably made of a material that is easy to cut.

In the method for producing a grafted seedling, a grafted seedling is obtained by grafting a plurality of plants comprising a first plant and a second plant. The plurality of plants may be plants of the same species, plants of different species, or a mixture of the same species and plants of different species.

In the above-mentioned method for producing grafted seedlings, for example, a stock plant and a scion plant can be grafted. That is, two plants can be grafted. In addition, grafting can also be performed by arranging an interstock plant between the stock plant and the scion plant. The interstock plant can be one or more. That is, three plants can be grafted, or four or more plants can be grafted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a plan view showing the structure of a seedling raising member.

FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of the seedling raising component taken along line II-II in FIG1 .

FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of the seedling raising component taken along line III-III of FIG1 .

FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of the seedling raising member taken along line IV-IV in FIG1 .

FIG5 is a plan view showing the structure of the seedling raising member assembly.

FIG6 is a process diagram showing an example of a method for producing a grafted seedling using a seedling raising member.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the seedling raising member is vertically erected together with the plant growth medium.

8A to 8D are explanatory diagrams showing how seedlings are raised by the seedling raising unit.

9A to 9C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of grafting using the seedling raising member.

FIG. 10 is a process diagram showing another example of a method for producing a grafted seedling using a seedling raising member.

11A to 11D are explanatory diagrams showing an example of grafting using a seedling raising member.

FIG12 is a plan view showing the structure of another example of a seedling raising member.

FIG13 is a plan view showing the structure of another example of the seedling raising member assembly.

14A and 14B are plan views showing the structure of the seedling raising member and a state of raising seedlings using the seedling raising member.

FIG15 is a perspective view showing the structure of the seedling raising member.

FIG16 is a perspective view showing the structure of the seedling raising member.

FIG17 is a perspective view showing the structure of the seedling raising member.

FIG18 is a perspective view showing the structure of the seedling raising member.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the structure of a first seedling raising member of the seedling raising member.

20A and 20B are explanatory diagrams showing a state of raising seedlings using the seedling raising member.

21A and 21B are explanatory diagrams showing how seedlings are raised using the seedling raising member.

FIG22 is a perspective view showing the structure of the seedling raising component.

23A and 23B are plan views showing how seedlings are grown using the seedling growing members.

Description of Reference Signs

20 ...seedling raising member; 30 ...seedling raising unit; 31 ...stem holding portion; 32 ...seed receiving portion;

34…stem receiving portion

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the grafting seedling raising component 20 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of seedling raising units 30. Each seedling raising unit 30 includes a seed accommodating portion 32, a stem accommodating portion 34, and a stem retaining portion (an inner wall surface 341 of the stem accommodating portion 34 will be described later). The seed accommodating portion 32 is configured to accommodate plant seeds and has a space for plant germination; the stem accommodating portion 34 is configured to accommodate the stems of the germinated and elongated plants; and the stem retaining portion is configured to retain the elongated plant stems. A portion of the seed accommodating portion 32 of each seedling raising unit 30 is configured to be openable to the outside of the seed accommodating portion 32. A portion of the stem accommodating portion 34 of each seedling raising unit 30 is configured to be openable to the outside of the stem accommodating portion 34. The following describes the grafting seedling raising component 20 in detail.

FIG1 is a block diagram showing the general structure of a grafting seedling raising component 20. FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of the grafting seedling raising component 20 taken along line II-II in FIG1. FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of the grafting seedling raising component 20 taken along line III-III in FIG1. FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of the grafting seedling raising component 20 taken along line IV-IV in FIG1. FIG5 is a block diagram showing the general structure of the grafting seedling raising component assembly 10. The directions described in the first embodiment are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the seedling raising member 20 is formed of a flexible, elastically deformable resin material, such as silicone rubber, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The seedling raising member 20 is formed in a plate shape. The seedling raising member 20 includes a plurality of seedling raising units 30. The plurality of seedling raising units 30 are formed integrally. The plurality of seedling raising units 30 are arranged in a horizontal row.

Each seedling raising unit 30 includes a seed accommodating portion 32, a stem accommodating portion 34, and a root accommodating portion 36. The seed accommodating portion 32 is formed as a cylindrical depression from one main surface in the thickness direction of the seedling raising member 20. The diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32 is adjusted to a size that allows the water-absorbed seeds to rotate during germination. The diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion can be, for example, approximately the same as the long diameter of the water-absorbed seeds, to approximately 1.5 times or 2 times the long diameter.

The stem accommodating portion 34 is formed as a groove-like recess from one main surface of the seedling raising member 20. The stem accommodating portion 34 extends linearly upward from the seed accommodating portion 32. One end of the stem accommodating portion 34 (the top end opposite the seed accommodating portion 32) is open upward. The inner wall surfaces 341 on both sides of the stem accommodating portion 34 function to retain the elongated plant stem from both sides. In other words, the inner wall surfaces 341 of the stem accommodating portion 34 serve as stem retaining portions configured to retain the elongated plant stem.

The width d of the stem-accommodating portion 34 is adjusted to a size that allows the cotyledons to pass through. For example, the width d of the stem-accommodating portion 34 can be approximately 1/10 to 1/2 of the diameter φ of the seed-accommodating portion 32. The length L1 of the stem-accommodating portion 34 can be any length suitable for grafting. For example, the length L1 of the stem-accommodating portion 34 can be approximately 1 to 3 times the diameter φ of the seed-accommodating portion 32.

The root accommodating portion 36 is formed as a groove-shaped depression from one main surface of the seedling raising part 20. The root accommodating portion 36 is formed to extend linearly from the seed accommodating portion 32 downward (in the opposite direction to the stem accommodating portion 34) with the same width d as the root accommodating portion 36. One end of the root accommodating portion 36 (the top end on the side opposite to the seed accommodating portion 32) is open downward. The width d of the root accommodating portion 36 is adjusted to a size that allows the roots to pass through. The width d of the root accommodating portion 36 can be, for example, about 1/10 to 1/2 of the diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32. The length L2 of the root accommodating portion 36 only needs to be the length for the roots to extend downward, and can be about twice the diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32.

The depth W2 of the seed accommodating portion 32, the stem accommodating portion 34, and the root accommodating portion 36 is approximately half to one-third of the thickness W1 of the seedling raising member 20. To allow the water-absorbed seeds to at least rotate within the seed accommodating portion 32 during germination, the depth W2 of the seed accommodating portion 32, the stem accommodating portion 34, and the root accommodating portion 36 may be approximately the same as the diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32. In the seedling raising member 20 of the first embodiment, the depth W2 of the seed accommodating portion 32, the stem accommodating portion 34, and the root accommodating portion 36 is approximately the same as the diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32.

In the seedling raising member 20, the seed housing portion 32, the stem housing portion 34, and the root housing portion 36 are formed to open on one main surface of the seedling raising member 20. Three cutting marks 38a, 38b, and 38c are formed on both sides of the stem housing portion 34 of each seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising member 20 at different distances from the seed housing portion 32.

In the seedling raising member 20, the plurality of seedling raising units 30 are arranged in a predetermined direction so that the stem receiving portions 34 of each seedling raising unit 30 face the same direction. In the first embodiment, all the stem receiving portions 34 are oriented in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the stem receiving portions 34 of the plurality of seedling raising units 30 are arranged horizontally at equal intervals.

As shown in FIG5 , the seedling raising member assembly 10 for grafting, in which a plurality of seedling raising members 20 are arranged in an up-down direction (vertical direction) and integrated, is cut at the position of the dotted line in the horizontal direction to obtain the seedling raising members 20 .

Furthermore, the dimensions of the seedling raising unit 30 vary depending on the type of seed being raised. For example, for Arabidopsis thaliana seeds with a diameter of approximately 500 μm, the diameter φ of the seed receiving portion 32 can be 700 to 1200 μm (e.g., 900 μm). The width d of the stem receiving portion 34 and the root receiving portion 36 can be 100 to 500 μm (e.g., 250 μm). The length L1 of the stem receiving portion 34 can be 500 to 1500 μm (e.g., 1000 μm). The length L2 of the root receiving portion 36 can be 100 to 1000 μm (e.g., 500 μm).

On the other hand, in the case of tomatoes, eggplants, etc., the diameter φ of the seed receiving portion 32 can be 3.5 to 7.5 mm (e.g., 5.5 mm). The width d of the stem receiving portion 34 and the root receiving portion 36 can be 0.6 to 1.5 mm (e.g., 1.0 mm). The lengths L1 and L2 of the stem receiving portion 34 and the root receiving portion 36 can be 5 to 15 mm (e.g., 10 mm). The length L2 of the root receiving portion 36 can be 0 to 10 mm (e.g., 1 mm).

For example, a grafting seedling raising component assembly 10 is formed in which five grafting seedling raising components 20 are connected in the vertical direction. Each grafting seedling raising component 20 has four seedling raising units 30 arranged horizontally. In each seedling raising unit 30, the diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32 is 900 μm, the width d of the stem accommodating portion 34 and the root accommodating portion 36 is 300 μm, the length L1 of the stem accommodating portion 34 is 1000 μm, and the length of the root accommodating portion 36 is 500 μm. This results in a grafting seedling raising component assembly 10 having 20 seedling raising units 30 and a size of 17 mm (horizontally) by 16 mm (vertically and vertically).

Next, a method for producing grafted seedlings using a plurality of grafted seedling raising members 20 will be described.

As shown in Figures 6, 7, 8A to 8D, and 9A to 9C, the first embodiment of the method for producing a grafted seedling includes a seedling raising step and a grafting step. The seedling raising step comprises placing seeds 50 of a plant 5 in a seed receiving portion 32 in each seedling raising unit 30 of each seedling raising member 20, causing the plant 5 to germinate in the seed receiving portion 32, extending the stem 51 of the plant 5 in the stem receiving portion 34, and retaining the stem 51 of the plant 5 by the stem retaining portion (the inner wall surfaces 341 on both sides of the stem receiving portion 34). The grafting step comprises cutting the stem 51 of the plant 5 retained by the stem retaining portion (the inner wall surfaces 341 on both sides of the stem receiving portion 34) of the seedling raising unit 30 of each seedling raising member 20, and joining the cut surfaces of the stem 51 of the plant 5 to obtain a grafted seedling 6. The method for producing the grafted seedling 6 will be described in detail below.

FIG6 is a step diagram illustrating an example of a method for producing grafted seedlings using the grafting seedling raising unit 20. As shown in FIG6 , in producing the grafted seedlings, two seedling raising units 20 are first prepared (step S100). Next, seeds of a plant serving as a rootstock (the first plant) are sown into the seedling receptacles 32 of one seedling raising unit (the first seedling raising unit) 20, and seeds of a plant serving as a scion (the second plant) are sown into the seedling receptacles 32 of the other seedling raising unit (the second seedling raising unit) 20 (step S110).

Then, a plant growth medium is placed on one main surface (the surface where the seed receiving portion 32 of the seedling raising unit 30 is formed) of each of the two seedling raising members 20 via a membrane filter (step S120). Next, the two seedling raising members 20, along with the plant growth medium, are placed vertically upright and placed in the dark to grow seedlings until the cotyledons have reached the vicinity of one end (open end) of the stem receiving portion 34 (step S130). If the cotyledons have not yet expanded and have reached the vicinity of one end (open end) of the stem receiving portion 34, the seedlings are grown in the light until the cotyledons have expanded (step S140). This causes the cotyledons to expand.

Here, Figure 7 shows the state when the seedling raising part 20 is erected vertically together with the plant growth medium 40. The plant growth medium 40 is configured in a manner that covers one main surface of the seedling raising part 20 (in a manner that closes the opening portion of the seed receiving part 32, the stem receiving part 34 and the root receiving part 36). As a result, the direction in which the plant seeds are put in and the direction in which the plant growth medium 40 required for germination and cultivation of the plant is supplied will be different from each other (orthogonal directions) with the growth direction of the plant, thereby forming a structure with excellent operability. In addition, the seedling raising part 20 is erected vertically together with the plant growth medium 40 because the plant 5 is allowed to grow in the direction of gravity. In addition, the seedlings are raised in a dark place because the stem (hypocotyl) is allowed to elongate to a certain extent without the cotyledons unfolding.

8A to 8D illustrate the state of seedling cultivation in the seedling cultivation unit 30. When the seedlings are grown in the dark, seeds 50 of the plant 5 sown into the seed container 32 ( FIG. 8A ) germinate ( FIG. 8B ), with the stem 51 extending within the stem container 34 while the cotyledons 52 are not unfolded, and the roots 53 extending within the root container 36 ( FIG. 8C ). Subsequently, when the seedlings are grown in the light, the cotyledons 52 unfold ( FIG. 8D ).

Next, as shown in FIG6 , the two seedling raising members 20 are horizontally cut together with the seedling raising members 20 at a midway position of the stem housing 34 (e.g., at the position of the cutting mark 38b) (step S150). By this cutting, the cut portions (divided pieces) on the seed housing 32 side of the seedling raising member 20 where the seeds of the plant serving as the rootstock are sown form a rootstock array, and the cut portions (divided pieces) on the cotyledon side of the seedling raising member 20 where the seeds of the plant serving as the scion are sown form a scion array.

Afterwards, the scion array is placed on the rootstock array in a manner aligned with the rootstock array for joining (step S160). Since both the rootstock array and the scion array are obtained by horizontally cutting the same seedling raising member 20 at the midway position of the stem receiving portion 34, simply placing the scion array on the rootstock array in a manner aligned with the rootstock array will make the stem receiving portion 34 of the rootstock array match the stem receiving portion 34 of the scion array, so that the cut surface of the stem of the plant serving as the rootstock and the cut surface of the stem of the plant serving as the scion will abut against each other.

Figures 9A to 9C illustrate an example of grafting using two seedling-raising members 20. As shown, the seedling-raising member 20 (Figure 9B) on which the seeds of the rootstock plant 5A are sown and the seedling-raising member 20 (Figure 9A) on which the seeds of the scion plant 5B are sown are horizontally cut midway along their respective stem-receiving sections 34. The scion array 22 (the cut portion on the cotyledon side in Figure 9A) is then placed on the rootstock array 21 (the cut portion on the seed-receiving section 32 side in Figure 9B). This allows the cut surface of the rootstock stem to abut against the cut surface of the scion stem, allowing grafting to proceed (Figure 9C).

Afterwards, as shown in Figure 6, in a state where the cut surface of the stem of the stock and the cut surface of the stem of the scion are in contact, the seedlings are grown in a bright place (weak light) (step S170). Thus, the cut surface of the stem of the stock and the cut surface of the stem of the scion are joined, thereby obtaining a grafted seedling. Through the above, the production of the grafted seedling is completed.

In addition, in the first embodiment, two groups of seedling parts 20 are prepared, in which the diameter φ of the seed receiving portion 32 of the seedling unit 30 is 900 μm, the width d of the stem receiving portion 34 and the root receiving portion 36 is 250 μm, the length L1 of the stem receiving portion 34 is 1000 μm, and the length L2 of the root receiving portion 36 is 500 μm, and Arabidopsis thaliana is used for grafting.

When seeds are sown in the seed receiving portion 32 of the seedling raising unit 30, a plant growth medium 40 is set, and the seedlings are raised in a dark place, the cotyledons will reach near one end (open end) of the stem receiving portion 34 after 2 days. After that, after 1 to 2 days of raising the seedlings in a bright place, the cotyledons have unfolded. As described above, the stem receiving portion 34 is cut horizontally together with the seedling raising part 20 at the middle position, and the scion array is placed on the rootstock array in a manner aligned with the rootstock array for grafting. It was found that the grafting was established after about 1 week. After the tracer dye transported by the symplasm was added to the leaves, the roots were observed, and the reconnection of the vascular bundles was confirmed by detecting the fluorescence of the dye from the roots, thereby confirming the establishment of the graft. In addition, it was also confirmed that the grafted Arabidopsis plants formed the next generation of seeds.

Next, the effects of the grafting seedling raising member 20 and the method for producing a grafted seedling using the same according to the first embodiment will be described.

The grafting seedling raising component 20 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of seedling raising units 30. Each seedling raising unit 30 has a simple structure comprising a seed container 32, a stem container 34, and a stem retaining portion (the inner wall surface 341 of the stem container 34). Therefore, using the seedling raising component 20, it is possible to easily prepare plants (grafted seedlings) for grafting. In particular, the seedling raising units 30 include a stem retaining portion (the inner wall surface 341 of the stem container 34), thereby easily preparing grafted seedlings with their stems retained by the stem retaining portion (the inner wall surface 341 of the stem container 34).

For example, in the seedling raising part 20 of the first embodiment, a stock array formed by arranging a plurality of stock in a row and a scion array formed by arranging a plurality of scions in a row can be obtained. Furthermore, by simply placing the scion array on the stock array in a manner aligned with the stock array, a plurality of grafted seedlings arranged in a row can be obtained. In this way, grafting can be performed with good precision by simple mechanical operation. Therefore, anyone can easily produce uniform grafted seedlings with good precision, thereby achieving an improvement in the productivity and quality of the grafted seedlings.

Furthermore, the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) can be prepared with a simple structure. Therefore, the seedling raising member 20 can be prepared in large quantities. Thus, the seedling raising member 20 can be used to mass-produce grafted seedlings. Furthermore, since the size of the seedling raising member 20 can be easily adjusted to suit the plant to be grafted, grafting can be easily performed on plants of all sizes, from small to large plants, and from seedlings shortly after germination to fully grown plants, regardless of their growth stage.

Furthermore, by using the seedling raising component 20, it is possible to easily prepare for seedling raising and to achieve space saving in the seedling raising site. Furthermore, the plant cultivation cycle can be shortened. Thus, it is possible to reduce cultivation costs. Furthermore, if rice seedlings (particularly small rice seedlings that are difficult to handle by hand) are used as the target, cultivation costs can be reduced by shortening the cultivation time, and transportation costs can be reduced due to the small size of the grafted seedlings.

Furthermore, a portion of the seed container 32 of each seedling raising unit 30 is configured to be openable to the outside of the seed container 32. Therefore, plant seeds can be easily introduced into the seed container 32 through the opening of the seed container 32. This eliminates the need to insert plant seeds from the stem container 34, allowing the inner diameter of the stem container 34 to be adjusted to the diameter of the plant stem. Furthermore, the plant growth medium 40 required for plant germination and growth can be supplied to the seed container 32 (specifically, the plant seeds contained therein) through the opening of the seed container 32, enabling easy and smooth plant growth.

Furthermore, a portion of the stem accommodating portion 34 of each seedling raising unit 30 is configured to be openable to the outside of the stem accommodating portion 34. Therefore, the plant growth medium 40 required for plant germination and growth can be supplied to the stem accommodating portion 34 (specifically, the stem of the plant accommodated therein) through the opening portion of the stem accommodating portion 34, thereby enabling easy and smooth plant growth. Furthermore, the plant stem can be extended, and the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. can be expanded outside the seedling raising unit 30, thereby enabling easy and smooth plant growth.

Furthermore, compared to using larger soil particles, using a plant growth medium 40 such as an agar medium allows for significantly smaller seedling raising components 20, making it easier to prepare seedling raising components 20 of a desired shape. Furthermore, using a compact seedling raising component 20 allows for positioning (coordinate determination) of a grafted seedling (e.g., a cross-section of a plant stem) at micron level, enabling grafting with high precision. This makes it possible to easily and accurately graft small seedlings, which was previously difficult to do.

Furthermore, since the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit 30 (the inner wall surface 341 of the stem receiving portion 34) can directly hold the stem of the plant that has germinated and extended, grafting can be performed immediately after the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. emerge from the opening of the stem receiving portion 32 to the outside of the seedling raising unit 30. Thus, the seedling can be grafted immediately after germination.

Furthermore, the seedling raising unit 30 includes not only the seed housing portion 32 and the stem housing portion 34 but also the root housing portion 36. Therefore, the roots of the plant can be extended in the root housing portion 36. This allows the plant to be grown easily and smoothly.

In addition, one end of the root accommodating portion 36 of the seedling raising unit 30 is open to the outside. Therefore, the roots of the plant can be further extended outside the seedling raising unit 30. Thus, the plant can be grown easily and smoothly.

In addition, the seedling raising unit 30 is plate-shaped. Therefore, it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the seedling raising unit 30 and further miniaturization of the entire seedling raising member 20. Moreover, by miniaturizing the seedling raising member 20, space saving of the seedling raising site can be achieved.

Furthermore, the seedling raising unit 30 is plate-shaped, and the seed receiving portion 32, the stem receiving portion 34, and the root receiving portion 36 are formed to be open on one main surface of the seedling raising unit 30. Therefore, it is easy to put seeds into the seed receiving portion 32, to supply the plant growth medium 40 to the seed receiving portion 32, the stem receiving portion 34, and the root receiving portion 36, and to remove the grafted seedling after grafting.

In addition, the seedling raising part 20 (seedling raising unit 30) is made of an elastically deformable material. Therefore, the cultivated plant can be held in the seedling raising unit 30. A part of the stem accommodating portion 34 (specifically, the inner wall surface 341) is made to function as a stem retaining portion, so that the stem of the cultivated plant can be retained. Thus, even if the stem of the plant in the stem accommodating portion 34 of the seedling raising unit 30 is cut together with the seedling raising part 20, the stem of the plant can also be retained in the stem accommodating portion 34. In addition, since the seedling raising unit 30 can be flexibly deformed in accordance with the growth of the plant, the close fit with the plant is improved, the stem of the plant is easily retained, and the effect of not hindering the growth of the plant can be obtained.

Furthermore, the seedling raising member 20 includes a plurality of seedling raising units 30. Therefore, grafted seedlings can be produced in greater quantities using the seedling raising member 20. This further improves the productivity of the grafted seedlings.

