• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.400-406
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• 2018

In this experiment the effect of supplemental lighting on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. 'Fresh') plants during low radiation period of winter season were investigated in glasshouses using common high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps and newly developed plasma lighting system (PLS) lamps. Plants grown without supplemental lighting were considered as a control. Supplemental lighting was provided from November 20th, 2015 to March 15th, 2016 to ensure 14-hour photoperiod (natural+supplemental light), also lamps were operated automatically when the outside sun radiation levels were less than $100W{\cdot}m^{-2}$. Spectral analysis showed that HPS lamp had a discrete spectrum, lacked of the radiation in the 400-550 nm wave band (blue-green light), but had a high output in the orange-red region (550-650 nm). A higher red light output resulted in an increased red to far-red (R/FR) ratio in HPS lamp. PLS had a continuous spectrum and had a peak radiation in green region (490-550 nm). HPS has 12.6% lower output in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) but 12.6% higher output in near infra-red (NIR) spectral regions compared to PLS. Both HPS and PLS lamps emitted very low levels of ultra-violet radiation (300-400 nm). Supplemental lighting both from HPS and PLS lamps increased plant height, leaf number, internode number and dry weight of cucumber plants compared to control. Photosynthetic activity of cucumber plants grown under two supplemental lighting systems was comparable. Number of fruits per cucumber plant (fruit weight per plant) in control, PLS, and HPS plots were 21.2 (2.9 kg), 38.7 (5.5 kg), and 40.4 (5.6 kg), respectively, thereby increasing yield by 1.8-1.9 times in comparison with control. An analysis of the economic feasibility of supplemental lighting in cucumber cultivation showed that considering lamp installation and electricity costs the income from supplemental lighting increased by 37% and 62% for PLS and HPS lamps, respectively.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.189-195
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• 2020

This research was carried out to find the proper number of stem training and position of fruit setting that can be stably produced for the cultivation in small and medium types of watermelon during winter. The treatments for the number of stem training were 2-, 3-, 4-stems, respectively. Growth characteristics (plant height, stem diameter, no. of node, etc.) by number of stem training were higher in 2-stem than in 3-4-stem. However, Fruit characteristics such as weight, length, width were high in the 4-stem. There is no significant difference between the soluble solids and fruit setting rate depending on the stem training. The position of fruit setting were three points: 2nd, 3rd, 4th female flower positions. The fruit setting is one fruit per plant. The average fruit setting nodes of 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th female flowers were 11.5, 15.8 and 23.1 nodes, respectively. The 4^th female flower was 0.8 kg heavier than 2^nd female flower because of its increased weight as position of fruit setting was higher. However, the soluble solids decreased as the position of fruit setting increased, with the second female flower being 1.3°Bx higher than the 4^th female flower. The Fruit setting rate was no significant difference. Considering the growth and fruit characteristics, it is believed that the small and medium-sized watermelon in winter will have a high quality production of watermelon when the stem training is 3-stem and the position of fruit setting is 3^rd female flower. However, it is thought that additional studies are needed to stabilize the income of watermelon-growing farms, such as planting distance and adhesion of small and medium-sized varieties.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.171-180
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• 2020

The effect of three different light qualities on growth, photosynthesis, quality and safe parameters of hydroponic cultivated spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) were investigated indoor. Three different light qualities were created of red (660 nm), blue (450 nm) and green (550 nm) LEDs corresponding at ratio R660/B450 = 4/1 (RBL); R660/B450/G550= 5/2/3 (WWL); R660/B450/G550 = 1/1/1 (WL), which were tested at the same intensity (PPFD =190 μmol m^-2 s^-1). The results showed that the plant height and leaf number were the lowest in WL treatment. The SPAD, Net photosynthesis rate Pn, Fv/Fm, Leaf area index LAI values and all parameters of root characteristics were the highest in RBL treatment and were significantly different from two others. Fresh weight of stem, leaf and root, dry weight of root in the three light qualities were significantly different. In contrast, the highest K⁺ content in WL was different from WWL and RBL treatments, while Ca²⁺ and Fe²⁺ content were the highest in the RBL treatment. Vitamin C content was significantly different between the three treatments. nitrate and oxalic acid contents were the highest in WL treatment, whereas soluble-solids contents and vitamin C contents were the highest in RBL treatment. Oxalic acid, nitrate contents were observed tending reduced under WWL although oxalic acid content in RBL treatment was not different from WL and WWL treatments. In all three different light treatments were not detected Salmonella, E.coli. Our results suggest that RBL may be appropriate light for growth of spinach, but supplementary green light to a combination of red and blue LEDs at the reasonable rate can change the quality of spinach in a positive direction. Hydroponic cultivated spinach was safe for users.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.419-427
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• 2012

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of two shading methods, shading agent spray on the glasshouse and internal shading screen treatment, on the growth and fruit quality of paprika (Capsicum annuum L. 'Cupra' and 'Coletti') in summer season cultivation. In the shading agent treatment, a commercial shading agent diluted with water at a ratio of 1 : 4 was sprayed on the roof of a glasshouse. In the internal shading screen treatment, a 10~20% shaded screen was used during the day time when the sun radiation was greater than $700W{\cdot}m^{-2}$. Compared to the unshaded control, photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) decreased in the greenhouse in the shading agent (SA) and shading screen (SS) treatments by 20% and 30%, respectively. Lower air temperatures and higher relative humidities were observed in the SA than in both the control and the SS treatment. Time to reach the break point of humidity deficit $8g{\cdot}m^{-3}$ was 2 hours late in the SA than in both the control and the SS treatment. Compared to control, both the SA and the SS treatments showed lower instantaneous temperatures of leaf, fruit, and flower by $2^{\circ}C$, $5^{\circ}C$ and $3^{\circ}C$, respectively. There were no differences in number of branches, stem diameter, and leaf size among treatments although both shading treatments promoted plant height in both cultivars. Botrytis infection ratio declined with the SA treatment by 14.7% in 'Cupra' and 22.1% in 'Coletti' as compared to that in the control. Shading increased fruit size in both cultivars, whereas no differences were observed in the number of locules and thickness of fruit tissue among treatments. Shading treatment increased mean fruit weight by a range of 10 to 15 g per fruit, while it decreased soluble solids contents as compared to that in the control. Similar Hunter values were observed among treatments, while fruit firmness increased slightly in shading treatments. Compared to the control, shading treatments improved marketable fruits by 11.7~22.6% and increased the number of fruits per plant by 4~9.2 in both 'Cupra' and 'Coletti'. The results of this study indicate that shading agent application on the roof of glasshouse would be one of the most effective options to reduce heat stress imposed on the paprika crop in summer cultivation, resulting in improved crop growth and fruit yield.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.322-326
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• 2012

Recently, researches related to plant factory system has been activated and production of Ssam-vegetables using artificial lighting has been increasing. In South Korea, Ssam-vegetables are very popular and the consumption is increasing every year. Because leaf vegetables cultivated under hydroponic systems are more preferable rather than those cultivated by soil culture in Korea, the plant factory system would be more effective in production of Ssam-vegetables. Therefore, this study was carried out in order to analyze the yield and vitamin C contents in red mustard (Brassica juncea L.) and pak-choi (Brassica campestris var. chinensis), which are used a lot for the Ssam-vegetables in South Korea, as influenced by different concentrations of the nutrient solution in a plant factory system. As a results, there was no significant differences in the plant height among the treatment of EC in the nutrient solution, but for red mustard plants, the number of leaves tended to decrease in the treatment with higher EC. Leaf area of pak-choi plants was significantly increased in the higher EC, while the fresh weight had a tendency to increase along with increasing EC in the nutrient solution for both crops. The photosynthetic rates did not show a distinct tendency by EC levels for red mustard plants, but for pak-choi plants, it tended to be higher at the high EC. The contents of ascorbic acid in leaves were higher with decreasing EC concentration in the nutrient solution for red mustard plants, while the content was the highest at EC $2.0dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$ for pak-choi plants. In summary, considering the marketable yields and vitamin C at different nutrient concentrations in a plant factory, the optimal concentration for red mustard and pak-choi plants was thought to be EC $2.0{\sim}2.5dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.398-403
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• 2012