Furthermore, the seedling raising member 20 (plural seedling raising units 30) is integrally formed. Therefore, the structure of the seedling raising member 20 can be simplified. Furthermore, the grafting operation using the plurality of seedling raising members 20 becomes easier.

Furthermore, the plurality of seedling raising units 30 are arranged in a predetermined direction so that the stem receiving portions 34 of the respective seedling raising units 30 face the same direction. This facilitates grafting operations using the plurality of seedling raising members 20 (particularly, cutting plant stems and joining plant stem sections).

Furthermore, the plurality of seedling raising units 30 are arranged so that the stem receiving portions 34 of the respective seedling raising units 30 are arranged at equal intervals. Therefore, grafting operations using the plurality of seedling raising members 20 are facilitated (particularly, cutting of plant stems and joining of plant stem sections).

Furthermore, the seedling raising unit 20 is designed for grafting rice seedlings (particularly small seedlings that are difficult to handle by hand). This reduces cultivation time and transportation costs by shortening the time it takes to grow the seedlings. Furthermore, even small plants that have been difficult to graft manually can be effectively grafted.

Furthermore, the method for producing grafted seedlings according to the first embodiment is performed using a plurality of grafting seedling raising members 20. Therefore, grafting can be easily and precisely performed as described above, thereby easily and precisely producing grafted seedlings. Furthermore, anyone can easily and precisely produce uniform grafted seedlings, thereby improving the quality of the grafted seedlings. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce cultivation and transportation costs.

Furthermore, in the method for producing grafted seedlings of the first embodiment, in the grafting step, the stem of the plant held by the stem holding portion (inner wall surface 341 of the stem receiving portion 34) of the seedling raising unit 30 of each seedling raising member 20 is cut, thereby dividing (cutting) each seedling raising member 20 into a plurality of parts to form a plurality of divided pieces (cut portions). The divided pieces (cut portions) of each seedling raising member 20 are arranged so that the cut surfaces of the plant stem abut against each other. Therefore, the grafting operation in the grafting step (particularly, the joining of the cut surfaces of the plant stem) is facilitated.

Furthermore, during the seedling raising step, the seedling raising member 20 is placed in the dark until the cotyledons of the plant reach one end (open end) of the stem accommodating portion 34, after which the seedling raising member 20 is placed in the light. Specifically, by placing the seedling raising member 20 in the dark, the cotyledons are prevented from unfolding within the stem accommodating portion 34, allowing the stem to fully extend, thereby allowing the stem to be properly positioned within the stem accommodating portion 34. Furthermore, by placing the seedling raising member 20 in the light, the cotyledons unfold outside the stem accommodating portion 34, and the stem grows thicker to fit within the stem accommodating portion 34, which is then held by the stem retaining portion (the inner wall surface 341 of the stem accommodating portion 34). This allows for easy and smooth plant cultivation.

Thus, according to the first embodiment, the following grafting seedling raising component 20, seedling raising kit and method for producing grafted seedlings can be provided, that is, grafted seedlings can be easily produced regardless of the size or growth stage of the plant body to be grafted, and the productivity of grafted seedlings can be improved, the quality of grafted seedlings can be improved, and costs can be reduced.

(Second embodiment)

As shown in Figures 10 and 11A to 11D, the second embodiment is an example of a method for producing grafted seedlings using three grafted seedling raising members 20. However, descriptions of the same structures, methods, and effects as those of the first embodiment will be appropriately omitted.

Figure 10 is a step diagram showing an example of a method for producing grafted seedlings using the seedling raising parts 20. As shown in Figure 10, in the method for producing grafted seedlings, three seedling raising parts 20 are first prepared (step S200). That is, a seedling raising kit including three groups of seedling raising parts 20 is prepared. Next, seeds of the plant (first plant) serving as the rootstock are sown into the various seed holding parts 32 of the first seedling raising part 20. And seeds of the plant (second plant) serving as the intermediate rootstock are sown into the various seed holding parts 32 of the second seedling raising part 20. In addition, seeds of the plant (third plant) serving as the scion are sown into the various seed holding parts 32 of the third seedling raising part 20 (step S210).

Next, a plant growth medium 40 is placed on one main surface (the surface forming the seed receiving section 32 of the seedling raising unit 30) of each of the three seedling raising components 20 through a membrane filter (step S220). The three seedling raising components 20, along with the plant growth medium 40, are then placed in a vertical position and raised in the dark until the cotyledons reach near one end (open end) of the stem receiving section 34 (step S230). If the cotyledons have not yet unfolded but have reached near one end (open end) of the stem receiving section 34, the seedlings are raised in the light until they unfold (step S240). This causes the cotyledons to unfold.

Next, the first seedling raising member 20 is cut horizontally together with the seedling raising member 20 at a midway position in the stem accommodating portion 34 (e.g., at the position of the cutting mark 38c). Furthermore, the second seedling raising member 20 is cut horizontally together with the seedling raising member 20 at two midway positions in the stem accommodating portion 34 (e.g., at the positions of the cutting marks 38a and 38c). Furthermore, the third seedling raising member 20 is cut horizontally together with the seedling raising member 20 at a midway position in the stem accommodating portion 34 (e.g., at the position of the cutting mark 38a) (step S250).

Through this cutting process, the cut portions (divided pieces) on the seed receiving portion 32 side of the first seedling raising member 20, where the seeds of the plant serving as the rootstock are sown, form a rootstock array. Furthermore, the cut portions (divided pieces) on the stem receiving portion 34 of the second seedling raising member 20, where the seeds of the plant serving as the intermediate stock are sown, form an intermediate stock array. Furthermore, the cut portions (divided pieces) on the cotyledon side of the third seedling raising member 20, where the seeds of the plant serving as the scion are sown, form a scion array.

Next, the intermediate stock array is placed on the rootstock array in a manner aligned with the rootstock array, and the scion array is placed on the intermediate stock array in a manner aligned with the intermediate stock array for joining (step S260). Since the rootstock array, intermediate stock array, and scion array are obtained by horizontally cutting the same seedling raising component 20 at the midpoint of the stem receiving portion 34, only by placing the intermediate stock array on the rootstock array in a manner aligned with the rootstock array and the scion array on the intermediate stock array in a manner aligned with the intermediate stock array, the stem receiving portions 34 of the rootstock array and the stem receiving portions 34 of the intermediate stock and the stem receiving portions 34 of the scion array are matched. Furthermore, the cut surface of the rootstock stem is brought into contact with the cut surface of the intermediate stock stem, and the cut surface of the intermediate stock stem is brought into contact with the cut surface of the scion stem.

Figures 11A to 11D illustrate an example of grafting using three seedling raising members 20. As shown, the first seedling raising member 20 (Figure 11C) sown with seeds of plant 5A serving as a rootstock, the second seedling raising member 20 (Figure 11B) sown with seeds of plant 5C serving as an intermediate stock, and the third seedling raising member 20 (Figure 11A) sown with seeds of plant 5B serving as a scion are horizontally cut along the dotted line midway along the stem receiving portion 34. Then, the intermediate stock array 23 (the cut portion between the two dotted lines in Figure 11B) is placed on the rootstock array 21 (the cut portion on the seed receiving portion 32 side in Figure 11C), and the scion array 22 (the cut portion on the cotyledon side in Figure 11A) is placed on the intermediate stock array 23. Thus, the cut surface of the stem of the rootstock is brought into contact with the cut surface of the lower side of the stem of the interstock, and the cut surface of the upper side of the stem of the interstock is brought into contact with the cut surface of the stem of the scion, thereby performing grafting ( FIG. 11D ).

Afterwards, as shown in Figure 10, under the state that the cut surfaces of the stem of stock, interstock and scion are abutted against each other, seedlings are raised in the open (step S270). Thus, the cut surfaces are engaged with each other to obtain grafted seedlings. As described above, the production of grafted seedlings is completed. Wherein, as the interstock, the genus Nicotiana that can be grafted with a wide range of plants can be used.

Under the situation of the 2nd embodiment, owing to use interstock, therefore can improve the combination freedom of stock and scion.In addition, if use the Nicotiana etc. that can be grafted with a wide range of plants as interstock, then can graft mutually incompatible plants each other by the presence of interstock.

In the second embodiment, three plants were grafted simultaneously. However, for example, two plants could be grafted and then the grafted plants could be grafted with other plants. In other words, multiple grafting operations could be performed. The same applies to grafting four or more plants.

(Third embodiment)

12 and 13 , the third embodiment is an example in which the structure of the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) for grafting is modified. However, descriptions of the same structure, method, and effects as those of the first embodiment are omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG12 , the seedling raising component 20 is constructed with a plurality of seedling raising units 30 arranged horizontally. The seedling raising units 30 are formed so that the stem accommodating portion 34 and the root accommodating portion 36 are inclined relative to the horizontal plane from the seed accommodating portion 32 (e.g., at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees). In this case, the seedling raising component 20 is cut along the cutting marks 38 formed horizontally on both sides of the stem accommodating portion 34, thereby obtaining an array of rootstocks with oblique stem cuts and an array of scions with oblique stem cuts at the same angle as the cutting angle of the rootstocks, thereby obtaining grafted seedlings of rootstocks and scions with oblique stem cuts. In this case, it is preferable to raise seedlings with the stem accommodating portion 34 and the root accommodating portion 36 of the seedling raising unit 30 in a vertical orientation.

In addition, the seedling raising part 20 can be obtained by cutting the seedling raising part assembly 110 illustrated in Figure 13 along the dotted line. It is also possible to use two such seedling raising parts 20 to produce a grafted seedling formed by a stock and a scion, or to use three such seedling raising parts 20 to produce a grafted seedling formed by a stock, an interstock and a scion.

(Fourth embodiment)

14A and 14B , the fourth embodiment is an example in which the structure of the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) for grafting is modified. However, descriptions of the same structures, methods, and effects as those of the first embodiment are appropriately omitted.

As shown in FIG14A , the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising member 20 includes a seed raising portion 33 formed by integrating a seed receiving portion and a stem receiving portion. The seedling raising portion 33 is formed to open on one main surface of the seedling raising member 20. The seedling raising portion 33 is provided with a plurality of cylindrical stem retaining portions 31 protruding from the bottom surface of the seedling raising portion 33. Grooved cutting marks 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising portion 33. The cutting marks 38 are formed to communicate with the seedling raising portion 33.

14B , the stem holding portion 31 guides the extension of the stem 51 of the germinated plant 5 in the seedling raising portion 33 and holds the extended stem 51. Thus, the extended stem 51 of the plant 5 is fully held by the stem holding portion 31.

(Fifth embodiment)

15 to 18 , the fifth embodiment is an example in which the structure of the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) for grafting is modified. However, descriptions of the same structure, method, and effects as those of the first embodiment are appropriately omitted.

Unlike the first to fourth embodiments described above, in which seedlings are raised in the dark until halfway through and then in the light from halfway through, the seedling raising member 20 shown in FIG. 15 to FIG. 18 is used for raising seedlings in the light from the beginning to the end.

As shown in Figure 15, the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising part 20 has a seed raising part 33 that is formed by integrating a seed accommodating part, a stem accommodating part and a root accommodating part. The seedling raising part 33 is a space formed in a longitudinal direction and has a width that can be rotated when the seeds 50 of the plant 5 that has absorbed water germinate, and the seedling raising part 33 is adjusted to a size that can be expanded by the cotyledons. The inner wall surface 35 on both sides of the seedling raising part 33 has the function of guiding the elongation of the stem of the germinated plant 5 and has the function of a stem retaining part that maintains the elongated stem of the plant 5. Grooved cutting marks 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising part 33. The cutting mark 38 is formed to be communicated with the seedling raising part 33.

As shown in Figure 16, the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising component 20 includes a seed raising section 33 that integrates a seed receptacle, a stem receptacle, and a root receptacle, and a pair of plate-shaped seedling holding sections 37 formed on either side of the seedling raising section 33 so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the seedling raising section 33. The seedling raising section 33 is formed to open on one main surface side of the seedling raising component 20. The seedling raising section 33 is a longitudinally shaped space, and its width is adjusted to allow the seeds 50 of the water-absorbing plant 5 to rotate during germination. The seedling holding section 37 can be easily elastically deformed, and elastically deforms in a manner that does not hinder the cotyledons from expanding. In addition, the seedling holding section 37 has the function of guiding the elongation of the stem of the germinated plant 5 and also serves as a stem holding section to maintain the elongated stem of the plant 5. Grooved cut-off marks 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising section 33 (the pair of seedling holding sections 37). The cut-off marks 38 are formed to communicate with the seedling raising section 33.

As shown in Figure 17, the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising component 20 has a seed raising unit 33 that is formed by integrating a seed holding unit, a stem holding unit, and a root holding unit. A pair of plate-shaped seedling holding units 37 are provided on the seedling raising unit 33 so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the seedling raising unit 33. The distance (width) between the seedling holding units 37 is adjusted to a width that allows the seeds 50 of the plant 5 that has absorbed water to rotate when germinating. The seedling holding units 37 can be easily elastically deformed and elastically deform in a manner that does not hinder the cotyledons when they unfold. In addition, the seedling holding units 37 have the function of guiding the elongation of the stems of the germinated plants 5 and have the function of a stem holding unit to maintain the elongated stems of the plants 5. Grooved cut-off marks 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising unit 33 in a manner that crosses the pair of seedling holding units 37. The cut-off marks 38 are formed to communicate with the seedling raising unit 33.

As shown in Figure 18, the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising component 20 has a seed raising unit 33 that is formed by integrating a seed holding unit, a stem holding unit, and a root holding unit. A plurality of cylindrical seedling holding units 37 are provided in the seedling raising unit 33 so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the seedling raising unit 33. The plurality of seedling holding units 37 are arranged in two rows along the longitudinal direction. The distance (width) between the seedling holding units 37 is adjusted to a width that allows the seeds 50 of the plant 5 that has absorbed water to rotate when germinating. The seedling holding units 37 can be easily elastically deformed and elastically deform in a manner that does not hinder the cotyledons when they unfold. In addition, the seedling holding units 37 have the function of guiding the elongation of the stems of the germinated plants 5 and have the function of a stem holding unit that holds the elongated stems of the plants 5. Grooved cut-off marks 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising unit 33. The cut-off marks 38 are formed to communicate with the seedling raising unit 33.

(Sixth embodiment)

19, 20A, and 20B, the sixth embodiment is an example in which the structure of the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) for grafting is modified. However, descriptions of the same structure, method, and effects as those of the fifth embodiment are appropriately omitted.

19, 20A and 20B, the seedling raising member 20 is composed of two members, a first seedling raising member 20A and a second seedling raising member 20B. The seedling raising unit 30 is composed of a first unit portion 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A and a second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B.

As shown in Figure 19, the first unit portion 30A of the first seedling raising component 20A has a seed raising portion 33 formed by integrating a seed accommodating portion, a stem accommodating portion and a root accommodating portion. The seedling raising portion 33 is provided with a plurality of conical seedling raising guides 39 formed in a manner protruding from the bottom surface of the seedling raising portion 33. A plurality of seedling raising guides 39 are configured to be arranged in two rows along the longitudinal direction. The distance (width) between the seedling raising guides 39 is adjusted to a width that can be rotated when the seeds 50 of the plant 5 that has absorbed water germinate. The seedling raising guides 39 can be easily elastically deformed and elastically deformed in a manner that does not hinder the cotyledons when they unfold. In addition, the seedling raising retaining portion 37 has the function of guiding the elongation of the stem of the germinated plant 5.

As shown in FIG20A , the second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B includes a plurality of cylindrical seedling holding portions 37. The plurality of seedling guides 37 are arranged in two rows in the longitudinal direction. The seedling holding portions 37 are easily elastically deformable and function as stem holding portions for holding the elongated stems of the plants 5.

20A , a plant 5 is grown in the first unit 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A. Then, the plurality of seedling holding portions 37 of the second unit 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B are inserted into the seedling raising portion 33 of the first unit 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A.

Next, as shown in FIG20B , the second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B is separated from the first unit portion 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A, thereby obtaining the second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B in a state where the stem 51 of the plant 5 is held by the plurality of seedling holding portions 37. Thereafter, grafting is performed using the second seedling raising member 20B to obtain a grafted seedling.

Alternatively, other methods can be used to produce grafted seedlings. For example, as shown in FIG21A , a plant 5 is grown in the first unit 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A. Adhesive 41 is then applied to two locations on the stem 51 of the plant 5. This adhesive 41 functions as a stem retaining member to hold the elongated stem of the plant 5. Subsequently, the second unit 30B of the plate-shaped second seedling raising member 20B is pressed against the plant 5 in the first unit 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A.

21B , the second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B is separated from the first unit portion 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A, thereby holding the stem 51 of the plant 5 by the second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B via the adhesive 41. Grafting is then performed using the second seedling raising member 20B to obtain a grafted seedling.

(Seventh embodiment)

22, 23A, and 23B, the seventh embodiment is an example in which the structure of the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) for grafting is modified. However, descriptions of the same structures, methods, and effects as those of the fifth embodiment are appropriately omitted.

As shown in Figure 22, the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising component 20 includes a seed raising section 33 that is formed by integrating a seed accommodating section, a stem accommodating section, and a root accommodating section. Two plate-shaped seedling holding sections 37 are provided on each side of the seedling raising section 33, protruding from the inner wall surfaces on both sides of the seedling raising section 33. In other words, there are four seedling holding sections 37 in total. The width of the seedling raising section 33 is adjusted to allow the seeds 50 of the plant 5 that have absorbed water to rotate during germination. The seedling holding sections 42 are easily elastically deformable and deform in a manner that does not hinder the cotyledons from expanding. Furthermore, the seedling holding sections 42 guide the elongation of the stems of the germinated plants 5 and also function as stem holding sections to maintain the elongated stems of the plants 5. Grooved cut-off markings 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising section 33. The cut-off markings 38 are formed to communicate with the seedling raising section 33.

As shown in FIG23A , the seedling holding portion 42 guides the extension of the stem 51 of the germinated plant 5 within the seedling raising portion 33 and holds the extended stem 51. Thus, the extended stem 51 of the plant 5 can be fully held by the seedling holding portion 42. Furthermore, as shown in FIG23B , while the stem 51 of the plant 5 is held by the seedling holding portion 42, sheet members 43 are further arranged above and below the opening of the seedling raising portion 33 to further fully hold the stem 51 of the plant 5.

(Other embodiments)

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

(1) In the above embodiment, the seedling raising member 20 is plate-shaped, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can adopt various shapes. In addition, the shapes of the seed receiving portion 32, stem receiving portion 34, stem holding portion 31, root receiving portion 36, etc. of the seedling raising unit 30 can be appropriately changed according to the type and size of the plant to be grafted.

(2) In the above embodiment, in the seedling raising member 20, three cutting marks 38a, 38b, and 38c are formed on both sides of the stem receiving portion 34 of each seedling raising unit 30 at different distances from the seed receiving portion 32. However, the number of cutting marks is not limited to this. Furthermore, the cutting marks may not be formed.

(3) In the above embodiment, after sowing seeds into the seed container 32 of the seedling raising unit 30, the plant growth medium 40 is placed on one main surface of the seedling raising member 20 via the membrane filter, and the seedling raising member 20 is erected together with the plant growth medium 40 so that the stem container 34 is vertical. However, if an appropriate amount of plant growth medium is added to the seed container 32 along with the seeds, the seedling raising member 20 can also be erected in such a state that the stem container 34 is vertical. In this way, by saving space corresponding to the membrane filter and the plant growth medium, it is possible to produce grafted seedlings with further space saving.

(4) In the above embodiment, when the stem of the plant in the stem receiving portion 34 of the seedling raising unit 30 of each seedling raising component 20 is cut, the seedling raising component 20 is cut together. However, if the seedling raising component 20 (seedling raising unit 30) is constructed so as to be split at the cutting position of the plant stem, only the plant stem can be cut without cutting the seedling raising component 20, so the seedling raising component 20 can be reused.

(5) In the above embodiment, a grafted seedling is produced by grafting a plurality of plants. Here, the plurality of plants may be plants of the same species, plants of different species, or a mixture of plants of the same species and plants of different species.

(6) In the above embodiment, a rootstock plant and a scion plant are grafted (two plants are grafted), or an intermediate rootstock plant is arranged between the rootstock plant and the scion plant to graft three plants. The intermediate rootstock plant may be one or more. In other words, three plants may be grafted, or four or more plants may be grafted.

(7) The seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) may be made of, for example, a biodegradable material. In this case, the grafted seedlings produced using the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) do not need to be removed from the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30), but can be spread along with the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) over a wide field (sowing seedlings). Zein (a water-insoluble protein extracted from corn) or the like can be used as the biodegradable material.

(8) The constituent elements of this disclosure are conceptual elements and are not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the functions of one constituent element may be dispersed among multiple constituent elements, or the functions of multiple constituent elements may be integrated into one constituent element. Furthermore, at least a portion of the components of the above-described embodiments may be replaced with a known component having the same function.

Grafting seedling raising component, seedling raising kit and method for producing grafted seedlings

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This international application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-026570 filed in the Japan Patent Office on February 13, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a seedling raising component for grafting, a seedling raising kit, and a method for producing grafted seedlings.

Background Art

In the field of agricultural horticulture, grafting is widely used to avoid continuous cropping problems, improve quality and yield, and breed new varieties. Grafting is a very widely used method in the field of agricultural horticulture. Whether for commercial or household use, grafting has become widely popular, but most grafting is done by hand. Since a certain degree of practice is required in the implementation of grafting, there are problems such as deviation in the quality of grafted seedlings and slow production speed. As a method to solve these problems, the following patent document 1 discloses a fully automatic grafting device. And the following patent documents 2 to 7 disclose various grafting components. In addition, since it is based on the premise of being implemented by hand, grafting is only suitable for plant bodies that have grown to a size that can be handled by hand.

Prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-238805

Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-127149

Patent Document 3: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-99930

Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-327498

Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-242699

Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-280265

Patent Document 7: European Patent Application Publication No. 829199

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

As mentioned above, since grafting requires a certain degree of practice, there are problems such as variability in the quality of grafted seedlings and slow production speeds. Furthermore, the fully automatic grafting device described in Patent Document 1 is large and expensive, making it unsuitable for small-scale grafting operations. Furthermore, while the grafting components described in Patent Documents 2-7 include, for example, a seed container for holding plant seeds and a stem container connected to the seed container, inserting plant seeds from the stem container into the seed container requires the stem container's inner diameter to be larger than the seed container. Consequently, the plant stem contained in the stem container cannot be adequately held, making it difficult to position the stem during grafting. This results in a reduced grafting success rate and poor grafting operability. Furthermore, the low grafting accuracy makes grafting small plants difficult. Furthermore, the plants that can be handled by hand or with large devices are limited to those with larger plant bodies. Consequently, grafting is only suitable for vegetables with large embryos, such as those in the Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae families.

One aspect of the present disclosure is to enable easy production of grafted seedlings regardless of the size or growth stage of the plant body to be grafted, and to achieve improved productivity and quality of the grafted seedlings and reduced costs.

Technical solutions to the problem

The grafting seedling raising component of one aspect of the present disclosure is provided with at least one seedling raising unit. The at least one seedling raising unit includes a seed holding portion, a stem holding portion, and a stem retaining portion. The seed holding portion is configured to hold plant seeds and has a space for plant germination; the stem holding portion is configured to hold the stem of the plant that germinates and elongates; and the stem retaining portion is configured to retain the elongated stem of the plant. At least a portion of the seed holding portion of the at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of the at least one seedling raising unit in a direction orthogonal to the growth direction of the plant. At least a portion of the stem holding portion of the at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of the at least one seedling raising unit in a direction orthogonal to the growth direction of the plant.

The grafting seedling raising component includes at least one seedling raising unit. The at least one seedling raising unit has a simple structure including a seed receiving portion, a stem receiving portion, and a stem retaining portion. Therefore, the seedling raising component can be used to easily prepare a plant body (grafting seedling) for grafting. In particular, the at least one seedling raising unit includes a stem retaining portion, thereby easily preparing a grafting seedling with the stem retained by the stem retaining portion.

Furthermore, for example, a first plant is cultivated by the first seedling-raising component, and a second plant is cultivated by the second seedling-raising component. Next, the stem of the first plant held by the stem-holding portion of the seedling-raising unit in the first seedling-raising component is cut, and the stem of the second plant held by the stem-holding portion of the seedling-raising unit in the second seedling-raising component is cut. Then, the cross-section of the stem of the first plant in the first seedling-raising component and the cross-section of the stem of the second plant in the second seedling-raising component are joined. In this way, grafting can be performed with good precision through a simple and mechanized operation. Therefore, anyone can easily produce uniform grafted seedlings with good precision, thereby achieving an improvement in the productivity and quality of the grafted seedlings.

In addition, a seedling raising component (at least one seedling raising unit) can be prepared with a simple structure. Therefore, a large number of seedling raising components can be prepared. Thus, it is possible to utilize the seedling raising component to mass-produce grafted seedlings. In addition, it is easy to adjust the size of the seedling raising component to match the plant body as the grafting object. Therefore, regardless of the size of the plant, from small plants to large plants, and from seedlings shortly after germination to grown plants, regardless of the growth stage, grafting can be easily performed.

Furthermore, the use of seedling raising components facilitates seedling preparation and reduces space requirements at the seedling raising site. Furthermore, the plant cultivation cycle can be shortened, thereby reducing cultivation costs. Furthermore, if rice seedlings (particularly small rice seedlings that are difficult to handle by hand) are used as the target, cultivation costs can be reduced by shortening the cultivation time, and transportation costs can be reduced due to the small size of the grafted seedlings.

In addition, at least a portion of the seed storage section of at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of the seed storage section. Therefore, plant seeds can be easily dropped into the seed storage section from the opening portion of the seed storage section. As a result, there is no need to drop plant seeds from the stem storage section, and the inner diameter of the stem storage section can be set to match the diameter of the plant stem. In addition, for example, the seed storage section (specifically, the plant seeds contained in the seed storage section) can be supplied with plant growth medium required for plant germination and cultivation from the opening portion of the seed storage section, thereby enabling easy and smooth plant cultivation.

Furthermore, at least a portion of the stem accommodating portion of at least one of the seedling raising units is configured to be openable to the outside of the stem accommodating portion. Therefore, for example, plant growth medium, etc., required for plant germination and cultivation can be supplied to the stem accommodating portion (specifically, the stem of the plant accommodated therein) through the opening, thereby facilitating and smoothly cultivating the plant. Furthermore, the plant stem can be elongated, and cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. can be unfolded outside of at least one of the seedling raising units, thereby facilitating and smoothly cultivating the plant.

Furthermore, compared to using larger soil particles, using a plant growth medium such as an agar medium allows for significantly smaller seedling-raising components, making it easier to prepare seedling-raising components of a desired shape. Furthermore, using small seedling-raising components allows for positioning (coordinate determination) of a grafted seedling (e.g., a cross-section of a plant stem) at the micron level, enabling grafting with high precision. This makes it possible to easily and accurately graft small seedlings, which was previously difficult.

Furthermore, for example, the stem of a plant that has sprouted and grown can be directly held by the stem holding portion of at least one of the seedling raising units, so that grafting can be performed immediately after the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. emerge from the opening of the stem holding portion to the outside of the at least one of the seedling raising units. Thus, the seedling can be grafted immediately after it has sprouted.

A seedling raising kit for grafting according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of the above-mentioned seedling raising components for grafting.

The grafting seedling raising kit includes a plurality of the grafting seedling raising components. Therefore, as described above, grafting can be performed easily. Furthermore, anyone can easily produce uniform grafted seedlings, thereby improving the quality of the grafted seedlings. Furthermore, cultivation and transportation costs can be reduced.

A method for producing a grafted seedling according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the following steps: preparing a first seedling raising component and a second seedling raising component, each of the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component being the above-mentioned grafting seedling raising component; accommodating seeds of a first plant in a seed accommodating portion of a seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component, causing the seeds of the first plant to germinate in the seed accommodating portion of the seedling raising unit and causing the stem of the first plant to extend in the stem accommodating portion of the seedling raising unit; holding the stem of the first plant by a stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component; and cutting the stem of the first plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component; The seeds of the second plant are accommodated in the seed accommodation portion of the seedling unit in the second seedling raising component, the seeds of the second plant are germinated in the seed accommodation portion of the seedling raising unit, and the stem of the second plant is extended in the stem accommodation portion of the seedling raising unit; the stem of the second plant is held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising component; the stem of the second plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising component is cut; and the cross-section of the stem of the first plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component and the cross-section of the stem of the second plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising component are joined.

The method for producing grafted seedlings can be implemented using a plurality of the grafting seedling raising components. Therefore, as described above, grafting can be performed easily and with high precision, thereby enabling easy production of grafted seedlings with high precision. Furthermore, anyone can easily produce uniform grafted seedlings with high precision, thereby improving the quality of the grafted seedlings. Furthermore, cultivation and transportation costs can be reduced.

As described above, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, grafted seedlings can be produced inexpensively and simply regardless of the size or growth stage of the plant body to be grafted, and the productivity and quality of the grafted seedlings can be improved while reducing costs.

In the above-mentioned grafting seedling raising parts, at least a portion of the seed holding portion of at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit. The structure in which the seed holding portion is openable to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit includes the following structures: a structure in which the seed holding portion has an opening to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit, or a structure in which the seed holding portion has an opening to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit and is provided with a component capable of opening and closing the opening. In addition, it is preferred to supply the plant growth medium via a thin sheet component having water permeability such as a membrane or filter paper. If a harder agar medium is used as the plant growth medium, the above-mentioned sheet component does not need to be used.

At least a portion of the stem container of at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of the at least one seedling raising unit. The structure in which at least a portion of the stem container is openable to the outside of the at least one seedling raising unit includes the same structure as the seed container.

At least one of the seedling raising units may further include a root receiving portion configured to receive the roots of the plant that has germinated and grown. In this case, the roots of the plant can grow in the root receiving portion, thereby enabling easy and smooth plant cultivation.

At least a portion of the root accommodating portion of at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit. In this case, for example, a plant growth medium required for plant germination and cultivation can be supplied to the root accommodating portion (specifically, the roots of the plant accommodated in the root accommodating portion) from the opening portion of the root accommodating portion, thereby enabling easy and smooth cultivation of the plant. In addition, the roots of the plant can be further extended outside of at least one seedling raising unit, thereby enabling easy and smooth cultivation of the plant. Among them, the structure in which at least a portion of the root accommodating portion is openable to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit includes the same structure as the above-mentioned seed accommodating portion.

The stem retaining portion of at least one of the seedling raising units may be movable and configured to retain the stem of the plant while in contact with the elongated stem. In this case, even if the diameter of the plant stem changes as it grows, the stem retaining portion of at least one of the seedling raising units can maintain contact with the plant stem and fully retain the plant stem.

In at least one of the seedling raising units, the seed container may have a cross-sectional shape that allows rotation of the watered plant seeds. When the seed container has a circular cross-sectional shape, its diameter may range from approximately the same as the long diameter of the watered plant seeds to approximately two to three times the long diameter.

In at least one seedling raising unit, the width of the stem accommodating portion can be formed to a degree sufficient to accommodate the passage of the cotyledons of the plant. Furthermore, the width of the stem accommodating portion can be formed to a degree sufficient to hold the stem of the plant in a predetermined position. Furthermore, the width of the stem accommodating portion can be approximately 1/10 to 1/2 of the diameter of the seed accommodating portion. Furthermore, the length of the stem accommodating portion can be any length suitable for extending the stem of the plant. Furthermore, the stem accommodating portion can be formed separately from the seed accommodating portion or integrally therewith.

In at least one seedling raising unit, the root accommodating portion can be formed into a channel having a width that allows the roots of the plant to pass through. In addition, the width of the root accommodating portion can be about 1/10 to 1/2 of the diameter of the seed accommodating portion. The root accommodating portion can be constructed as described above so that at least a portion thereof can be opened to the outside, and the root accommodating portion can also be closed without opening to the outside as long as it has a space that can sufficiently accommodate the roots of the plant (such as a seed accommodating portion). The root accommodating portion can be formed separately from the seed accommodating portion or formed integrally with the seed accommodating portion. In addition, the root accommodating portion can be formed separately from the stem accommodating portion or formed integrally with the stem accommodating portion.

In at least one seedling raising unit, the stem retaining portion has no limitation on its shape, etc., as long as it can retain the elongated stem of the plant. Here, retaining the elongated stem of the plant means being able to retain the stem of the plant in a certain position. The stem retaining portion can be composed of a part of the stem accommodating portion, or it can be separately provided with the stem accommodating portion. For example, when a part of the stem accommodating portion (such as the inner wall surface) is made to function as the stem retaining portion, the stem can be retained by the pressure generated by a part of the stem accommodating portion. In this case, the width of the stem accommodating portion can be pre-formed to match the thickness of the stem at the growth stage. In addition, the stem retaining portion can also be provided inside the stem accommodating portion.

At least one seedling raising unit may be plate-shaped. In this case, the at least one seedling raising unit can be miniaturized, and the overall seedling raising component can be miniaturized. In addition, the miniaturization of the seedling raising component can save space in the seedling raising site.

When at least one of the seedling raising units is plate-shaped, for example, the seed receptacle, stem receptacle, root receptacle, etc. may be formed to be open on one main surface of the at least one seedling raising unit, or the seed receptacle, stem receptacle, root receptacle, etc. may be configured to be openable and closable. In this case, it is easy to place seeds into the seed receptacle, supply plant growth medium, etc. to the seed receptacle, stem receptacle, root receptacle, etc., and to remove the grafted seedling after grafting.

At least one seedling raising unit may include an elastically deformable material. In this case, the plant to be cultivated can be maintained in at least one seedling raising unit. For example, a portion of the stem accommodating portion (e.g., the inner wall surface) can be made to function as a stem retaining portion to maintain the stem of the plant to be cultivated. Thus, when the stem of the plant in the stem retaining portion of at least one seedling raising unit is cut off, thereby dividing the seedling raising component into a plurality of parts, the stem of the plant can also be maintained in the stem retaining portion. In addition, since at least one seedling raising unit can be flexibly deformed in accordance with the growth of the plant, the adhesion to the plant is improved, making it easy to maintain the stem of the plant, and the effect of suppressing the situation that hinders the growth of the plant can also be obtained. Among them, as the elastically deformable material, for example, PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), also known as silicone rubber, can be used. PDMS is a material with high biocompatibility and can be easily cut with a sharp instrument.

The seedling raising member may be configured to be capable of dividing the stem receiving portion of at least one seedling raising unit into a plurality of parts by transversely cutting the stem receiving portion of at least one seedling raising unit. In this case, if the seedling raising member can be divided into a plurality of parts at the cutting position when the stem of the plant in the stem receiving portion of the at least one seedling raising unit is cut, it is not necessary to cut the seedling raising member, and the seedling raising member can be reused.

At least one seedling raising unit may include a plurality of seedling raising units. In this case, the seedling raising components can be used to produce a larger number of grafted seedlings. Thus, the productivity of the grafted seedlings can be further improved.

The plurality of seedling raising units may be integrated into one unit. In this case, the structure of the seedling raising components can be simplified, and the operation of producing grafted seedlings using the plurality of seedling raising components can be facilitated.

The multiple seedling raising units can be arranged in a predetermined direction so that their stem receptacles face the same direction. This facilitates the production of grafted seedlings using the multiple seedling raising components (particularly, the cutting of plant stems and the joining of plant stem sections). Furthermore, the multiple seedling raising units can be arranged in either a two-dimensional (planar) or three-dimensional (stereoscopic) configuration.

A plurality of seedling raising units can be configured so that the stem accommodating portions of the respective seedling raising units are arranged at equal intervals. In this case, the operation of producing grafted seedlings (particularly the cutting of the stem of the plant, the joining of the sections of the stem of the plant to each other) using a plurality of seedling raising components becomes easy.

The seedling raising part can be used for the grafting of rice seedlings. In this case, by taking rice seedlings (particularly small-sized rice seedlings that cannot be handled by bare hands) as the object, it is possible to reduce the cultivation cost by shortening the cultivation time, and to reduce the transportation cost due to the small size of the grafted seedlings. In addition, the effect of being able to carry out the above-mentioned grafting can also be effectively exerted for small plants that have been difficult to implement grafting by human hands. Here, rice seedlings refer to plants in the period from the time when the primary leaves are unfolded after the plant germinates. For example, if it is a cruciferous plant, it is included in a state of being 1 mm in length after germination for several days (for example, after 3 days).

Part or all of the seedling raising component can be made of, for example, a biodegradable material. In this case, the grafted seedlings produced using the seedling raising component do not need to be removed from the seedling raising component, but can be spread along with the seedling raising component over a wide area of arable land (sowing seedlings). Examples of biodegradable materials include zein (a water-insoluble protein extracted from corn).

The seedling raising component may be composed of a single component or a plurality of components. For example, the seedling raising component may be composed of a component having a seed receiving portion of at least one seedling raising unit and a stem receiving portion of at least one seedling raising unit, and a component having a stem retaining portion of at least one seedling raising unit.

Furthermore, at least a portion of the seed housing portion is configured to be openable in a perpendicular direction toward the outside of at least one seedling raising unit so that the plant growth medium can be supplied to the plant.

Furthermore, at least a portion of the stem accommodating portion is configured to be openable in a perpendicular direction toward the outside of at least one of the seedling raising units so that a plant growth medium can be supplied to the plant.

In the above-mentioned grafting seedling raising kit, when a plurality of seedling raising components each have a plurality of seedling raising units, the plurality of seedling raising units can be configured so that the stem receiving portions of the plurality of seedling raising units are arranged at the same intervals. In this case, the operation of producing grafted seedlings using the plurality of seedling raising components (particularly the cutting of plant stems and the joining of the cut surfaces of plant stems) becomes easier. In addition, the plants to be grafted are not limited to plants of approximately the same size. Even plants of different sizes can be easily positioned, thereby enabling grafting to be performed with good operability.

The method for producing grafted seedlings further includes the following steps: dividing the first seedling raising component into a plurality of parts to form a plurality of split pieces; and dividing the second seedling raising component into a plurality of parts to form a plurality of split pieces, and the step of joining the cut surface of the stem of the first plant held by the stem retaining portion of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component and the cut surface of the stem of the second plant held by the stem retaining portion of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising component may include: arranging one of the plurality of split pieces of the first seedling raising component and one of the plurality of split pieces of the second seedling raising component in such a manner that the cut surface of the stem of the first plant held by the stem retaining portion of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component and the cut surface of the stem of the second plant held by the stem retaining portion of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising component abut against each other. In this case, the grafting operation (particularly the joining of the cut surface of the stem of the first plant and the cut surface of the stem of the second plant) is facilitated.

In the above-described method for producing grafted seedlings, preferably, a plant growth medium for germinating and growing the first and second plants is supplied to the seed and stem receptacles of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising member and the seed and stem receptacles of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising member. In this case, germination and growth of the first and second plants can be easily and smoothly performed.

In the above-mentioned method for producing grafted seedlings, when one end of the stem receiving portion of the seedling raising unit of the first seedling raising component and one end of the stem receiving portion of the seedling raising unit of the second seedling raising component are opened toward the outside of the seedling raising unit, the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component can be placed in a dark place until the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. of the first plant and the second plant reach one end of the stem receiving portion, and then the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component can be placed in a light place. In this case, by placing the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component in a dark place, the stem can be fully extended without the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. being expanded in the stem receiving portion of the seedling raising unit, thereby allowing the stem to be appropriately arranged in the stem receiving portion. In addition, by placing the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component in a light place, the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. can be expanded outside the stem receiving portion of the seedling raising unit. This further causes the stem to grow thicker, so that the stem retaining portion can fully retain the stem. Thus, the first plant and the second plant can be easily and smoothly cultivated. Alternatively, instead of placing the first and second seedling raising members in a dark and bright place, the first and second seedling raising members may be made of a material with low light transmittance so that the interior of the seedling raising unit becomes dark and the exterior of the seedling raising unit becomes bright.

In addition, if the stem of the first plant that has germinated and elongated can be fully maintained by the stem holding portion of the seedling unit in the first seedling raising component, and the stem of the second plant that has germinated and elongated can be fully maintained by the stem holding portion of the seedling unit in the second seedling raising component, seedlings can be raised in the open from beginning to end.

In the above-mentioned method for producing grafted seedlings, when the stem of the first plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit of the first seedling raising member is cut, the stem can be cut together with the first seedling raising member. Alternatively, only the stem of the first plant can be cut, and the first seedling raising member, which is configured to be divisible, can be divided at the cut position. When cutting together with the first seedling raising member, the first seedling raising member is preferably made of a material that is easy to cut.

In the above-mentioned method for producing grafted seedlings, when the stem of the second plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit of the second seedling raising member is cut, the stem can be cut together with the second seedling raising member. Alternatively, only the stem of the second plant can be cut, and the second seedling raising member, which is configured to be divisible, can be divided at the cut position. When cutting together with the second seedling raising member, the second seedling raising member is preferably made of a material that is easy to cut.

In the method for producing a grafted seedling, a grafted seedling is obtained by grafting a plurality of plants comprising a first plant and a second plant. The plurality of plants may be plants of the same species, plants of different species, or a mixture of the same species and plants of different species.

In the above-mentioned method for producing grafted seedlings, for example, a stock plant and a scion plant can be grafted. That is, two plants can be grafted. In addition, grafting can also be performed by arranging an interstock plant between the stock plant and the scion plant. The interstock plant can be one or more. That is, three plants can be grafted, or four or more plants can be grafted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a plan view showing the structure of a seedling raising member.

FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of the seedling raising component taken along line II-II in FIG1 .

FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of the seedling raising component taken along line III-III of FIG1 .

FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of the seedling raising member taken along line IV-IV in FIG1 .

FIG5 is a plan view showing the structure of the seedling raising member assembly.

FIG6 is a process diagram showing an example of a method for producing a grafted seedling using a seedling raising member.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the seedling raising member is vertically erected together with the plant growth medium.

8A to 8D are explanatory diagrams showing how seedlings are raised by the seedling raising unit.

9A to 9C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of grafting using the seedling raising member.

FIG. 10 is a process diagram showing another example of a method for producing a grafted seedling using a seedling raising member.

11A to 11D are explanatory diagrams showing an example of grafting using a seedling raising member.

FIG12 is a plan view showing the structure of another example of a seedling raising member.

FIG13 is a plan view showing the structure of another example of the seedling raising member assembly.

14A and 14B are plan views showing the structure of the seedling raising member and a state of raising seedlings using the seedling raising member.

FIG15 is a perspective view showing the structure of the seedling raising member.

FIG16 is a perspective view showing the structure of the seedling raising member.

FIG17 is a perspective view showing the structure of the seedling raising member.

FIG18 is a perspective view showing the structure of the seedling raising member.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the structure of a first seedling raising member of the seedling raising member.

20A and 20B are explanatory diagrams showing a state of raising seedlings using the seedling raising member.