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of irrigation method adopted for reducing nutrient solution drainage on the root zone environment, growth and yield of a tomato crop grown in a rockwool medium. The irrigation control methods used were large quantity irrigation at a long interval controlled by only an integrated solar radiation sensor (standard), medium quantity irrigation at a medium interval (zero drainage 1), and small quantity irrigation at a short interval (zero drainage 2) controlled by both an integrated solar radiation sensor and a zero drainage sensor. The amount of the nutrient solution supplied and the drain percentage per plant of the standard, zero drainage 1, and zero drainage 2 were 1.4, 0.9 and 0.8 L, and 23.8, 8.6 and 3.7%, respectively. The average, minimum, and maximum water contents and EC of the standard, zero drainage 1, and zero drainage 2 were 64.5~88% and $1.5{\sim}3.5dS{\cdot}m^{-2}$, 40.3~76.0% and $2.5{\sim}4.0dS{\cdot}m^{-2}$, and 56.3~69.0% and $2.7{\sim}3.7dS{\cdot}m^{-2}$, respectively. There was no difference in leaf width, number of leaves, and stem diameter among the treatments. However, plant height and leaf length decreased in the zero drainage 1 and 2 treatments as compared to the standard. The fruit marketable yield per 10a in the zero drainage 1 and 2 treatments was about 93 and 88%, respectively, of that in the standard treatment.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.89-94
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• 2005

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of nonwoven fabrics weight(Ounce) on growth, quality and yield of oriental melon (Cucumis melo L. var. makwa Mak.). Seedling of 'Gumssaragi-Eunchun' was grafted on 'Shinthozoa' root stock. In this study, The minimum air temperature in 6 ounce at night was $4.8^{\circ}C,\;6.9^{\circ}C$ in 9 ounce, $7.9^{\circ}C$ in 12 ounce and $8.0^{\circ}C$ in 15 ounce, respectively. Leaf length, stem diameter, leaf numbers, leaf area, fresh weight and dry weight for 30 days after planting were better in high minimum air temperature at night than in low minimum air temperature, particularly leaf areas of the plant in 9 ounce was $370cm^2$ at 30 days after planting, $116\%$ in 12 ounce, $129\%$ in 15 ounce. The xylem exudates amount in 9 ounce for 24 hours just after basal stem abscission was 10.1mg. It was 1.2 times much in 12 ounce and 1.9times much in 15 ounce than in 9 ounce at 30 days after planting. The blooming of female was faster by 6 days in 15 and 12 ounce but was delayed by 3 days in 6 ounce than 9 ounce, and the days of blooming to harvesting were shorter by 3 days in 15 ounce and 4 days in 12 ounce but was delayed by 3 days in 6 ounce than in 9 ounce. Fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, flesh thickness, soluble solids, and total yield was the highest in 15 ounce followed by 12 ounce,9 ounce and 6 ounce. Fermented fruit rate was the highest in 6 ounce followed by 9 ounce, 12 ounce and 15 ounce, and marketable fruit rates were 15, 12, 9 and 6 ounce in order. Compared to 1,781kg yield per 10a of 9 ounce, $19\%\;and\;49\%$ was increased under 12 ounce and 15 ounce but $47\%$ were decreased 6 ounce.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.106-113
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• 2005