21A and 21B are explanatory diagrams showing how seedlings are raised using the seedling raising member.

FIG22 is a perspective view showing the structure of the seedling raising component.

23A and 23B are plan views showing how seedlings are grown using the seedling growing members.

Description of Reference Signs

20 ...seedling raising member; 30 ...seedling raising unit; 31 ...stem holding portion; 32 ...seed receiving portion;

34…stem receiving portion

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the grafting seedling raising component 20 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of seedling raising units 30. Each seedling raising unit 30 includes a seed accommodating portion 32, a stem accommodating portion 34, and a stem retaining portion (an inner wall surface 341 of the stem accommodating portion 34 will be described later). The seed accommodating portion 32 is configured to accommodate plant seeds and has a space for plant germination; the stem accommodating portion 34 is configured to accommodate the stems of the germinated and elongated plants; and the stem retaining portion is configured to retain the elongated plant stems. A portion of the seed accommodating portion 32 of each seedling raising unit 30 is configured to be openable to the outside of the seed accommodating portion 32. A portion of the stem accommodating portion 34 of each seedling raising unit 30 is configured to be openable to the outside of the stem accommodating portion 34. The following describes the grafting seedling raising component 20 in detail.

FIG1 is a block diagram showing the general structure of a grafting seedling raising component 20. FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of the grafting seedling raising component 20 taken along line II-II in FIG1. FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of the grafting seedling raising component 20 taken along line III-III in FIG1. FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of the grafting seedling raising component 20 taken along line IV-IV in FIG1. FIG5 is a block diagram showing the general structure of the grafting seedling raising component assembly 10. The directions described in the first embodiment are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the seedling raising member 20 is formed of a flexible, elastically deformable resin material, such as silicone rubber, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The seedling raising member 20 is formed in a plate shape. The seedling raising member 20 includes a plurality of seedling raising units 30. The plurality of seedling raising units 30 are formed integrally. The plurality of seedling raising units 30 are arranged in a horizontal row.

Each seedling raising unit 30 includes a seed accommodating portion 32, a stem accommodating portion 34, and a root accommodating portion 36. The seed accommodating portion 32 is formed as a cylindrical depression from one main surface in the thickness direction of the seedling raising member 20. The diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32 is adjusted to a size that allows the water-absorbed seeds to rotate during germination. The diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion can be, for example, approximately the same as the long diameter of the water-absorbed seeds, to approximately 1.5 times or 2 times the long diameter.

The stem accommodating portion 34 is formed as a groove-like recess from one main surface of the seedling raising member 20. The stem accommodating portion 34 extends linearly upward from the seed accommodating portion 32. One end of the stem accommodating portion 34 (the top end opposite the seed accommodating portion 32) is open upward. The inner wall surfaces 341 on both sides of the stem accommodating portion 34 function to retain the elongated plant stem from both sides. In other words, the inner wall surfaces 341 of the stem accommodating portion 34 serve as stem retaining portions configured to retain the elongated plant stem.

The width d of the stem-accommodating portion 34 is adjusted to a size that allows the cotyledons to pass through. For example, the width d of the stem-accommodating portion 34 can be approximately 1/10 to 1/2 of the diameter φ of the seed-accommodating portion 32. The length L1 of the stem-accommodating portion 34 can be any length suitable for grafting. For example, the length L1 of the stem-accommodating portion 34 can be approximately 1 to 3 times the diameter φ of the seed-accommodating portion 32.

The root accommodating portion 36 is formed as a groove-shaped depression from one main surface of the seedling raising part 20. The root accommodating portion 36 is formed to extend linearly from the seed accommodating portion 32 downward (in the opposite direction to the stem accommodating portion 34) with the same width d as the root accommodating portion 36. One end of the root accommodating portion 36 (the top end on the side opposite to the seed accommodating portion 32) is open downward. The width d of the root accommodating portion 36 is adjusted to a size that allows the roots to pass through. The width d of the root accommodating portion 36 can be, for example, about 1/10 to 1/2 of the diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32. The length L2 of the root accommodating portion 36 only needs to be the length for the roots to extend downward, and can be about twice the diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32.

The depth W2 of the seed accommodating portion 32, the stem accommodating portion 34, and the root accommodating portion 36 is approximately half to one-third of the thickness W1 of the seedling raising member 20. To allow the water-absorbed seeds to at least rotate within the seed accommodating portion 32 during germination, the depth W2 of the seed accommodating portion 32, the stem accommodating portion 34, and the root accommodating portion 36 may be approximately the same as the diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32. In the seedling raising member 20 of the first embodiment, the depth W2 of the seed accommodating portion 32, the stem accommodating portion 34, and the root accommodating portion 36 is approximately the same as the diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32.

In the seedling raising member 20, the seed housing portion 32, the stem housing portion 34, and the root housing portion 36 are formed to open on one main surface of the seedling raising member 20. Three cutting marks 38a, 38b, and 38c are formed on both sides of the stem housing portion 34 of each seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising member 20 at different distances from the seed housing portion 32.

In the seedling raising member 20, the plurality of seedling raising units 30 are arranged in a predetermined direction so that the stem receiving portions 34 of each seedling raising unit 30 face the same direction. In the first embodiment, all the stem receiving portions 34 are oriented in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the stem receiving portions 34 of the plurality of seedling raising units 30 are arranged horizontally at equal intervals.

As shown in FIG5 , the seedling raising member assembly 10 for grafting, in which a plurality of seedling raising members 20 are arranged in an up-down direction (vertical direction) and integrated, is cut at the position of the dotted line in the horizontal direction to obtain the seedling raising members 20 .

Furthermore, the dimensions of the seedling raising unit 30 vary depending on the type of seed being raised. For example, for Arabidopsis thaliana seeds with a diameter of approximately 500 μm, the diameter φ of the seed receiving portion 32 can be 700 to 1200 μm (e.g., 900 μm). The width d of the stem receiving portion 34 and the root receiving portion 36 can be 100 to 500 μm (e.g., 250 μm). The length L1 of the stem receiving portion 34 can be 500 to 1500 μm (e.g., 1000 μm). The length L2 of the root receiving portion 36 can be 100 to 1000 μm (e.g., 500 μm).

On the other hand, in the case of tomatoes, eggplants, etc., the diameter φ of the seed receiving portion 32 can be 3.5 to 7.5 mm (e.g., 5.5 mm). The width d of the stem receiving portion 34 and the root receiving portion 36 can be 0.6 to 1.5 mm (e.g., 1.0 mm). The lengths L1 and L2 of the stem receiving portion 34 and the root receiving portion 36 can be 5 to 15 mm (e.g., 10 mm). The length L2 of the root receiving portion 36 can be 0 to 10 mm (e.g., 1 mm).

For example, a grafting seedling raising component assembly 10 is formed in which five grafting seedling raising components 20 are connected in the vertical direction. Each grafting seedling raising component 20 has four seedling raising units 30 arranged horizontally. In each seedling raising unit 30, the diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32 is 900 μm, the width d of the stem accommodating portion 34 and the root accommodating portion 36 is 300 μm, the length L1 of the stem accommodating portion 34 is 1000 μm, and the length of the root accommodating portion 36 is 500 μm. This results in a grafting seedling raising component assembly 10 having 20 seedling raising units 30 and a size of 17 mm (horizontally) by 16 mm (vertically and vertically).

Next, a method for producing grafted seedlings using a plurality of grafted seedling raising members 20 will be described.

As shown in Figures 6, 7, 8A to 8D, and 9A to 9C, the first embodiment of the method for producing a grafted seedling includes a seedling raising step and a grafting step. The seedling raising step comprises placing seeds 50 of a plant 5 in a seed receiving portion 32 in each seedling raising unit 30 of each seedling raising member 20, causing the plant 5 to germinate in the seed receiving portion 32, extending the stem 51 of the plant 5 in the stem receiving portion 34, and retaining the stem 51 of the plant 5 by the stem retaining portion (the inner wall surfaces 341 on both sides of the stem receiving portion 34). The grafting step comprises cutting the stem 51 of the plant 5 retained by the stem retaining portion (the inner wall surfaces 341 on both sides of the stem receiving portion 34) of the seedling raising unit 30 of each seedling raising member 20, and joining the cut surfaces of the stem 51 of the plant 5 to obtain a grafted seedling 6. The method for producing the grafted seedling 6 will be described in detail below.

FIG6 is a step diagram illustrating an example of a method for producing grafted seedlings using the grafting seedling raising unit 20. As shown in FIG6 , in producing the grafted seedlings, two seedling raising units 20 are first prepared (step S100). Next, seeds of a plant serving as a rootstock (the first plant) are sown into the seedling receptacles 32 of one seedling raising unit (the first seedling raising unit) 20, and seeds of a plant serving as a scion (the second plant) are sown into the seedling receptacles 32 of the other seedling raising unit (the second seedling raising unit) 20 (step S110).

Then, a plant growth medium is placed on one main surface (the surface where the seed receiving portion 32 of the seedling raising unit 30 is formed) of each of the two seedling raising members 20 via a membrane filter (step S120). Next, the two seedling raising members 20, along with the plant growth medium, are placed vertically upright and placed in the dark to grow seedlings until the cotyledons have reached the vicinity of one end (open end) of the stem receiving portion 34 (step S130). If the cotyledons have not yet expanded and have reached the vicinity of one end (open end) of the stem receiving portion 34, the seedlings are grown in the light until the cotyledons have expanded (step S140). This causes the cotyledons to expand.

Here, Figure 7 shows the state when the seedling raising part 20 is erected vertically together with the plant growth medium 40. The plant growth medium 40 is configured in a manner that covers one main surface of the seedling raising part 20 (in a manner that closes the opening portion of the seed receiving part 32, the stem receiving part 34 and the root receiving part 36). As a result, the direction in which the plant seeds are put in and the direction in which the plant growth medium 40 required for germination and cultivation of the plant is supplied will be different from each other (orthogonal directions) with the growth direction of the plant, thereby forming a structure with excellent operability. In addition, the seedling raising part 20 is erected vertically together with the plant growth medium 40 because the plant 5 is allowed to grow in the direction of gravity. In addition, the seedlings are raised in a dark place because the stem (hypocotyl) is allowed to elongate to a certain extent without the cotyledons unfolding.

8A to 8D illustrate the state of seedling cultivation in the seedling cultivation unit 30. When the seedlings are grown in the dark, seeds 50 of the plant 5 sown into the seed container 32 ( FIG. 8A ) germinate ( FIG. 8B ), with the stem 51 extending within the stem container 34 while the cotyledons 52 are not unfolded, and the roots 53 extending within the root container 36 ( FIG. 8C ). Subsequently, when the seedlings are grown in the light, the cotyledons 52 unfold ( FIG. 8D ).

Next, as shown in FIG6 , the two seedling raising members 20 are horizontally cut together with the seedling raising members 20 at a midway position of the stem housing 34 (e.g., at the position of the cutting mark 38b) (step S150). By this cutting, the cut portions (divided pieces) on the seed housing 32 side of the seedling raising member 20 where the seeds of the plant serving as the rootstock are sown form a rootstock array, and the cut portions (divided pieces) on the cotyledon side of the seedling raising member 20 where the seeds of the plant serving as the scion are sown form a scion array.

Afterwards, the scion array is placed on the rootstock array in a manner aligned with the rootstock array for joining (step S160). Since both the rootstock array and the scion array are obtained by horizontally cutting the same seedling raising member 20 at the midway position of the stem receiving portion 34, simply placing the scion array on the rootstock array in a manner aligned with the rootstock array will make the stem receiving portion 34 of the rootstock array match the stem receiving portion 34 of the scion array, so that the cut surface of the stem of the plant serving as the rootstock and the cut surface of the stem of the plant serving as the scion will abut against each other.

Figures 9A to 9C illustrate an example of grafting using two seedling-raising members 20. As shown, the seedling-raising member 20 (Figure 9B) on which the seeds of the rootstock plant 5A are sown and the seedling-raising member 20 (Figure 9A) on which the seeds of the scion plant 5B are sown are horizontally cut midway along their respective stem-receiving sections 34. The scion array 22 (the cut portion on the cotyledon side in Figure 9A) is then placed on the rootstock array 21 (the cut portion on the seed-receiving section 32 side in Figure 9B). This allows the cut surface of the rootstock stem to abut against the cut surface of the scion stem, allowing grafting to proceed (Figure 9C).

Afterwards, as shown in Figure 6, in a state where the cut surface of the stem of the stock and the cut surface of the stem of the scion are in contact, the seedlings are grown in a bright place (weak light) (step S170). Thus, the cut surface of the stem of the stock and the cut surface of the stem of the scion are joined, thereby obtaining a grafted seedling. Through the above, the production of the grafted seedling is completed.

In addition, in the first embodiment, two groups of seedling parts 20 are prepared, in which the diameter φ of the seed receiving portion 32 of the seedling unit 30 is 900 μm, the width d of the stem receiving portion 34 and the root receiving portion 36 is 250 μm, the length L1 of the stem receiving portion 34 is 1000 μm, and the length L2 of the root receiving portion 36 is 500 μm, and Arabidopsis thaliana is used for grafting.

When seeds are sown in the seed receiving portion 32 of the seedling raising unit 30, a plant growth medium 40 is set, and the seedlings are raised in a dark place, the cotyledons will reach near one end (open end) of the stem receiving portion 34 after 2 days. After that, after 1 to 2 days of raising the seedlings in a bright place, the cotyledons have unfolded. As described above, the stem receiving portion 34 is cut horizontally together with the seedling raising part 20 at the middle position, and the scion array is placed on the rootstock array in a manner aligned with the rootstock array for grafting. It was found that the grafting was established after about 1 week. After the tracer dye transported by the symplasm was added to the leaves, the roots were observed, and the reconnection of the vascular bundles was confirmed by detecting the fluorescence of the dye from the roots, thereby confirming the establishment of the graft. In addition, it was also confirmed that the grafted Arabidopsis plants formed the next generation of seeds.

Next, the effects of the grafting seedling raising member 20 and the method for producing a grafted seedling using the same according to the first embodiment will be described.

The grafting seedling raising component 20 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of seedling raising units 30. Each seedling raising unit 30 has a simple structure comprising a seed container 32, a stem container 34, and a stem retaining portion (the inner wall surface 341 of the stem container 34). Therefore, using the seedling raising component 20, it is possible to easily prepare plants (grafted seedlings) for grafting. In particular, the seedling raising units 30 include a stem retaining portion (the inner wall surface 341 of the stem container 34), thereby easily preparing grafted seedlings with their stems retained by the stem retaining portion (the inner wall surface 341 of the stem container 34).

For example, in the seedling raising part 20 of the first embodiment, a stock array formed by arranging a plurality of stock in a row and a scion array formed by arranging a plurality of scions in a row can be obtained. Furthermore, by simply placing the scion array on the stock array in a manner aligned with the stock array, a plurality of grafted seedlings arranged in a row can be obtained. In this way, grafting can be performed with good precision by simple mechanical operation. Therefore, anyone can easily produce uniform grafted seedlings with good precision, thereby achieving an improvement in the productivity and quality of the grafted seedlings.

Furthermore, the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) can be prepared with a simple structure. Therefore, the seedling raising member 20 can be prepared in large quantities. Thus, the seedling raising member 20 can be used to mass-produce grafted seedlings. Furthermore, since the size of the seedling raising member 20 can be easily adjusted to suit the plant to be grafted, grafting can be easily performed on plants of all sizes, from small to large plants, and from seedlings shortly after germination to fully grown plants, regardless of their growth stage.

Furthermore, by using the seedling raising component 20, it is possible to easily prepare for seedling raising and to achieve space saving in the seedling raising site. Furthermore, the plant cultivation cycle can be shortened. Thus, it is possible to reduce cultivation costs. Furthermore, if rice seedlings (particularly small rice seedlings that are difficult to handle by hand) are used as the target, cultivation costs can be reduced by shortening the cultivation time, and transportation costs can be reduced due to the small size of the grafted seedlings.

Furthermore, a portion of the seed container 32 of each seedling raising unit 30 is configured to be openable to the outside of the seed container 32. Therefore, plant seeds can be easily introduced into the seed container 32 through the opening of the seed container 32. This eliminates the need to insert plant seeds from the stem container 34, allowing the inner diameter of the stem container 34 to be adjusted to the diameter of the plant stem. Furthermore, the plant growth medium 40 required for plant germination and growth can be supplied to the seed container 32 (specifically, the plant seeds contained therein) through the opening of the seed container 32, enabling easy and smooth plant growth.

Furthermore, a portion of the stem accommodating portion 34 of each seedling raising unit 30 is configured to be openable to the outside of the stem accommodating portion 34. Therefore, the plant growth medium 40 required for plant germination and growth can be supplied to the stem accommodating portion 34 (specifically, the stem of the plant accommodated therein) through the opening portion of the stem accommodating portion 34, thereby enabling easy and smooth plant growth. Furthermore, the plant stem can be extended, and the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. can be expanded outside the seedling raising unit 30, thereby enabling easy and smooth plant growth.

Furthermore, compared to using larger soil particles, using a plant growth medium 40 such as an agar medium allows for significantly smaller seedling raising components 20, making it easier to prepare seedling raising components 20 of a desired shape. Furthermore, using a compact seedling raising component 20 allows for positioning (coordinate determination) of a grafted seedling (e.g., a cross-section of a plant stem) at micron level, enabling grafting with high precision. This makes it possible to easily and accurately graft small seedlings, which was previously difficult to do.

Furthermore, since the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit 30 (the inner wall surface 341 of the stem receiving portion 34) can directly hold the stem of the plant that has germinated and extended, grafting can be performed immediately after the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. emerge from the opening of the stem receiving portion 32 to the outside of the seedling raising unit 30. Thus, the seedling can be grafted immediately after germination.

Furthermore, the seedling raising unit 30 includes not only the seed housing portion 32 and the stem housing portion 34 but also the root housing portion 36. Therefore, the roots of the plant can be extended in the root housing portion 36. This allows the plant to be grown easily and smoothly.

In addition, one end of the root accommodating portion 36 of the seedling raising unit 30 is open to the outside. Therefore, the roots of the plant can be further extended outside the seedling raising unit 30. Thus, the plant can be grown easily and smoothly.

In addition, the seedling raising unit 30 is plate-shaped. Therefore, it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the seedling raising unit 30 and further miniaturization of the entire seedling raising member 20. Moreover, by miniaturizing the seedling raising member 20, space saving of the seedling raising site can be achieved.

Furthermore, the seedling raising unit 30 is plate-shaped, and the seed receiving portion 32, the stem receiving portion 34, and the root receiving portion 36 are formed to be open on one main surface of the seedling raising unit 30. Therefore, it is easy to put seeds into the seed receiving portion 32, to supply the plant growth medium 40 to the seed receiving portion 32, the stem receiving portion 34, and the root receiving portion 36, and to remove the grafted seedling after grafting.

In addition, the seedling raising part 20 (seedling raising unit 30) is made of an elastically deformable material. Therefore, the cultivated plant can be held in the seedling raising unit 30. A part of the stem accommodating portion 34 (specifically, the inner wall surface 341) is made to function as a stem retaining portion, so that the stem of the cultivated plant can be retained. Thus, even if the stem of the plant in the stem accommodating portion 34 of the seedling raising unit 30 is cut together with the seedling raising part 20, the stem of the plant can also be retained in the stem accommodating portion 34. In addition, since the seedling raising unit 30 can be flexibly deformed in accordance with the growth of the plant, the close fit with the plant is improved, the stem of the plant is easily retained, and the effect of not hindering the growth of the plant can be obtained.

Furthermore, the seedling raising member 20 includes a plurality of seedling raising units 30. Therefore, grafted seedlings can be produced in greater quantities using the seedling raising member 20. This further improves the productivity of the grafted seedlings.

Furthermore, the seedling raising member 20 (plural seedling raising units 30) is integrally formed. Therefore, the structure of the seedling raising member 20 can be simplified. Furthermore, the grafting operation using the plurality of seedling raising members 20 becomes easier.

Furthermore, the plurality of seedling raising units 30 are arranged in a predetermined direction so that the stem receiving portions 34 of the respective seedling raising units 30 face the same direction. This facilitates grafting operations using the plurality of seedling raising members 20 (particularly, cutting plant stems and joining plant stem sections).

Furthermore, the plurality of seedling raising units 30 are arranged so that the stem receiving portions 34 of the respective seedling raising units 30 are arranged at equal intervals. Therefore, grafting operations using the plurality of seedling raising members 20 are facilitated (particularly, cutting of plant stems and joining of plant stem sections).

Furthermore, the seedling raising unit 20 is designed for grafting rice seedlings (particularly small seedlings that are difficult to handle by hand). This reduces cultivation time and transportation costs by shortening the time it takes to grow the seedlings. Furthermore, even small plants that have been difficult to graft manually can be effectively grafted.

Furthermore, the method for producing grafted seedlings according to the first embodiment is performed using a plurality of grafting seedling raising members 20. Therefore, grafting can be easily and precisely performed as described above, thereby easily and precisely producing grafted seedlings. Furthermore, anyone can easily and precisely produce uniform grafted seedlings, thereby improving the quality of the grafted seedlings. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce cultivation and transportation costs.

Furthermore, in the method for producing grafted seedlings of the first embodiment, in the grafting step, the stem of the plant held by the stem holding portion (inner wall surface 341 of the stem receiving portion 34) of the seedling raising unit 30 of each seedling raising member 20 is cut, thereby dividing (cutting) each seedling raising member 20 into a plurality of parts to form a plurality of divided pieces (cut portions). The divided pieces (cut portions) of each seedling raising member 20 are arranged so that the cut surfaces of the plant stem abut against each other. Therefore, the grafting operation in the grafting step (particularly, the joining of the cut surfaces of the plant stem) is facilitated.