This study was carried out to develop a novel hydroponic medium far fruit vegetable crops by using waste synthetic fibers. In physical analysis of the synthetic fiber medium (SFM), the bulk density and percent solid phase were lower, while the porosity and water content were greater in comparison with the rockwool slab. The SFM had pH of 6.5 and EC of $0.03dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$ both of which are similar to those of the rockwool slab. The CEC of 0.39me/100mL of the SFM was lower than compared with 3.29me/100mL of the rockwool slab. However, concentrations K, Ca, Mg and Na were slightly higher in the SFM than those in the rockwool slab. The 'Momotaro' tomato crop in the SFM gave comparable plant height, stem diameter, days to first flowering, fruit weight and percent marketable yield as the rockwool slab. In the SFM and in the rockwool slab, mean fiuit weight were 182g and 181g, percent marketable yield were $93.8\%$ and $92.0\%$, respectively. The marketable yield per 10a in the SFM was 12,799 kg, which was $97\%$ of that in the rockwool slab. Growth parameters such as leaf length and width, leaf number, stem diameter and chlorophyll content of an exportable cucumber crop grown in the SFM and the rockwool slab were not different. Fruit weight was greater in the rockwool slab, while percent marketable yield was greater in the SFM. The marketable fruit yield per 10a of 5,062kg in the SFM was $2\%$ greater than that in the rockwool slab. $NO_3$ concentration in nutrient solution during the crop cultivation was higher in the SFM than in the rockwool slab, while concentrations $NH_4$, K, Ca, Mg and $SO_4$ were not different between the two media.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2001

A soil temperature was known as extremely important factor in terms of measuring the values of the growth and yield of vegetable in the greenhouse. A low temperature water irrigation was had much trouble in its growth. This study was performed to analyze the effect of the heating water irrigation on the soil temperature and the growth of a cucumber within a greenhouse environment. Soil temperature was 5-7$^{\circ}C$ below to 10cm in depth and 2-3$^{\circ}C$ to 20cm when the irrigation water temperature was 13$^{\circ}C$ (non-warme water irrigation). Soil temperature was similar to irrigation water temperature at 5cm in depth and was 1.5-2$^{\circ}C$ below at 10cm when the irrigation water temperatures were 2$0^{\circ}C$, $25^{\circ}C$. The early growth rates of heating water irrigation were 109-110% in plant height, 107-108% in leaf number, 103% in node number compared with those of unheated water irrigation for 30 days after planting it. The rates of total yield were 115% in 2$0^{\circ}C$ water irrigation plots and 121% in $25^{\circ}C$ water irrigation plots while those of unheated water irrigation plots were.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 1997

This experiment was conducted to find out the compositions of nutrient solution for closed system in substrate culture of cucumber. Cucumber(Cucumis sativus L. cv. Eunsung baekdadagi) plants were grown in the substrates supplied with the nutrient solutions whose strengths were 1/2, 1, and 3/2 of the original concentration developed by National Horticultural Research Station in Japan. By increasing the nutrient concentrations, plant height decreased but leaf length, leaf width, and leaf number showed little differences. A number of marketable fruit and marketable yield were the highest in the concentration of 1 strength. The nutrient compositions of solution developed for closed system in cucumber substrate culture were N 11.4, P 3.3, K 6.0, Ca 4.5, and Mg 3.5 me.$\ell$$^{-1}$ during the vegetative growth period and N 10.4, P 3.3, K 5.0, Ca 4.5, and Mg 3,5 me.$\ell$$^{-1}$ during the reproductive growth period. To examine the suitability of nutrient solution developed in the above experiment, cucumber plants were grown in the substrates supplied with different solutions and concentrations - Yamasaki's nutrient solution(Yamasaki) of 1 S, nutrient solution of Research Station for Greenhouse Vegetable and Floriculture on the Netherlands(PTG) of 1 S, nutrient solution developed in the above experiment(SCU) of 1/2, 1, and 3/2 S. EC and pH in root zone changed little in the all treatments during growing period. As cucumber plants grew, the concentrations of N, P, and K in root zone decreased but Ca concentration increased. Net $CO_2$ assimilation rate of cucumber leaves was high in SCU of 1 and 3/2 S, and Yamasaki of 1 S. Growth of cucumber plants was the lowest in SCU of 1/2 S.