Furthermore, during the seedling raising step, the seedling raising member 20 is placed in the dark until the cotyledons of the plant reach one end (open end) of the stem accommodating portion 34, after which the seedling raising member 20 is placed in the light. Specifically, by placing the seedling raising member 20 in the dark, the cotyledons are prevented from unfolding within the stem accommodating portion 34, allowing the stem to fully extend, thereby allowing the stem to be properly positioned within the stem accommodating portion 34. Furthermore, by placing the seedling raising member 20 in the light, the cotyledons unfold outside the stem accommodating portion 34, and the stem grows thicker to fit within the stem accommodating portion 34, which is then held by the stem retaining portion (the inner wall surface 341 of the stem accommodating portion 34). This allows for easy and smooth plant cultivation.

Thus, according to the first embodiment, the following grafting seedling raising component 20, seedling raising kit and method for producing grafted seedlings can be provided, that is, grafted seedlings can be easily produced regardless of the size or growth stage of the plant body to be grafted, and the productivity of grafted seedlings can be improved, the quality of grafted seedlings can be improved, and costs can be reduced.

(Second embodiment)

As shown in Figures 10 and 11A to 11D, the second embodiment is an example of a method for producing grafted seedlings using three grafted seedling raising members 20. However, descriptions of the same structures, methods, and effects as those of the first embodiment will be appropriately omitted.

Figure 10 is a step diagram showing an example of a method for producing grafted seedlings using the seedling raising parts 20. As shown in Figure 10, in the method for producing grafted seedlings, three seedling raising parts 20 are first prepared (step S200). That is, a seedling raising kit including three groups of seedling raising parts 20 is prepared. Next, seeds of the plant (first plant) serving as the rootstock are sown into the various seed holding parts 32 of the first seedling raising part 20. And seeds of the plant (second plant) serving as the intermediate rootstock are sown into the various seed holding parts 32 of the second seedling raising part 20. In addition, seeds of the plant (third plant) serving as the scion are sown into the various seed holding parts 32 of the third seedling raising part 20 (step S210).

Next, a plant growth medium 40 is placed on one main surface (the surface forming the seed receiving section 32 of the seedling raising unit 30) of each of the three seedling raising components 20 through a membrane filter (step S220). The three seedling raising components 20, along with the plant growth medium 40, are then placed in a vertical position and raised in the dark until the cotyledons reach near one end (open end) of the stem receiving section 34 (step S230). If the cotyledons have not yet unfolded but have reached near one end (open end) of the stem receiving section 34, the seedlings are raised in the light until they unfold (step S240). This causes the cotyledons to unfold.

Next, the first seedling raising member 20 is cut horizontally together with the seedling raising member 20 at a midway position in the stem accommodating portion 34 (e.g., at the position of the cutting mark 38c). Furthermore, the second seedling raising member 20 is cut horizontally together with the seedling raising member 20 at two midway positions in the stem accommodating portion 34 (e.g., at the positions of the cutting marks 38a and 38c). Furthermore, the third seedling raising member 20 is cut horizontally together with the seedling raising member 20 at a midway position in the stem accommodating portion 34 (e.g., at the position of the cutting mark 38a) (step S250).

Through this cutting process, the cut portions (divided pieces) on the seed receiving portion 32 side of the first seedling raising member 20, where the seeds of the plant serving as the rootstock are sown, form a rootstock array. Furthermore, the cut portions (divided pieces) on the stem receiving portion 34 of the second seedling raising member 20, where the seeds of the plant serving as the intermediate stock are sown, form an intermediate stock array. Furthermore, the cut portions (divided pieces) on the cotyledon side of the third seedling raising member 20, where the seeds of the plant serving as the scion are sown, form a scion array.

Next, the intermediate stock array is placed on the rootstock array in a manner aligned with the rootstock array, and the scion array is placed on the intermediate stock array in a manner aligned with the intermediate stock array for joining (step S260). Since the rootstock array, intermediate stock array, and scion array are obtained by horizontally cutting the same seedling raising component 20 at the midpoint of the stem receiving portion 34, only by placing the intermediate stock array on the rootstock array in a manner aligned with the rootstock array and the scion array on the intermediate stock array in a manner aligned with the intermediate stock array, the stem receiving portions 34 of the rootstock array and the stem receiving portions 34 of the intermediate stock and the stem receiving portions 34 of the scion array are matched. Furthermore, the cut surface of the rootstock stem is brought into contact with the cut surface of the intermediate stock stem, and the cut surface of the intermediate stock stem is brought into contact with the cut surface of the scion stem.

Figures 11A to 11D illustrate an example of grafting using three seedling raising members 20. As shown, the first seedling raising member 20 (Figure 11C) sown with seeds of plant 5A serving as a rootstock, the second seedling raising member 20 (Figure 11B) sown with seeds of plant 5C serving as an intermediate stock, and the third seedling raising member 20 (Figure 11A) sown with seeds of plant 5B serving as a scion are horizontally cut along the dotted line midway along the stem receiving portion 34. Then, the intermediate stock array 23 (the cut portion between the two dotted lines in Figure 11B) is placed on the rootstock array 21 (the cut portion on the seed receiving portion 32 side in Figure 11C), and the scion array 22 (the cut portion on the cotyledon side in Figure 11A) is placed on the intermediate stock array 23. Thus, the cut surface of the stem of the rootstock is brought into contact with the cut surface of the lower side of the stem of the interstock, and the cut surface of the upper side of the stem of the interstock is brought into contact with the cut surface of the stem of the scion, thereby performing grafting ( FIG. 11D ).

Afterwards, as shown in Figure 10, under the state that the cut surfaces of the stem of stock, interstock and scion are abutted against each other, seedlings are raised in the open (step S270). Thus, the cut surfaces are engaged with each other to obtain grafted seedlings. As described above, the production of grafted seedlings is completed. Wherein, as the interstock, the genus Nicotiana that can be grafted with a wide range of plants can be used.

Under the situation of the 2nd embodiment, owing to use interstock, therefore can improve the combination freedom of stock and scion.In addition, if use the Nicotiana etc. that can be grafted with a wide range of plants as interstock, then can graft mutually incompatible plants each other by the presence of interstock.

In the second embodiment, three plants were grafted simultaneously. However, for example, two plants could be grafted and then the grafted plants could be grafted with other plants. In other words, multiple grafting operations could be performed. The same applies to grafting four or more plants.

(Third embodiment)

12 and 13 , the third embodiment is an example in which the structure of the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) for grafting is modified. However, descriptions of the same structure, method, and effects as those of the first embodiment are omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG12 , the seedling raising component 20 is constructed with a plurality of seedling raising units 30 arranged horizontally. The seedling raising units 30 are formed so that the stem accommodating portion 34 and the root accommodating portion 36 are inclined relative to the horizontal plane from the seed accommodating portion 32 (e.g., at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees). In this case, the seedling raising component 20 is cut along the cutting marks 38 formed horizontally on both sides of the stem accommodating portion 34, thereby obtaining an array of rootstocks with oblique stem cuts and an array of scions with oblique stem cuts at the same angle as the cutting angle of the rootstocks, thereby obtaining grafted seedlings of rootstocks and scions with oblique stem cuts. In this case, it is preferable to raise seedlings with the stem accommodating portion 34 and the root accommodating portion 36 of the seedling raising unit 30 in a vertical orientation.

In addition, the seedling raising part 20 can be obtained by cutting the seedling raising part assembly 110 illustrated in Figure 13 along the dotted line. It is also possible to use two such seedling raising parts 20 to produce a grafted seedling formed by a stock and a scion, or to use three such seedling raising parts 20 to produce a grafted seedling formed by a stock, an interstock and a scion.

(Fourth embodiment)

14A and 14B , the fourth embodiment is an example in which the structure of the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) for grafting is modified. However, descriptions of the same structures, methods, and effects as those of the first embodiment are appropriately omitted.

As shown in FIG14A , the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising member 20 includes a seed raising portion 33 formed by integrating a seed receiving portion and a stem receiving portion. The seedling raising portion 33 is formed to open on one main surface of the seedling raising member 20. The seedling raising portion 33 is provided with a plurality of cylindrical stem retaining portions 31 protruding from the bottom surface of the seedling raising portion 33. Grooved cutting marks 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising portion 33. The cutting marks 38 are formed to communicate with the seedling raising portion 33.

14B , the stem holding portion 31 guides the extension of the stem 51 of the germinated plant 5 in the seedling raising portion 33 and holds the extended stem 51. Thus, the extended stem 51 of the plant 5 is fully held by the stem holding portion 31.

(Fifth embodiment)

15 to 18 , the fifth embodiment is an example in which the structure of the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) for grafting is modified. However, descriptions of the same structure, method, and effects as those of the first embodiment are appropriately omitted.

Unlike the first to fourth embodiments described above, in which seedlings are raised in the dark until halfway through and then in the light from halfway through, the seedling raising member 20 shown in FIG. 15 to FIG. 18 is used for raising seedlings in the light from the beginning to the end.

As shown in Figure 15, the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising part 20 has a seed raising part 33 that is formed by integrating a seed accommodating part, a stem accommodating part and a root accommodating part. The seedling raising part 33 is a space formed in a longitudinal direction and has a width that can be rotated when the seeds 50 of the plant 5 that has absorbed water germinate, and the seedling raising part 33 is adjusted to a size that can be expanded by the cotyledons. The inner wall surface 35 on both sides of the seedling raising part 33 has the function of guiding the elongation of the stem of the germinated plant 5 and has the function of a stem retaining part that maintains the elongated stem of the plant 5. Grooved cutting marks 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising part 33. The cutting mark 38 is formed to be communicated with the seedling raising part 33.

As shown in Figure 16, the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising component 20 includes a seed raising section 33 that integrates a seed receptacle, a stem receptacle, and a root receptacle, and a pair of plate-shaped seedling holding sections 37 formed on either side of the seedling raising section 33 so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the seedling raising section 33. The seedling raising section 33 is formed to open on one main surface side of the seedling raising component 20. The seedling raising section 33 is a longitudinally shaped space, and its width is adjusted to allow the seeds 50 of the water-absorbing plant 5 to rotate during germination. The seedling holding section 37 can be easily elastically deformed, and elastically deforms in a manner that does not hinder the cotyledons from expanding. In addition, the seedling holding section 37 has the function of guiding the elongation of the stem of the germinated plant 5 and also serves as a stem holding section to maintain the elongated stem of the plant 5. Grooved cut-off marks 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising section 33 (the pair of seedling holding sections 37). The cut-off marks 38 are formed to communicate with the seedling raising section 33.

As shown in Figure 17, the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising component 20 has a seed raising unit 33 that is formed by integrating a seed holding unit, a stem holding unit, and a root holding unit. A pair of plate-shaped seedling holding units 37 are provided on the seedling raising unit 33 so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the seedling raising unit 33. The distance (width) between the seedling holding units 37 is adjusted to a width that allows the seeds 50 of the plant 5 that has absorbed water to rotate when germinating. The seedling holding units 37 can be easily elastically deformed and elastically deform in a manner that does not hinder the cotyledons when they unfold. In addition, the seedling holding units 37 have the function of guiding the elongation of the stems of the germinated plants 5 and have the function of a stem holding unit to maintain the elongated stems of the plants 5. Grooved cut-off marks 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising unit 33 in a manner that crosses the pair of seedling holding units 37. The cut-off marks 38 are formed to communicate with the seedling raising unit 33.

As shown in Figure 18, the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising component 20 has a seed raising unit 33 that is formed by integrating a seed holding unit, a stem holding unit, and a root holding unit. A plurality of cylindrical seedling holding units 37 are provided in the seedling raising unit 33 so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the seedling raising unit 33. The plurality of seedling holding units 37 are arranged in two rows along the longitudinal direction. The distance (width) between the seedling holding units 37 is adjusted to a width that allows the seeds 50 of the plant 5 that has absorbed water to rotate when germinating. The seedling holding units 37 can be easily elastically deformed and elastically deform in a manner that does not hinder the cotyledons when they unfold. In addition, the seedling holding units 37 have the function of guiding the elongation of the stems of the germinated plants 5 and have the function of a stem holding unit that holds the elongated stems of the plants 5. Grooved cut-off marks 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising unit 33. The cut-off marks 38 are formed to communicate with the seedling raising unit 33.

(Sixth embodiment)

19, 20A, and 20B, the sixth embodiment is an example in which the structure of the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) for grafting is modified. However, descriptions of the same structure, method, and effects as those of the fifth embodiment are appropriately omitted.

19, 20A and 20B, the seedling raising member 20 is composed of two members, a first seedling raising member 20A and a second seedling raising member 20B. The seedling raising unit 30 is composed of a first unit portion 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A and a second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B.

As shown in Figure 19, the first unit portion 30A of the first seedling raising component 20A has a seed raising portion 33 formed by integrating a seed accommodating portion, a stem accommodating portion and a root accommodating portion. The seedling raising portion 33 is provided with a plurality of conical seedling raising guides 39 formed in a manner protruding from the bottom surface of the seedling raising portion 33. A plurality of seedling raising guides 39 are configured to be arranged in two rows along the longitudinal direction. The distance (width) between the seedling raising guides 39 is adjusted to a width that can be rotated when the seeds 50 of the plant 5 that has absorbed water germinate. The seedling raising guides 39 can be easily elastically deformed and elastically deformed in a manner that does not hinder the cotyledons when they unfold. In addition, the seedling raising retaining portion 37 has the function of guiding the elongation of the stem of the germinated plant 5.

As shown in FIG20A , the second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B includes a plurality of cylindrical seedling holding portions 37. The plurality of seedling guides 37 are arranged in two rows in the longitudinal direction. The seedling holding portions 37 are easily elastically deformable and function as stem holding portions for holding the elongated stems of the plants 5.

20A , a plant 5 is grown in the first unit 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A. Then, the plurality of seedling holding portions 37 of the second unit 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B are inserted into the seedling raising portion 33 of the first unit 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A.

Next, as shown in FIG20B , the second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B is separated from the first unit portion 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A, thereby obtaining the second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B in a state where the stem 51 of the plant 5 is held by the plurality of seedling holding portions 37. Thereafter, grafting is performed using the second seedling raising member 20B to obtain a grafted seedling.

Alternatively, other methods can be used to produce grafted seedlings. For example, as shown in FIG21A , a plant 5 is grown in the first unit 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A. Adhesive 41 is then applied to two locations on the stem 51 of the plant 5. This adhesive 41 functions as a stem retaining member to hold the elongated stem of the plant 5. Subsequently, the second unit 30B of the plate-shaped second seedling raising member 20B is pressed against the plant 5 in the first unit 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A.

21B , the second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B is separated from the first unit portion 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A, thereby holding the stem 51 of the plant 5 by the second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B via the adhesive 41. Grafting is then performed using the second seedling raising member 20B to obtain a grafted seedling.

(Seventh embodiment)

22, 23A, and 23B, the seventh embodiment is an example in which the structure of the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) for grafting is modified. However, descriptions of the same structures, methods, and effects as those of the fifth embodiment are appropriately omitted.

As shown in Figure 22, the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising component 20 includes a seed raising section 33 that is formed by integrating a seed accommodating section, a stem accommodating section, and a root accommodating section. Two plate-shaped seedling holding sections 37 are provided on each side of the seedling raising section 33, protruding from the inner wall surfaces on both sides of the seedling raising section 33. In other words, there are four seedling holding sections 37 in total. The width of the seedling raising section 33 is adjusted to allow the seeds 50 of the plant 5 that have absorbed water to rotate during germination. The seedling holding sections 42 are easily elastically deformable and deform in a manner that does not hinder the cotyledons from expanding. Furthermore, the seedling holding sections 42 guide the elongation of the stems of the germinated plants 5 and also function as stem holding sections to maintain the elongated stems of the plants 5. Grooved cut-off markings 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising section 33. The cut-off markings 38 are formed to communicate with the seedling raising section 33.

As shown in FIG23A , the seedling holding portion 42 guides the extension of the stem 51 of the germinated plant 5 within the seedling raising portion 33 and holds the extended stem 51. Thus, the extended stem 51 of the plant 5 can be fully held by the seedling holding portion 42. Furthermore, as shown in FIG23B , while the stem 51 of the plant 5 is held by the seedling holding portion 42, sheet members 43 are further arranged above and below the opening of the seedling raising portion 33 to further fully hold the stem 51 of the plant 5.

(Other embodiments)

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

(1) In the above embodiment, the seedling raising member 20 is plate-shaped, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can adopt various shapes. In addition, the shapes of the seed receiving portion 32, stem receiving portion 34, stem holding portion 31, root receiving portion 36, etc. of the seedling raising unit 30 can be appropriately changed according to the type and size of the plant to be grafted.

(2) In the above embodiment, in the seedling raising member 20, three cutting marks 38a, 38b, and 38c are formed on both sides of the stem receiving portion 34 of each seedling raising unit 30 at different distances from the seed receiving portion 32. However, the number of cutting marks is not limited to this. Furthermore, the cutting marks may not be formed.

(3) In the above embodiment, after sowing seeds into the seed container 32 of the seedling raising unit 30, the plant growth medium 40 is placed on one main surface of the seedling raising member 20 via the membrane filter, and the seedling raising member 20 is erected together with the plant growth medium 40 so that the stem container 34 is vertical. However, if an appropriate amount of plant growth medium is added to the seed container 32 along with the seeds, the seedling raising member 20 can also be erected in such a state that the stem container 34 is vertical. In this way, by saving space corresponding to the membrane filter and the plant growth medium, it is possible to produce grafted seedlings with further space saving.

(4) In the above embodiment, when the stem of the plant in the stem receiving portion 34 of the seedling raising unit 30 of each seedling raising component 20 is cut, the seedling raising component 20 is cut together. However, if the seedling raising component 20 (seedling raising unit 30) is constructed so as to be split at the cutting position of the plant stem, only the plant stem can be cut without cutting the seedling raising component 20, so the seedling raising component 20 can be reused.

(5) In the above embodiment, a grafted seedling is produced by grafting a plurality of plants. Here, the plurality of plants may be plants of the same species, plants of different species, or a mixture of plants of the same species and plants of different species.

(6) In the above embodiment, a rootstock plant and a scion plant are grafted (two plants are grafted), or an intermediate rootstock plant is arranged between the rootstock plant and the scion plant to graft three plants. The intermediate rootstock plant may be one or more. In other words, three plants may be grafted, or four or more plants may be grafted.

(7) The seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) may be made of, for example, a biodegradable material. In this case, the grafted seedlings produced using the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) do not need to be removed from the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30), but can be spread along with the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) over a wide field (sowing seedlings). Zein (a water-insoluble protein extracted from corn) or the like can be used as the biodegradable material.

(8) The constituent elements of this disclosure are conceptual elements and are not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the functions of one constituent element may be dispersed among multiple constituent elements, or the functions of multiple constituent elements may be integrated into one constituent element. Furthermore, at least a portion of the components of the above-described embodiments may be replaced with a known component having the same function.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This international application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-026570 filed in the Japan Patent Office on February 13, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a seedling raising component for grafting, a seedling raising kit, and a method for producing grafted seedlings.

Background Art

In the field of agricultural horticulture, grafting is widely used to avoid continuous cropping problems, improve quality and yield, and breed new varieties. Grafting is a very widely used method in the field of agricultural horticulture. Whether for commercial or household use, grafting has become widely popular, but most grafting is done by hand. Since a certain degree of practice is required in the implementation of grafting, there are problems such as deviation in the quality of grafted seedlings and slow production speed. As a method to solve these problems, the following patent document 1 discloses a fully automatic grafting device. And the following patent documents 2 to 7 disclose various grafting components. In addition, since it is based on the premise of being implemented by hand, grafting is only suitable for plant bodies that have grown to a size that can be handled by hand.

Prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-238805

Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-127149

Patent Document 3: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-99930

Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-327498

Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-242699

Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-280265

Patent Document 7: European Patent Application Publication No. 829199

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

As mentioned above, since grafting requires a certain degree of practice, there are problems such as variability in the quality of grafted seedlings and slow production speeds. Furthermore, the fully automatic grafting device described in Patent Document 1 is large and expensive, making it unsuitable for small-scale grafting operations. Furthermore, while the grafting components described in Patent Documents 2-7 include, for example, a seed container for holding plant seeds and a stem container connected to the seed container, inserting plant seeds from the stem container into the seed container requires the stem container's inner diameter to be larger than the seed container. Consequently, the plant stem contained in the stem container cannot be adequately held, making it difficult to position the stem during grafting. This results in a reduced grafting success rate and poor grafting operability. Furthermore, the low grafting accuracy makes grafting small plants difficult. Furthermore, the plants that can be handled by hand or with large devices are limited to those with larger plant bodies. Consequently, grafting is only suitable for vegetables with large embryos, such as those in the Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae families.

One aspect of the present disclosure is to enable easy production of grafted seedlings regardless of the size or growth stage of the plant body to be grafted, and to achieve improved productivity and quality of the grafted seedlings and reduced costs.

Technical solutions to the problem

The grafting seedling raising component of one aspect of the present disclosure is provided with at least one seedling raising unit. The at least one seedling raising unit includes a seed holding portion, a stem holding portion, and a stem retaining portion. The seed holding portion is configured to hold plant seeds and has a space for plant germination; the stem holding portion is configured to hold the stem of the plant that germinates and elongates; and the stem retaining portion is configured to retain the elongated stem of the plant. At least a portion of the seed holding portion of the at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of the at least one seedling raising unit in a direction orthogonal to the growth direction of the plant. At least a portion of the stem holding portion of the at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of the at least one seedling raising unit in a direction orthogonal to the growth direction of the plant.

The grafting seedling raising component includes at least one seedling raising unit. The at least one seedling raising unit has a simple structure including a seed receiving portion, a stem receiving portion, and a stem retaining portion. Therefore, the seedling raising component can be used to easily prepare a plant body (grafting seedling) for grafting. In particular, the at least one seedling raising unit includes a stem retaining portion, thereby easily preparing a grafting seedling with the stem retained by the stem retaining portion.

Furthermore, for example, a first plant is cultivated by the first seedling-raising component, and a second plant is cultivated by the second seedling-raising component. Next, the stem of the first plant held by the stem-holding portion of the seedling-raising unit in the first seedling-raising component is cut, and the stem of the second plant held by the stem-holding portion of the seedling-raising unit in the second seedling-raising component is cut. Then, the cross-section of the stem of the first plant in the first seedling-raising component and the cross-section of the stem of the second plant in the second seedling-raising component are joined. In this way, grafting can be performed with good precision through a simple and mechanized operation. Therefore, anyone can easily produce uniform grafted seedlings with good precision, thereby achieving an improvement in the productivity and quality of the grafted seedlings.

In addition, a seedling raising component (at least one seedling raising unit) can be prepared with a simple structure. Therefore, a large number of seedling raising components can be prepared. Thus, it is possible to utilize the seedling raising component to mass-produce grafted seedlings. In addition, it is easy to adjust the size of the seedling raising component to match the plant body as the grafting object. Therefore, regardless of the size of the plant, from small plants to large plants, and from seedlings shortly after germination to grown plants, regardless of the growth stage, grafting can be easily performed.

Furthermore, the use of seedling raising components facilitates seedling preparation and reduces space requirements at the seedling raising site. Furthermore, the plant cultivation cycle can be shortened, thereby reducing cultivation costs. Furthermore, if rice seedlings (particularly small rice seedlings that are difficult to handle by hand) are used as the target, cultivation costs can be reduced by shortening the cultivation time, and transportation costs can be reduced due to the small size of the grafted seedlings.

In addition, at least a portion of the seed storage section of at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of the seed storage section. Therefore, plant seeds can be easily dropped into the seed storage section from the opening portion of the seed storage section. As a result, there is no need to drop plant seeds from the stem storage section, and the inner diameter of the stem storage section can be set to match the diameter of the plant stem. In addition, for example, the seed storage section (specifically, the plant seeds contained in the seed storage section) can be supplied with plant growth medium required for plant germination and cultivation from the opening portion of the seed storage section, thereby enabling easy and smooth plant cultivation.

Furthermore, at least a portion of the stem accommodating portion of at least one of the seedling raising units is configured to be openable to the outside of the stem accommodating portion. Therefore, for example, plant growth medium, etc., required for plant germination and cultivation can be supplied to the stem accommodating portion (specifically, the stem of the plant accommodated therein) through the opening, thereby facilitating and smoothly cultivating the plant. Furthermore, the plant stem can be elongated, and cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. can be unfolded outside of at least one of the seedling raising units, thereby facilitating and smoothly cultivating the plant.

Furthermore, compared to using larger soil particles, using a plant growth medium such as an agar medium allows for significantly smaller seedling-raising components, making it easier to prepare seedling-raising components of a desired shape. Furthermore, using small seedling-raising components allows for positioning (coordinate determination) of a grafted seedling (e.g., a cross-section of a plant stem) at the micron level, enabling grafting with high precision. This makes it possible to easily and accurately graft small seedlings, which was previously difficult.

Furthermore, for example, the stem of a plant that has sprouted and grown can be directly held by the stem holding portion of at least one of the seedling raising units, so that grafting can be performed immediately after the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. emerge from the opening of the stem holding portion to the outside of the at least one of the seedling raising units. Thus, the seedling can be grafted immediately after it has sprouted.

A seedling raising kit for grafting according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of the above-mentioned seedling raising components for grafting.

The grafting seedling raising kit includes a plurality of the grafting seedling raising components. Therefore, as described above, grafting can be performed easily. Furthermore, anyone can easily produce uniform grafted seedlings, thereby improving the quality of the grafted seedlings. Furthermore, cultivation and transportation costs can be reduced.

A method for producing a grafted seedling according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the following steps: preparing a first seedling raising component and a second seedling raising component, each of the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component being the above-mentioned grafting seedling raising component; accommodating seeds of a first plant in a seed accommodating portion of a seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component, causing the seeds of the first plant to germinate in the seed accommodating portion of the seedling raising unit and causing the stem of the first plant to extend in the stem accommodating portion of the seedling raising unit; holding the stem of the first plant by a stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component; and cutting the stem of the first plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component; The seeds of the second plant are accommodated in the seed accommodation portion of the seedling unit in the second seedling raising component, the seeds of the second plant are germinated in the seed accommodation portion of the seedling raising unit, and the stem of the second plant is extended in the stem accommodation portion of the seedling raising unit; the stem of the second plant is held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising component; the stem of the second plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising component is cut; and the cross-section of the stem of the first plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component and the cross-section of the stem of the second plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising component are joined.

The method for producing grafted seedlings can be implemented using a plurality of the grafting seedling raising components. Therefore, as described above, grafting can be performed easily and with high precision, thereby enabling easy production of grafted seedlings with high precision. Furthermore, anyone can easily produce uniform grafted seedlings with high precision, thereby improving the quality of the grafted seedlings. Furthermore, cultivation and transportation costs can be reduced.

As described above, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, grafted seedlings can be produced inexpensively and simply regardless of the size or growth stage of the plant body to be grafted, and the productivity and quality of the grafted seedlings can be improved while reducing costs.

In the above-mentioned grafting seedling raising parts, at least a portion of the seed holding portion of at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit. The structure in which the seed holding portion is openable to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit includes the following structures: a structure in which the seed holding portion has an opening to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit, or a structure in which the seed holding portion has an opening to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit and is provided with a component capable of opening and closing the opening. In addition, it is preferred to supply the plant growth medium via a thin sheet component having water permeability such as a membrane or filter paper. If a harder agar medium is used as the plant growth medium, the above-mentioned sheet component does not need to be used.

At least a portion of the stem container of at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of the at least one seedling raising unit. The structure in which at least a portion of the stem container is openable to the outside of the at least one seedling raising unit includes the same structure as the seed container.

At least one of the seedling raising units may further include a root receiving portion configured to receive the roots of the plant that has germinated and grown. In this case, the roots of the plant can grow in the root receiving portion, thereby enabling easy and smooth plant cultivation.

At least a portion of the root accommodating portion of at least one seedling raising unit is configured to be openable to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit. In this case, for example, a plant growth medium required for plant germination and cultivation can be supplied to the root accommodating portion (specifically, the roots of the plant accommodated in the root accommodating portion) from the opening portion of the root accommodating portion, thereby enabling easy and smooth cultivation of the plant. In addition, the roots of the plant can be further extended outside of at least one seedling raising unit, thereby enabling easy and smooth cultivation of the plant. Among them, the structure in which at least a portion of the root accommodating portion is openable to the outside of at least one seedling raising unit includes the same structure as the above-mentioned seed accommodating portion.

The stem retaining portion of at least one of the seedling raising units may be movable and configured to retain the stem of the plant while in contact with the elongated stem. In this case, even if the diameter of the plant stem changes as it grows, the stem retaining portion of at least one of the seedling raising units can maintain contact with the plant stem and fully retain the plant stem.

In at least one of the seedling raising units, the seed container may have a cross-sectional shape that allows rotation of the watered plant seeds. When the seed container has a circular cross-sectional shape, its diameter may range from approximately the same as the long diameter of the watered plant seeds to approximately two to three times the long diameter.

In at least one seedling raising unit, the width of the stem accommodating portion can be formed to a degree sufficient to accommodate the passage of the cotyledons of the plant. Furthermore, the width of the stem accommodating portion can be formed to a degree sufficient to hold the stem of the plant in a predetermined position. Furthermore, the width of the stem accommodating portion can be approximately 1/10 to 1/2 of the diameter of the seed accommodating portion. Furthermore, the length of the stem accommodating portion can be any length suitable for extending the stem of the plant. Furthermore, the stem accommodating portion can be formed separately from the seed accommodating portion or integrally therewith.

In at least one seedling raising unit, the root accommodating portion can be formed into a channel having a width that allows the roots of the plant to pass through. In addition, the width of the root accommodating portion can be about 1/10 to 1/2 of the diameter of the seed accommodating portion. The root accommodating portion can be constructed as described above so that at least a portion thereof can be opened to the outside, and the root accommodating portion can also be closed without opening to the outside as long as it has a space that can sufficiently accommodate the roots of the plant (such as a seed accommodating portion). The root accommodating portion can be formed separately from the seed accommodating portion or formed integrally with the seed accommodating portion. In addition, the root accommodating portion can be formed separately from the stem accommodating portion or formed integrally with the stem accommodating portion.

In at least one seedling raising unit, the stem retaining portion has no limitation on its shape, etc., as long as it can retain the elongated stem of the plant. Here, retaining the elongated stem of the plant means being able to retain the stem of the plant in a certain position. The stem retaining portion can be composed of a part of the stem accommodating portion, or it can be separately provided with the stem accommodating portion. For example, when a part of the stem accommodating portion (such as the inner wall surface) is made to function as the stem retaining portion, the stem can be retained by the pressure generated by a part of the stem accommodating portion. In this case, the width of the stem accommodating portion can be pre-formed to match the thickness of the stem at the growth stage. In addition, the stem retaining portion can also be provided inside the stem accommodating portion.

At least one seedling raising unit may be plate-shaped. In this case, the at least one seedling raising unit can be miniaturized, and the overall seedling raising component can be miniaturized. In addition, the miniaturization of the seedling raising component can save space in the seedling raising site.

When at least one of the seedling raising units is plate-shaped, for example, the seed receptacle, stem receptacle, root receptacle, etc. may be formed to be open on one main surface of the at least one seedling raising unit, or the seed receptacle, stem receptacle, root receptacle, etc. may be configured to be openable and closable. In this case, it is easy to place seeds into the seed receptacle, supply plant growth medium, etc. to the seed receptacle, stem receptacle, root receptacle, etc., and to remove the grafted seedling after grafting.

At least one seedling raising unit may include an elastically deformable material. In this case, the plant to be cultivated can be maintained in at least one seedling raising unit. For example, a portion of the stem accommodating portion (e.g., the inner wall surface) can be made to function as a stem retaining portion to maintain the stem of the plant to be cultivated. Thus, when the stem of the plant in the stem retaining portion of at least one seedling raising unit is cut off, thereby dividing the seedling raising component into a plurality of parts, the stem of the plant can also be maintained in the stem retaining portion. In addition, since at least one seedling raising unit can be flexibly deformed in accordance with the growth of the plant, the adhesion to the plant is improved, making it easy to maintain the stem of the plant, and the effect of suppressing the situation that hinders the growth of the plant can also be obtained. Among them, as the elastically deformable material, for example, PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), also known as silicone rubber, can be used. PDMS is a material with high biocompatibility and can be easily cut with a sharp instrument.

The seedling raising member may be configured to be capable of dividing the stem receiving portion of at least one seedling raising unit into a plurality of parts by transversely cutting the stem receiving portion of at least one seedling raising unit. In this case, if the seedling raising member can be divided into a plurality of parts at the cutting position when the stem of the plant in the stem receiving portion of the at least one seedling raising unit is cut, it is not necessary to cut the seedling raising member, and the seedling raising member can be reused.

At least one seedling raising unit may include a plurality of seedling raising units. In this case, the seedling raising components can be used to produce a larger number of grafted seedlings. Thus, the productivity of the grafted seedlings can be further improved.

The plurality of seedling raising units may be integrated into one unit. In this case, the structure of the seedling raising components can be simplified, and the operation of producing grafted seedlings using the plurality of seedling raising components can be facilitated.

The multiple seedling raising units can be arranged in a predetermined direction so that their stem receptacles face the same direction. This facilitates the production of grafted seedlings using the multiple seedling raising components (particularly, the cutting of plant stems and the joining of plant stem sections). Furthermore, the multiple seedling raising units can be arranged in either a two-dimensional (planar) or three-dimensional (stereoscopic) configuration.

A plurality of seedling raising units can be configured so that the stem accommodating portions of the respective seedling raising units are arranged at equal intervals. In this case, the operation of producing grafted seedlings (particularly the cutting of the stem of the plant, the joining of the sections of the stem of the plant to each other) using a plurality of seedling raising components becomes easy.

The seedling raising part can be used for the grafting of rice seedlings. In this case, by taking rice seedlings (particularly small-sized rice seedlings that cannot be handled by bare hands) as the object, it is possible to reduce the cultivation cost by shortening the cultivation time, and to reduce the transportation cost due to the small size of the grafted seedlings. In addition, the effect of being able to carry out the above-mentioned grafting can also be effectively exerted for small plants that have been difficult to implement grafting by human hands. Here, rice seedlings refer to plants in the period from the time when the primary leaves are unfolded after the plant germinates. For example, if it is a cruciferous plant, it is included in a state of being 1 mm in length after germination for several days (for example, after 3 days).

Part or all of the seedling raising component can be made of, for example, a biodegradable material. In this case, the grafted seedlings produced using the seedling raising component do not need to be removed from the seedling raising component, but can be spread along with the seedling raising component over a wide area of arable land (sowing seedlings). Examples of biodegradable materials include zein (a water-insoluble protein extracted from corn).

The seedling raising component may be composed of a single component or a plurality of components. For example, the seedling raising component may be composed of a component having a seed receiving portion of at least one seedling raising unit and a stem receiving portion of at least one seedling raising unit, and a component having a stem retaining portion of at least one seedling raising unit.

Furthermore, at least a portion of the seed housing portion is configured to be openable in a perpendicular direction toward the outside of at least one seedling raising unit so that the plant growth medium can be supplied to the plant.

Furthermore, at least a portion of the stem accommodating portion is configured to be openable in a perpendicular direction toward the outside of at least one of the seedling raising units so that a plant growth medium can be supplied to the plant.

In the above-mentioned grafting seedling raising kit, when a plurality of seedling raising components each have a plurality of seedling raising units, the plurality of seedling raising units can be configured so that the stem receiving portions of the plurality of seedling raising units are arranged at the same intervals. In this case, the operation of producing grafted seedlings using the plurality of seedling raising components (particularly the cutting of plant stems and the joining of the cut surfaces of plant stems) becomes easier. In addition, the plants to be grafted are not limited to plants of approximately the same size. Even plants of different sizes can be easily positioned, thereby enabling grafting to be performed with good operability.

The method for producing grafted seedlings further includes the following steps: dividing the first seedling raising component into a plurality of parts to form a plurality of split pieces; and dividing the second seedling raising component into a plurality of parts to form a plurality of split pieces, and the step of joining the cut surface of the stem of the first plant held by the stem retaining portion of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component and the cut surface of the stem of the second plant held by the stem retaining portion of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising component may include: arranging one of the plurality of split pieces of the first seedling raising component and one of the plurality of split pieces of the second seedling raising component in such a manner that the cut surface of the stem of the first plant held by the stem retaining portion of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising component and the cut surface of the stem of the second plant held by the stem retaining portion of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising component abut against each other. In this case, the grafting operation (particularly the joining of the cut surface of the stem of the first plant and the cut surface of the stem of the second plant) is facilitated.

In the above-described method for producing grafted seedlings, preferably, a plant growth medium for germinating and growing the first and second plants is supplied to the seed and stem receptacles of the seedling raising unit in the first seedling raising member and the seed and stem receptacles of the seedling raising unit in the second seedling raising member. In this case, germination and growth of the first and second plants can be easily and smoothly performed.

In the above-mentioned method for producing grafted seedlings, when one end of the stem receiving portion of the seedling raising unit of the first seedling raising component and one end of the stem receiving portion of the seedling raising unit of the second seedling raising component are opened toward the outside of the seedling raising unit, the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component can be placed in a dark place until the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. of the first plant and the second plant reach one end of the stem receiving portion, and then the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component can be placed in a light place. In this case, by placing the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component in a dark place, the stem can be fully extended without the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. being expanded in the stem receiving portion of the seedling raising unit, thereby allowing the stem to be appropriately arranged in the stem receiving portion. In addition, by placing the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component in a light place, the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. can be expanded outside the stem receiving portion of the seedling raising unit. This further causes the stem to grow thicker, so that the stem retaining portion can fully retain the stem. Thus, the first plant and the second plant can be easily and smoothly cultivated. Alternatively, instead of placing the first and second seedling raising members in a dark and bright place, the first and second seedling raising members may be made of a material with low light transmittance so that the interior of the seedling raising unit becomes dark and the exterior of the seedling raising unit becomes bright.

In addition, if the stem of the first plant that has germinated and elongated can be fully maintained by the stem holding portion of the seedling unit in the first seedling raising component, and the stem of the second plant that has germinated and elongated can be fully maintained by the stem holding portion of the seedling unit in the second seedling raising component, seedlings can be raised in the open from beginning to end.

In the above-mentioned method for producing grafted seedlings, when the stem of the first plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit of the first seedling raising member is cut, the stem can be cut together with the first seedling raising member. Alternatively, only the stem of the first plant can be cut, and the first seedling raising member, which is configured to be divisible, can be divided at the cut position. When cutting together with the first seedling raising member, the first seedling raising member is preferably made of a material that is easy to cut.

In the above-mentioned method for producing grafted seedlings, when the stem of the second plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit of the second seedling raising member is cut, the stem can be cut together with the second seedling raising member. Alternatively, only the stem of the second plant can be cut, and the second seedling raising member, which is configured to be divisible, can be divided at the cut position. When cutting together with the second seedling raising member, the second seedling raising member is preferably made of a material that is easy to cut.

In the method for producing a grafted seedling, a grafted seedling is obtained by grafting a plurality of plants comprising a first plant and a second plant. The plurality of plants may be plants of the same species, plants of different species, or a mixture of the same species and plants of different species.

In the above-mentioned method for producing grafted seedlings, for example, a stock plant and a scion plant can be grafted. That is, two plants can be grafted. In addition, grafting can also be performed by arranging an interstock plant between the stock plant and the scion plant. The interstock plant can be one or more. That is, three plants can be grafted, or four or more plants can be grafted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a plan view showing the structure of a seedling raising member.

FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of the seedling raising component taken along line II-II in FIG1 .

FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of the seedling raising component taken along line III-III of FIG1 .

FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of the seedling raising member taken along line IV-IV in FIG1 .

FIG5 is a plan view showing the structure of the seedling raising member assembly.

FIG6 is a process diagram showing an example of a method for producing a grafted seedling using a seedling raising member.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the seedling raising member is vertically erected together with the plant growth medium.

8A to 8D are explanatory diagrams showing how seedlings are raised by the seedling raising unit.

9A to 9C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of grafting using the seedling raising member.

FIG. 10 is a process diagram showing another example of a method for producing a grafted seedling using a seedling raising member.

11A to 11D are explanatory diagrams showing an example of grafting using a seedling raising member.

FIG12 is a plan view showing the structure of another example of a seedling raising member.

FIG13 is a plan view showing the structure of another example of the seedling raising member assembly.

14A and 14B are plan views showing the structure of the seedling raising member and a state of raising seedlings using the seedling raising member.

FIG15 is a perspective view showing the structure of the seedling raising member.

FIG16 is a perspective view showing the structure of the seedling raising member.

FIG17 is a perspective view showing the structure of the seedling raising member.

FIG18 is a perspective view showing the structure of the seedling raising member.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the structure of a first seedling raising member of the seedling raising member.

20A and 20B are explanatory diagrams showing a state of raising seedlings using the seedling raising member.

21A and 21B are explanatory diagrams showing how seedlings are raised using the seedling raising member.

FIG22 is a perspective view showing the structure of the seedling raising component.

23A and 23B are plan views showing how seedlings are grown using the seedling growing members.

Description of Reference Signs

20 ...seedling raising member; 30 ...seedling raising unit; 31 ...stem holding portion; 32 ...seed receiving portion;

34…stem receiving portion

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the grafting seedling raising component 20 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of seedling raising units 30. Each seedling raising unit 30 includes a seed accommodating portion 32, a stem accommodating portion 34, and a stem retaining portion (an inner wall surface 341 of the stem accommodating portion 34 will be described later). The seed accommodating portion 32 is configured to accommodate plant seeds and has a space for plant germination; the stem accommodating portion 34 is configured to accommodate the stems of the germinated and elongated plants; and the stem retaining portion is configured to retain the elongated plant stems. A portion of the seed accommodating portion 32 of each seedling raising unit 30 is configured to be openable to the outside of the seed accommodating portion 32. A portion of the stem accommodating portion 34 of each seedling raising unit 30 is configured to be openable to the outside of the stem accommodating portion 34. The following describes the grafting seedling raising component 20 in detail.

FIG1 is a block diagram showing the general structure of a grafting seedling raising component 20. FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of the grafting seedling raising component 20 taken along line II-II in FIG1. FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of the grafting seedling raising component 20 taken along line III-III in FIG1. FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of the grafting seedling raising component 20 taken along line IV-IV in FIG1. FIG5 is a block diagram showing the general structure of the grafting seedling raising component assembly 10. The directions described in the first embodiment are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the seedling raising member 20 is formed of a flexible, elastically deformable resin material, such as silicone rubber, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The seedling raising member 20 is formed in a plate shape. The seedling raising member 20 includes a plurality of seedling raising units 30. The plurality of seedling raising units 30 are formed integrally. The plurality of seedling raising units 30 are arranged in a horizontal row.

Each seedling raising unit 30 includes a seed accommodating portion 32, a stem accommodating portion 34, and a root accommodating portion 36. The seed accommodating portion 32 is formed as a cylindrical depression from one main surface in the thickness direction of the seedling raising member 20. The diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32 is adjusted to a size that allows the water-absorbed seeds to rotate during germination. The diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion can be, for example, approximately the same as the long diameter of the water-absorbed seeds, to approximately 1.5 times or 2 times the long diameter.

The stem accommodating portion 34 is formed as a groove-like recess from one main surface of the seedling raising member 20. The stem accommodating portion 34 extends linearly upward from the seed accommodating portion 32. One end of the stem accommodating portion 34 (the top end opposite the seed accommodating portion 32) is open upward. The inner wall surfaces 341 on both sides of the stem accommodating portion 34 function to retain the elongated plant stem from both sides. In other words, the inner wall surfaces 341 of the stem accommodating portion 34 serve as stem retaining portions configured to retain the elongated plant stem.

The width d of the stem-accommodating portion 34 is adjusted to a size that allows the cotyledons to pass through. For example, the width d of the stem-accommodating portion 34 can be approximately 1/10 to 1/2 of the diameter φ of the seed-accommodating portion 32. The length L1 of the stem-accommodating portion 34 can be any length suitable for grafting. For example, the length L1 of the stem-accommodating portion 34 can be approximately 1 to 3 times the diameter φ of the seed-accommodating portion 32.

The root accommodating portion 36 is formed as a groove-shaped depression from one main surface of the seedling raising part 20. The root accommodating portion 36 is formed to extend linearly from the seed accommodating portion 32 downward (in the opposite direction to the stem accommodating portion 34) with the same width d as the root accommodating portion 36. One end of the root accommodating portion 36 (the top end on the side opposite to the seed accommodating portion 32) is open downward. The width d of the root accommodating portion 36 is adjusted to a size that allows the roots to pass through. The width d of the root accommodating portion 36 can be, for example, about 1/10 to 1/2 of the diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32. The length L2 of the root accommodating portion 36 only needs to be the length for the roots to extend downward, and can be about twice the diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32.

The depth W2 of the seed accommodating portion 32, the stem accommodating portion 34, and the root accommodating portion 36 is approximately half to one-third of the thickness W1 of the seedling raising member 20. To allow the water-absorbed seeds to at least rotate within the seed accommodating portion 32 during germination, the depth W2 of the seed accommodating portion 32, the stem accommodating portion 34, and the root accommodating portion 36 may be approximately the same as the diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32. In the seedling raising member 20 of the first embodiment, the depth W2 of the seed accommodating portion 32, the stem accommodating portion 34, and the root accommodating portion 36 is approximately the same as the diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32.

In the seedling raising member 20, the seed housing portion 32, the stem housing portion 34, and the root housing portion 36 are formed to open on one main surface of the seedling raising member 20. Three cutting marks 38a, 38b, and 38c are formed on both sides of the stem housing portion 34 of each seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising member 20 at different distances from the seed housing portion 32.

In the seedling raising member 20, the plurality of seedling raising units 30 are arranged in a predetermined direction so that the stem receiving portions 34 of each seedling raising unit 30 face the same direction. In the first embodiment, all the stem receiving portions 34 are oriented in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the stem receiving portions 34 of the plurality of seedling raising units 30 are arranged horizontally at equal intervals.

As shown in FIG5 , the seedling raising member assembly 10 for grafting, in which a plurality of seedling raising members 20 are arranged in an up-down direction (vertical direction) and integrated, is cut at the position of the dotted line in the horizontal direction to obtain the seedling raising members 20 .

Furthermore, the dimensions of the seedling raising unit 30 vary depending on the type of seed being raised. For example, for Arabidopsis thaliana seeds with a diameter of approximately 500 μm, the diameter φ of the seed receiving portion 32 can be 700 to 1200 μm (e.g., 900 μm). The width d of the stem receiving portion 34 and the root receiving portion 36 can be 100 to 500 μm (e.g., 250 μm). The length L1 of the stem receiving portion 34 can be 500 to 1500 μm (e.g., 1000 μm). The length L2 of the root receiving portion 36 can be 100 to 1000 μm (e.g., 500 μm).

On the other hand, in the case of tomatoes, eggplants, etc., the diameter φ of the seed receiving portion 32 can be 3.5 to 7.5 mm (e.g., 5.5 mm). The width d of the stem receiving portion 34 and the root receiving portion 36 can be 0.6 to 1.5 mm (e.g., 1.0 mm). The lengths L1 and L2 of the stem receiving portion 34 and the root receiving portion 36 can be 5 to 15 mm (e.g., 10 mm). The length L2 of the root receiving portion 36 can be 0 to 10 mm (e.g., 1 mm).

For example, a grafting seedling raising component assembly 10 is formed in which five grafting seedling raising components 20 are connected in the vertical direction. Each grafting seedling raising component 20 has four seedling raising units 30 arranged horizontally. In each seedling raising unit 30, the diameter φ of the seed accommodating portion 32 is 900 μm, the width d of the stem accommodating portion 34 and the root accommodating portion 36 is 300 μm, the length L1 of the stem accommodating portion 34 is 1000 μm, and the length of the root accommodating portion 36 is 500 μm. This results in a grafting seedling raising component assembly 10 having 20 seedling raising units 30 and a size of 17 mm (horizontally) by 16 mm (vertically and vertically).

Next, a method for producing grafted seedlings using a plurality of grafted seedling raising members 20 will be described.

As shown in Figures 6, 7, 8A to 8D, and 9A to 9C, the first embodiment of the method for producing a grafted seedling includes a seedling raising step and a grafting step. The seedling raising step comprises placing seeds 50 of a plant 5 in a seed receiving portion 32 in each seedling raising unit 30 of each seedling raising member 20, causing the plant 5 to germinate in the seed receiving portion 32, extending the stem 51 of the plant 5 in the stem receiving portion 34, and retaining the stem 51 of the plant 5 by the stem retaining portion (the inner wall surfaces 341 on both sides of the stem receiving portion 34). The grafting step comprises cutting the stem 51 of the plant 5 retained by the stem retaining portion (the inner wall surfaces 341 on both sides of the stem receiving portion 34) of the seedling raising unit 30 of each seedling raising member 20, and joining the cut surfaces of the stem 51 of the plant 5 to obtain a grafted seedling 6. The method for producing the grafted seedling 6 will be described in detail below.

FIG6 is a step diagram illustrating an example of a method for producing grafted seedlings using the grafting seedling raising unit 20. As shown in FIG6 , in producing the grafted seedlings, two seedling raising units 20 are first prepared (step S100). Next, seeds of a plant serving as a rootstock (the first plant) are sown into the seedling receptacles 32 of one seedling raising unit (the first seedling raising unit) 20, and seeds of a plant serving as a scion (the second plant) are sown into the seedling receptacles 32 of the other seedling raising unit (the second seedling raising unit) 20 (step S110).

Then, a plant growth medium is placed on one main surface (the surface where the seed receiving portion 32 of the seedling raising unit 30 is formed) of each of the two seedling raising members 20 via a membrane filter (step S120). Next, the two seedling raising members 20, along with the plant growth medium, are placed vertically upright and placed in the dark to grow seedlings until the cotyledons have reached the vicinity of one end (open end) of the stem receiving portion 34 (step S130). If the cotyledons have not yet expanded and have reached the vicinity of one end (open end) of the stem receiving portion 34, the seedlings are grown in the light until the cotyledons have expanded (step S140). This causes the cotyledons to expand.

Here, Figure 7 shows the state when the seedling raising part 20 is erected vertically together with the plant growth medium 40. The plant growth medium 40 is configured in a manner that covers one main surface of the seedling raising part 20 (in a manner that closes the opening portion of the seed receiving part 32, the stem receiving part 34 and the root receiving part 36). As a result, the direction in which the plant seeds are put in and the direction in which the plant growth medium 40 required for germination and cultivation of the plant is supplied will be different from each other (orthogonal directions) with the growth direction of the plant, thereby forming a structure with excellent operability. In addition, the seedling raising part 20 is erected vertically together with the plant growth medium 40 because the plant 5 is allowed to grow in the direction of gravity. In addition, the seedlings are raised in a dark place because the stem (hypocotyl) is allowed to elongate to a certain extent without the cotyledons unfolding.

8A to 8D illustrate the state of seedling cultivation in the seedling cultivation unit 30. When the seedlings are grown in the dark, seeds 50 of the plant 5 sown into the seed container 32 ( FIG. 8A ) germinate ( FIG. 8B ), with the stem 51 extending within the stem container 34 while the cotyledons 52 are not unfolded, and the roots 53 extending within the root container 36 ( FIG. 8C ). Subsequently, when the seedlings are grown in the light, the cotyledons 52 unfold ( FIG. 8D ).

Next, as shown in FIG6 , the two seedling raising members 20 are horizontally cut together with the seedling raising members 20 at a midway position of the stem housing 34 (e.g., at the position of the cutting mark 38b) (step S150). By this cutting, the cut portions (divided pieces) on the seed housing 32 side of the seedling raising member 20 where the seeds of the plant serving as the rootstock are sown form a rootstock array, and the cut portions (divided pieces) on the cotyledon side of the seedling raising member 20 where the seeds of the plant serving as the scion are sown form a scion array.

Afterwards, the scion array is placed on the rootstock array in a manner aligned with the rootstock array for joining (step S160). Since both the rootstock array and the scion array are obtained by horizontally cutting the same seedling raising member 20 at the midway position of the stem receiving portion 34, simply placing the scion array on the rootstock array in a manner aligned with the rootstock array will make the stem receiving portion 34 of the rootstock array match the stem receiving portion 34 of the scion array, so that the cut surface of the stem of the plant serving as the rootstock and the cut surface of the stem of the plant serving as the scion will abut against each other.

Figures 9A to 9C illustrate an example of grafting using two seedling-raising members 20. As shown, the seedling-raising member 20 (Figure 9B) on which the seeds of the rootstock plant 5A are sown and the seedling-raising member 20 (Figure 9A) on which the seeds of the scion plant 5B are sown are horizontally cut midway along their respective stem-receiving sections 34. The scion array 22 (the cut portion on the cotyledon side in Figure 9A) is then placed on the rootstock array 21 (the cut portion on the seed-receiving section 32 side in Figure 9B). This allows the cut surface of the rootstock stem to abut against the cut surface of the scion stem, allowing grafting to proceed (Figure 9C).

Afterwards, as shown in Figure 6, in a state where the cut surface of the stem of the stock and the cut surface of the stem of the scion are in contact, the seedlings are grown in a bright place (weak light) (step S170). Thus, the cut surface of the stem of the stock and the cut surface of the stem of the scion are joined, thereby obtaining a grafted seedling. Through the above, the production of the grafted seedling is completed.

In addition, in the first embodiment, two groups of seedling parts 20 are prepared, in which the diameter φ of the seed receiving portion 32 of the seedling unit 30 is 900 μm, the width d of the stem receiving portion 34 and the root receiving portion 36 is 250 μm, the length L1 of the stem receiving portion 34 is 1000 μm, and the length L2 of the root receiving portion 36 is 500 μm, and Arabidopsis thaliana is used for grafting.

When seeds are sown in the seed receiving portion 32 of the seedling raising unit 30, a plant growth medium 40 is set, and the seedlings are raised in a dark place, the cotyledons will reach near one end (open end) of the stem receiving portion 34 after 2 days. After that, after 1 to 2 days of raising the seedlings in a bright place, the cotyledons have unfolded. As described above, the stem receiving portion 34 is cut horizontally together with the seedling raising part 20 at the middle position, and the scion array is placed on the rootstock array in a manner aligned with the rootstock array for grafting. It was found that the grafting was established after about 1 week. After the tracer dye transported by the symplasm was added to the leaves, the roots were observed, and the reconnection of the vascular bundles was confirmed by detecting the fluorescence of the dye from the roots, thereby confirming the establishment of the graft. In addition, it was also confirmed that the grafted Arabidopsis plants formed the next generation of seeds.

Next, the effects of the grafting seedling raising member 20 and the method for producing a grafted seedling using the same according to the first embodiment will be described.

The grafting seedling raising component 20 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of seedling raising units 30. Each seedling raising unit 30 has a simple structure comprising a seed container 32, a stem container 34, and a stem retaining portion (the inner wall surface 341 of the stem container 34). Therefore, using the seedling raising component 20, it is possible to easily prepare plants (grafted seedlings) for grafting. In particular, the seedling raising units 30 include a stem retaining portion (the inner wall surface 341 of the stem container 34), thereby easily preparing grafted seedlings with their stems retained by the stem retaining portion (the inner wall surface 341 of the stem container 34).

For example, in the seedling raising part 20 of the first embodiment, a stock array formed by arranging a plurality of stock in a row and a scion array formed by arranging a plurality of scions in a row can be obtained. Furthermore, by simply placing the scion array on the stock array in a manner aligned with the stock array, a plurality of grafted seedlings arranged in a row can be obtained. In this way, grafting can be performed with good precision by simple mechanical operation. Therefore, anyone can easily produce uniform grafted seedlings with good precision, thereby achieving an improvement in the productivity and quality of the grafted seedlings.

Furthermore, the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) can be prepared with a simple structure. Therefore, the seedling raising member 20 can be prepared in large quantities. Thus, the seedling raising member 20 can be used to mass-produce grafted seedlings. Furthermore, since the size of the seedling raising member 20 can be easily adjusted to suit the plant to be grafted, grafting can be easily performed on plants of all sizes, from small to large plants, and from seedlings shortly after germination to fully grown plants, regardless of their growth stage.

Furthermore, by using the seedling raising component 20, it is possible to easily prepare for seedling raising and to achieve space saving in the seedling raising site. Furthermore, the plant cultivation cycle can be shortened. Thus, it is possible to reduce cultivation costs. Furthermore, if rice seedlings (particularly small rice seedlings that are difficult to handle by hand) are used as the target, cultivation costs can be reduced by shortening the cultivation time, and transportation costs can be reduced due to the small size of the grafted seedlings.

Furthermore, a portion of the seed container 32 of each seedling raising unit 30 is configured to be openable to the outside of the seed container 32. Therefore, plant seeds can be easily introduced into the seed container 32 through the opening of the seed container 32. This eliminates the need to insert plant seeds from the stem container 34, allowing the inner diameter of the stem container 34 to be adjusted to the diameter of the plant stem. Furthermore, the plant growth medium 40 required for plant germination and growth can be supplied to the seed container 32 (specifically, the plant seeds contained therein) through the opening of the seed container 32, enabling easy and smooth plant growth.

Furthermore, a portion of the stem accommodating portion 34 of each seedling raising unit 30 is configured to be openable to the outside of the stem accommodating portion 34. Therefore, the plant growth medium 40 required for plant germination and growth can be supplied to the stem accommodating portion 34 (specifically, the stem of the plant accommodated therein) through the opening portion of the stem accommodating portion 34, thereby enabling easy and smooth plant growth. Furthermore, the plant stem can be extended, and the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. can be expanded outside the seedling raising unit 30, thereby enabling easy and smooth plant growth.

Furthermore, compared to using larger soil particles, using a plant growth medium 40 such as an agar medium allows for significantly smaller seedling raising components 20, making it easier to prepare seedling raising components 20 of a desired shape. Furthermore, using a compact seedling raising component 20 allows for positioning (coordinate determination) of a grafted seedling (e.g., a cross-section of a plant stem) at micron level, enabling grafting with high precision. This makes it possible to easily and accurately graft small seedlings, which was previously difficult to do.

Furthermore, since the stem holding portion of the seedling raising unit 30 (the inner wall surface 341 of the stem receiving portion 34) can directly hold the stem of the plant that has germinated and extended, grafting can be performed immediately after the cotyledons, primary leaves, etc. emerge from the opening of the stem receiving portion 32 to the outside of the seedling raising unit 30. Thus, the seedling can be grafted immediately after germination.

Furthermore, the seedling raising unit 30 includes not only the seed housing portion 32 and the stem housing portion 34 but also the root housing portion 36. Therefore, the roots of the plant can be extended in the root housing portion 36. This allows the plant to be grown easily and smoothly.

In addition, one end of the root accommodating portion 36 of the seedling raising unit 30 is open to the outside. Therefore, the roots of the plant can be further extended outside the seedling raising unit 30. Thus, the plant can be grown easily and smoothly.

In addition, the seedling raising unit 30 is plate-shaped. Therefore, it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the seedling raising unit 30 and further miniaturization of the entire seedling raising member 20. Moreover, by miniaturizing the seedling raising member 20, space saving of the seedling raising site can be achieved.

Furthermore, the seedling raising unit 30 is plate-shaped, and the seed receiving portion 32, the stem receiving portion 34, and the root receiving portion 36 are formed to be open on one main surface of the seedling raising unit 30. Therefore, it is easy to put seeds into the seed receiving portion 32, to supply the plant growth medium 40 to the seed receiving portion 32, the stem receiving portion 34, and the root receiving portion 36, and to remove the grafted seedling after grafting.

In addition, the seedling raising part 20 (seedling raising unit 30) is made of an elastically deformable material. Therefore, the cultivated plant can be held in the seedling raising unit 30. A part of the stem accommodating portion 34 (specifically, the inner wall surface 341) is made to function as a stem retaining portion, so that the stem of the cultivated plant can be retained. Thus, even if the stem of the plant in the stem accommodating portion 34 of the seedling raising unit 30 is cut together with the seedling raising part 20, the stem of the plant can also be retained in the stem accommodating portion 34. In addition, since the seedling raising unit 30 can be flexibly deformed in accordance with the growth of the plant, the close fit with the plant is improved, the stem of the plant is easily retained, and the effect of not hindering the growth of the plant can be obtained.

Furthermore, the seedling raising member 20 includes a plurality of seedling raising units 30. Therefore, grafted seedlings can be produced in greater quantities using the seedling raising member 20. This further improves the productivity of the grafted seedlings.

Furthermore, the seedling raising member 20 (plural seedling raising units 30) is integrally formed. Therefore, the structure of the seedling raising member 20 can be simplified. Furthermore, the grafting operation using the plurality of seedling raising members 20 becomes easier.

Furthermore, the plurality of seedling raising units 30 are arranged in a predetermined direction so that the stem receiving portions 34 of the respective seedling raising units 30 face the same direction. This facilitates grafting operations using the plurality of seedling raising members 20 (particularly, cutting plant stems and joining plant stem sections).

Furthermore, the plurality of seedling raising units 30 are arranged so that the stem receiving portions 34 of the respective seedling raising units 30 are arranged at equal intervals. Therefore, grafting operations using the plurality of seedling raising members 20 are facilitated (particularly, cutting of plant stems and joining of plant stem sections).

Furthermore, the seedling raising unit 20 is designed for grafting rice seedlings (particularly small seedlings that are difficult to handle by hand). This reduces cultivation time and transportation costs by shortening the time it takes to grow the seedlings. Furthermore, even small plants that have been difficult to graft manually can be effectively grafted.

Furthermore, the method for producing grafted seedlings according to the first embodiment is performed using a plurality of grafting seedling raising members 20. Therefore, grafting can be easily and precisely performed as described above, thereby easily and precisely producing grafted seedlings. Furthermore, anyone can easily and precisely produce uniform grafted seedlings, thereby improving the quality of the grafted seedlings. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce cultivation and transportation costs.

Furthermore, in the method for producing grafted seedlings of the first embodiment, in the grafting step, the stem of the plant held by the stem holding portion (inner wall surface 341 of the stem receiving portion 34) of the seedling raising unit 30 of each seedling raising member 20 is cut, thereby dividing (cutting) each seedling raising member 20 into a plurality of parts to form a plurality of divided pieces (cut portions). The divided pieces (cut portions) of each seedling raising member 20 are arranged so that the cut surfaces of the plant stem abut against each other. Therefore, the grafting operation in the grafting step (particularly, the joining of the cut surfaces of the plant stem) is facilitated.

Furthermore, during the seedling raising step, the seedling raising member 20 is placed in the dark until the cotyledons of the plant reach one end (open end) of the stem accommodating portion 34, after which the seedling raising member 20 is placed in the light. Specifically, by placing the seedling raising member 20 in the dark, the cotyledons are prevented from unfolding within the stem accommodating portion 34, allowing the stem to fully extend, thereby allowing the stem to be properly positioned within the stem accommodating portion 34. Furthermore, by placing the seedling raising member 20 in the light, the cotyledons unfold outside the stem accommodating portion 34, and the stem grows thicker to fit within the stem accommodating portion 34, which is then held by the stem retaining portion (the inner wall surface 341 of the stem accommodating portion 34). This allows for easy and smooth plant cultivation.

Thus, according to the first embodiment, the following grafting seedling raising component 20, seedling raising kit and method for producing grafted seedlings can be provided, that is, grafted seedlings can be easily produced regardless of the size or growth stage of the plant body to be grafted, and the productivity of grafted seedlings can be improved, the quality of grafted seedlings can be improved, and costs can be reduced.

(Second embodiment)

As shown in Figures 10 and 11A to 11D, the second embodiment is an example of a method for producing grafted seedlings using three grafted seedling raising members 20. However, descriptions of the same structures, methods, and effects as those of the first embodiment will be appropriately omitted.

Figure 10 is a step diagram showing an example of a method for producing grafted seedlings using the seedling raising parts 20. As shown in Figure 10, in the method for producing grafted seedlings, three seedling raising parts 20 are first prepared (step S200). That is, a seedling raising kit including three groups of seedling raising parts 20 is prepared. Next, seeds of the plant (first plant) serving as the rootstock are sown into the various seed holding parts 32 of the first seedling raising part 20. And seeds of the plant (second plant) serving as the intermediate rootstock are sown into the various seed holding parts 32 of the second seedling raising part 20. In addition, seeds of the plant (third plant) serving as the scion are sown into the various seed holding parts 32 of the third seedling raising part 20 (step S210).

Next, a plant growth medium 40 is placed on one main surface (the surface forming the seed receiving section 32 of the seedling raising unit 30) of each of the three seedling raising components 20 through a membrane filter (step S220). The three seedling raising components 20, along with the plant growth medium 40, are then placed in a vertical position and raised in the dark until the cotyledons reach near one end (open end) of the stem receiving section 34 (step S230). If the cotyledons have not yet unfolded but have reached near one end (open end) of the stem receiving section 34, the seedlings are raised in the light until they unfold (step S240). This causes the cotyledons to unfold.

Next, the first seedling raising member 20 is cut horizontally together with the seedling raising member 20 at a midway position in the stem accommodating portion 34 (e.g., at the position of the cutting mark 38c). Furthermore, the second seedling raising member 20 is cut horizontally together with the seedling raising member 20 at two midway positions in the stem accommodating portion 34 (e.g., at the positions of the cutting marks 38a and 38c). Furthermore, the third seedling raising member 20 is cut horizontally together with the seedling raising member 20 at a midway position in the stem accommodating portion 34 (e.g., at the position of the cutting mark 38a) (step S250).

Through this cutting process, the cut portions (divided pieces) on the seed receiving portion 32 side of the first seedling raising member 20, where the seeds of the plant serving as the rootstock are sown, form a rootstock array. Furthermore, the cut portions (divided pieces) on the stem receiving portion 34 of the second seedling raising member 20, where the seeds of the plant serving as the intermediate stock are sown, form an intermediate stock array. Furthermore, the cut portions (divided pieces) on the cotyledon side of the third seedling raising member 20, where the seeds of the plant serving as the scion are sown, form a scion array.

Next, the intermediate stock array is placed on the rootstock array in a manner aligned with the rootstock array, and the scion array is placed on the intermediate stock array in a manner aligned with the intermediate stock array for joining (step S260). Since the rootstock array, intermediate stock array, and scion array are obtained by horizontally cutting the same seedling raising component 20 at the midpoint of the stem receiving portion 34, only by placing the intermediate stock array on the rootstock array in a manner aligned with the rootstock array and the scion array on the intermediate stock array in a manner aligned with the intermediate stock array, the stem receiving portions 34 of the rootstock array and the stem receiving portions 34 of the intermediate stock and the stem receiving portions 34 of the scion array are matched. Furthermore, the cut surface of the rootstock stem is brought into contact with the cut surface of the intermediate stock stem, and the cut surface of the intermediate stock stem is brought into contact with the cut surface of the scion stem.

Figures 11A to 11D illustrate an example of grafting using three seedling raising members 20. As shown, the first seedling raising member 20 (Figure 11C) sown with seeds of plant 5A serving as a rootstock, the second seedling raising member 20 (Figure 11B) sown with seeds of plant 5C serving as an intermediate stock, and the third seedling raising member 20 (Figure 11A) sown with seeds of plant 5B serving as a scion are horizontally cut along the dotted line midway along the stem receiving portion 34. Then, the intermediate stock array 23 (the cut portion between the two dotted lines in Figure 11B) is placed on the rootstock array 21 (the cut portion on the seed receiving portion 32 side in Figure 11C), and the scion array 22 (the cut portion on the cotyledon side in Figure 11A) is placed on the intermediate stock array 23. Thus, the cut surface of the stem of the rootstock is brought into contact with the cut surface of the lower side of the stem of the interstock, and the cut surface of the upper side of the stem of the interstock is brought into contact with the cut surface of the stem of the scion, thereby performing grafting ( FIG. 11D ).

Afterwards, as shown in Figure 10, under the state that the cut surfaces of the stem of stock, interstock and scion are abutted against each other, seedlings are raised in the open (step S270). Thus, the cut surfaces are engaged with each other to obtain grafted seedlings. As described above, the production of grafted seedlings is completed. Wherein, as the interstock, the genus Nicotiana that can be grafted with a wide range of plants can be used.

Under the situation of the 2nd embodiment, owing to use interstock, therefore can improve the combination freedom of stock and scion.In addition, if use the Nicotiana etc. that can be grafted with a wide range of plants as interstock, then can graft mutually incompatible plants each other by the presence of interstock.

In the second embodiment, three plants were grafted simultaneously. However, for example, two plants could be grafted and then the grafted plants could be grafted with other plants. In other words, multiple grafting operations could be performed. The same applies to grafting four or more plants.

(Third embodiment)

12 and 13 , the third embodiment is an example in which the structure of the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) for grafting is modified. However, descriptions of the same structure, method, and effects as those of the first embodiment are omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG12 , the seedling raising component 20 is constructed with a plurality of seedling raising units 30 arranged horizontally. The seedling raising units 30 are formed so that the stem accommodating portion 34 and the root accommodating portion 36 are inclined relative to the horizontal plane from the seed accommodating portion 32 (e.g., at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees). In this case, the seedling raising component 20 is cut along the cutting marks 38 formed horizontally on both sides of the stem accommodating portion 34, thereby obtaining an array of rootstocks with oblique stem cuts and an array of scions with oblique stem cuts at the same angle as the cutting angle of the rootstocks, thereby obtaining grafted seedlings of rootstocks and scions with oblique stem cuts. In this case, it is preferable to raise seedlings with the stem accommodating portion 34 and the root accommodating portion 36 of the seedling raising unit 30 in a vertical orientation.

In addition, the seedling raising part 20 can be obtained by cutting the seedling raising part assembly 110 illustrated in Figure 13 along the dotted line. It is also possible to use two such seedling raising parts 20 to produce a grafted seedling formed by a stock and a scion, or to use three such seedling raising parts 20 to produce a grafted seedling formed by a stock, an interstock and a scion.

(Fourth embodiment)

14A and 14B , the fourth embodiment is an example in which the structure of the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) for grafting is modified. However, descriptions of the same structures, methods, and effects as those of the first embodiment are appropriately omitted.

As shown in FIG14A , the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising member 20 includes a seed raising portion 33 formed by integrating a seed receiving portion and a stem receiving portion. The seedling raising portion 33 is formed to open on one main surface of the seedling raising member 20. The seedling raising portion 33 is provided with a plurality of cylindrical stem retaining portions 31 protruding from the bottom surface of the seedling raising portion 33. Grooved cutting marks 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising portion 33. The cutting marks 38 are formed to communicate with the seedling raising portion 33.

14B , the stem holding portion 31 guides the extension of the stem 51 of the germinated plant 5 in the seedling raising portion 33 and holds the extended stem 51. Thus, the extended stem 51 of the plant 5 is fully held by the stem holding portion 31.

(Fifth embodiment)

15 to 18 , the fifth embodiment is an example in which the structure of the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) for grafting is modified. However, descriptions of the same structure, method, and effects as those of the first embodiment are appropriately omitted.

Unlike the first to fourth embodiments described above, in which seedlings are raised in the dark until halfway through and then in the light from halfway through, the seedling raising member 20 shown in FIG. 15 to FIG. 18 is used for raising seedlings in the light from the beginning to the end.

As shown in Figure 15, the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising part 20 has a seed raising part 33 that is formed by integrating a seed accommodating part, a stem accommodating part and a root accommodating part. The seedling raising part 33 is a space formed in a longitudinal direction and has a width that can be rotated when the seeds 50 of the plant 5 that has absorbed water germinate, and the seedling raising part 33 is adjusted to a size that can be expanded by the cotyledons. The inner wall surface 35 on both sides of the seedling raising part 33 has the function of guiding the elongation of the stem of the germinated plant 5 and has the function of a stem retaining part that maintains the elongated stem of the plant 5. Grooved cutting marks 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising part 33. The cutting mark 38 is formed to be communicated with the seedling raising part 33.

As shown in Figure 16, the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising component 20 includes a seed raising section 33 that integrates a seed receptacle, a stem receptacle, and a root receptacle, and a pair of plate-shaped seedling holding sections 37 formed on either side of the seedling raising section 33 so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the seedling raising section 33. The seedling raising section 33 is formed to open on one main surface side of the seedling raising component 20. The seedling raising section 33 is a longitudinally shaped space, and its width is adjusted to allow the seeds 50 of the water-absorbing plant 5 to rotate during germination. The seedling holding section 37 can be easily elastically deformed, and elastically deforms in a manner that does not hinder the cotyledons from expanding. In addition, the seedling holding section 37 has the function of guiding the elongation of the stem of the germinated plant 5 and also serves as a stem holding section to maintain the elongated stem of the plant 5. Grooved cut-off marks 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising section 33 (the pair of seedling holding sections 37). The cut-off marks 38 are formed to communicate with the seedling raising section 33.

As shown in Figure 17, the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising component 20 has a seed raising unit 33 that is formed by integrating a seed holding unit, a stem holding unit, and a root holding unit. A pair of plate-shaped seedling holding units 37 are provided on the seedling raising unit 33 so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the seedling raising unit 33. The distance (width) between the seedling holding units 37 is adjusted to a width that allows the seeds 50 of the plant 5 that has absorbed water to rotate when germinating. The seedling holding units 37 can be easily elastically deformed and elastically deform in a manner that does not hinder the cotyledons when they unfold. In addition, the seedling holding units 37 have the function of guiding the elongation of the stems of the germinated plants 5 and have the function of a stem holding unit to maintain the elongated stems of the plants 5. Grooved cut-off marks 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising unit 33 in a manner that crosses the pair of seedling holding units 37. The cut-off marks 38 are formed to communicate with the seedling raising unit 33.

As shown in Figure 18, the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising component 20 has a seed raising unit 33 that is formed by integrating a seed holding unit, a stem holding unit, and a root holding unit. A plurality of cylindrical seedling holding units 37 are provided in the seedling raising unit 33 so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the seedling raising unit 33. The plurality of seedling holding units 37 are arranged in two rows along the longitudinal direction. The distance (width) between the seedling holding units 37 is adjusted to a width that allows the seeds 50 of the plant 5 that has absorbed water to rotate when germinating. The seedling holding units 37 can be easily elastically deformed and elastically deform in a manner that does not hinder the cotyledons when they unfold. In addition, the seedling holding units 37 have the function of guiding the elongation of the stems of the germinated plants 5 and have the function of a stem holding unit that holds the elongated stems of the plants 5. Grooved cut-off marks 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising unit 33. The cut-off marks 38 are formed to communicate with the seedling raising unit 33.

(Sixth embodiment)

19, 20A, and 20B, the sixth embodiment is an example in which the structure of the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) for grafting is modified. However, descriptions of the same structure, method, and effects as those of the fifth embodiment are appropriately omitted.

19, 20A and 20B, the seedling raising member 20 is composed of two members, a first seedling raising member 20A and a second seedling raising member 20B. The seedling raising unit 30 is composed of a first unit portion 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A and a second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B.

As shown in Figure 19, the first unit portion 30A of the first seedling raising component 20A has a seed raising portion 33 formed by integrating a seed accommodating portion, a stem accommodating portion and a root accommodating portion. The seedling raising portion 33 is provided with a plurality of conical seedling raising guides 39 formed in a manner protruding from the bottom surface of the seedling raising portion 33. A plurality of seedling raising guides 39 are configured to be arranged in two rows along the longitudinal direction. The distance (width) between the seedling raising guides 39 is adjusted to a width that can be rotated when the seeds 50 of the plant 5 that has absorbed water germinate. The seedling raising guides 39 can be easily elastically deformed and elastically deformed in a manner that does not hinder the cotyledons when they unfold. In addition, the seedling raising retaining portion 37 has the function of guiding the elongation of the stem of the germinated plant 5.

As shown in FIG20A , the second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B includes a plurality of cylindrical seedling holding portions 37. The plurality of seedling guides 37 are arranged in two rows in the longitudinal direction. The seedling holding portions 37 are easily elastically deformable and function as stem holding portions for holding the elongated stems of the plants 5.

20A , a plant 5 is grown in the first unit 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A. Then, the plurality of seedling holding portions 37 of the second unit 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B are inserted into the seedling raising portion 33 of the first unit 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A.

Next, as shown in FIG20B , the second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B is separated from the first unit portion 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A, thereby obtaining the second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B in a state where the stem 51 of the plant 5 is held by the plurality of seedling holding portions 37. Thereafter, grafting is performed using the second seedling raising member 20B to obtain a grafted seedling.

Alternatively, other methods can be used to produce grafted seedlings. For example, as shown in FIG21A , a plant 5 is grown in the first unit 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A. Adhesive 41 is then applied to two locations on the stem 51 of the plant 5. This adhesive 41 functions as a stem retaining member to hold the elongated stem of the plant 5. Subsequently, the second unit 30B of the plate-shaped second seedling raising member 20B is pressed against the plant 5 in the first unit 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A.

21B , the second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B is separated from the first unit portion 30A of the first seedling raising member 20A, thereby holding the stem 51 of the plant 5 by the second unit portion 30B of the second seedling raising member 20B via the adhesive 41. Grafting is then performed using the second seedling raising member 20B to obtain a grafted seedling.

(Seventh embodiment)

22, 23A, and 23B, the seventh embodiment is an example in which the structure of the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) for grafting is modified. However, descriptions of the same structures, methods, and effects as those of the fifth embodiment are appropriately omitted.

As shown in Figure 22, the seedling raising unit 30 of the seedling raising component 20 includes a seed raising section 33 that is formed by integrating a seed accommodating section, a stem accommodating section, and a root accommodating section. Two plate-shaped seedling holding sections 37 are provided on each side of the seedling raising section 33, protruding from the inner wall surfaces on both sides of the seedling raising section 33. In other words, there are four seedling holding sections 37 in total. The width of the seedling raising section 33 is adjusted to allow the seeds 50 of the plant 5 that have absorbed water to rotate during germination. The seedling holding sections 42 are easily elastically deformable and deform in a manner that does not hinder the cotyledons from expanding. Furthermore, the seedling holding sections 42 guide the elongation of the stems of the germinated plants 5 and also function as stem holding sections to maintain the elongated stems of the plants 5. Grooved cut-off markings 38 are formed on both sides of the seedling raising section 33. The cut-off markings 38 are formed to communicate with the seedling raising section 33.

As shown in FIG23A , the seedling holding portion 42 guides the extension of the stem 51 of the germinated plant 5 within the seedling raising portion 33 and holds the extended stem 51. Thus, the extended stem 51 of the plant 5 can be fully held by the seedling holding portion 42. Furthermore, as shown in FIG23B , while the stem 51 of the plant 5 is held by the seedling holding portion 42, sheet members 43 are further arranged above and below the opening of the seedling raising portion 33 to further fully hold the stem 51 of the plant 5.

(Other embodiments)

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

(1) In the above embodiment, the seedling raising member 20 is plate-shaped, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can adopt various shapes. In addition, the shapes of the seed receiving portion 32, stem receiving portion 34, stem holding portion 31, root receiving portion 36, etc. of the seedling raising unit 30 can be appropriately changed according to the type and size of the plant to be grafted.

(2) In the above embodiment, in the seedling raising member 20, three cutting marks 38a, 38b, and 38c are formed on both sides of the stem receiving portion 34 of each seedling raising unit 30 at different distances from the seed receiving portion 32. However, the number of cutting marks is not limited to this. Furthermore, the cutting marks may not be formed.

(3) In the above embodiment, after sowing seeds into the seed container 32 of the seedling raising unit 30, the plant growth medium 40 is placed on one main surface of the seedling raising member 20 via the membrane filter, and the seedling raising member 20 is erected together with the plant growth medium 40 so that the stem container 34 is vertical. However, if an appropriate amount of plant growth medium is added to the seed container 32 along with the seeds, the seedling raising member 20 can also be erected in such a state that the stem container 34 is vertical. In this way, by saving space corresponding to the membrane filter and the plant growth medium, it is possible to produce grafted seedlings with further space saving.

(4) In the above embodiment, when the stem of the plant in the stem receiving portion 34 of the seedling raising unit 30 of each seedling raising component 20 is cut, the seedling raising component 20 is cut together. However, if the seedling raising component 20 (seedling raising unit 30) is constructed so as to be split at the cutting position of the plant stem, only the plant stem can be cut without cutting the seedling raising component 20, so the seedling raising component 20 can be reused.

(5) In the above embodiment, a grafted seedling is produced by grafting a plurality of plants. Here, the plurality of plants may be plants of the same species, plants of different species, or a mixture of plants of the same species and plants of different species.

(6) In the above embodiment, a rootstock plant and a scion plant are grafted (two plants are grafted), or an intermediate rootstock plant is arranged between the rootstock plant and the scion plant to graft three plants. The intermediate rootstock plant may be one or more. In other words, three plants may be grafted, or four or more plants may be grafted.

(7) The seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) may be made of, for example, a biodegradable material. In this case, the grafted seedlings produced using the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) do not need to be removed from the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30), but can be spread along with the seedling raising member 20 (seedling raising unit 30) over a wide field (sowing seedlings). Zein (a water-insoluble protein extracted from corn) or the like can be used as the biodegradable material.

(8) The constituent elements of this disclosure are conceptual elements and are not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the functions of one constituent element may be dispersed among multiple constituent elements, or the functions of multiple constituent elements may be integrated into one constituent element. Furthermore, at least a portion of the components of the above-described embodiments may be replaced with a known component having the same function.

Claims (14)

1. A grafting seedling raising component, characterized in that,

It has at least one seedling unit.

The at least one seedling unit includes a seed-receiving portion, a stem-receiving portion, and a stem-holding portion. The seed-receiving portion is configured to receive plant seeds and has space for the plant to germinate. The stem-receiving portion is configured to receive the germinating and elongating stem of the plant. The stem-holding portion is configured to hold the elongated stem of the plant.

At least a portion of the seed-receiving portion of the at least one seedling unit is configured to open outwards in a direction orthogonal to the growth direction of the plant.

At least a portion of the stem receiving portion of the at least one seedling unit is configured to open outward in the orthogonal direction toward the outside of the at least one seedling unit.

2. The grafting seedling raising component according to claim 1, characterized in that,

The stem holding portion of the at least one seedling unit is movable and configured to hold the stem of the plant in a state of contact with the elongated stem of the plant.

3. The grafting seedling raising component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

The at least one seedling unit is plate-shaped.

4. The grafting seedling raising component according to claim 1, characterized in that,

The at least one seedling unit comprises a material that can be elastically deformed.

5. The grafting seedling raising component according to claim 1, characterized in that,

The at least one seedling unit includes multiple seedling units.

6. The grafting seedling raising component according to claim 5, characterized in that,

The multiple seedling units are integrated into one unit.

7. The grafting seedling raising component according to claim 5, characterized in that,

The plurality of seedling units are arranged in a predetermined direction such that the stem receiving portion of each of the plurality of seedling units faces the same direction.

8. The grafting seedling raising component according to claim 7, characterized in that,

The plurality of seedling units are configured such that the stem housings of each of the plurality of seedling units are arranged at the same intervals.

9. The grafting seedling raising component according to claim 1, characterized in that,

The seedling raising component is used for grafting seedlings.

10. The seedling raising component according to claim 1, characterized in that,

At least a portion of the seed container is configured to open outwards in the orthogonal direction toward the outside of the at least one seedling unit, so as to supply the plant with a plant growth medium.

11. The seedling raising component according to claim 1, characterized in that,

At least a portion of the stem receiving portion is configured to open outward in the orthogonal direction toward the outside of the at least one seedling unit, so as to enable the supply of plant growth medium to the plant.

12. A grafting seedling kit, characterized in that,

It has multiple grafting seedling raising components, which are the grafting seedling raising components described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A method for producing grafted seedlings, characterized by comprising the following steps:

Prepare a first seedling raising component and a second seedling raising component, wherein the first seedling raising component and the second seedling raising component are each of the grafting seedling raising components described in any one of claims 1 to 11;

The seeds of the first plant are contained in the seed-containing part of the seed-nurturing unit in the first seed-nurturing component, so that the seeds of the first plant germinate in the seed-containing part of the seed-nurturing unit and the stem of the first plant elongates in the stem-containing part of the seed-nurturing unit;

The stem of the first plant is held by the stem-holding portion of the seedling unit in the first seedling component;

The stem of the first plant, held by the stem holding part of the seedling unit in the first seedling component, is cut off;

The seeds of the second plant are contained in the seed-containing part of the seedling unit in the second seedling component, so that the seeds of the second plant germinate in the seed-containing part of the seedling unit and the stem of the second plant elongates in the stem-containing part of the seedling unit;

The stem of the second plant is held by the stem-holding portion of the seedling unit in the second seedling component;

The stem of the second plant, held by the stem-holding portion of the seedling unit in the second seedling component, is cut off; and

The cut surface of the stem of the first plant held by the stem holding part of the seedling unit in the first seedling component and the cut surface of the stem of the second plant held by the stem holding part of the seedling unit in the second seedling component are joined together.

14. The method for producing grafted seedlings according to claim 13, characterized in that,

It also includes the following steps:

The first seedling component is divided into multiple parts to form multiple segmented pieces; and

The second seedling component is divided into multiple parts to form multiple segmented pieces, and

The step of joining the cut surface of the stem of the first plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling unit in the first seedling component and the cut surface of the stem of the second plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling unit in the second seedling component includes:

One of the plurality of segmented pieces of the first seedling component and one of the plurality of segmented pieces of the second seedling component are configured such that the cut surface of the stem of the first plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling unit in the first seedling component and the cut surface of the stem of the second plant held by the stem holding portion of the seedling unit in the second seedling component abut each other.