• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.77-83
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• 2016

The measurement of total fresh weight of plants provides an essential indicator of crop growth for monitoring production. To measure fresh weight without damaging the vegetation, image-based methods have been developed, but they have limitations. In addition, the total plant fresh weight is difficult to measure directly in hydroponic cultivation systems because of the amount of nutrient solution. This study aimed to develop a real-time, precise method to measure the total fresh weight of Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Asia Heuk Romaine) with growth stage in a plant factory using a nutrient film technique. The total weight of the channel, amount of residual nutrient solution in the channel, and fresh shoot and root weights of the plants were measured every 7 days after transplanting. The initial weight of the channel during nutrient solution supply (Wi) and its weight change per second just after the nutrient solution supply stopped were also measured. When no more draining occurred, the final weight of the channel (Ws) and the amount of residual nutrient solution in the channel were measured. The time constant (${\tau}$) was calculated by considering the transient values of Wi and Ws. The relationship of Wi, Ws, ${\tau}$, and fresh weight was quantitatively analyzed. After the nutrient solution supply stopped, the change in the channel weight exponentially decreased. The nutrient solution in the channel slowly drained as the root weight in the channel increased. Large differences were observed between the actual fresh weight of the plant and the predicted value because the channel included residual nutrient solution. These differences were difficult to predict with growth stage but a model with the time constant showed the highest accuracy. The real-time fresh weight could be calculated from Wi, Ws, and ${\tau}$ with growth stage.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2019

The study aimed to determine effects of light emitting diode (LED) and the ultraviolet radiation (UVA) light of plant factory on plant growth and ascorbic acid content of spinach (Spinacia oleracea cv. Shusiro). Plants were grown in a NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) system for 28 days after transplanting with fluorescent light (FL, control), LEDs and UVA (Blue+UVA (BUV), Red and Blue (R:B(2:1)) + UVA (RBUV), Red+UVA (RUV), White LED (W), Red and Blue (R:B(2:1)), Blue (B), Red (R)) under the same light intensity ($130{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$) and photoperiod (16/8h = day/night). All the light sources containing the R (R, RB, RUV, and RBUV) showed leaf epinasty symptom at 21 days after transplanting (DAT). Under the RUV treatment, the lengths of leaf and leaf petiole were significantly reduced and the leaf width was increased, lowering the leaf shape index, compared to the R treatment. Under the BUV, however, the lengths of leaf and leaf petiole were increased significantly, and the leaf number was increased compared to B. Under the RBUV treatment, the leaf length was significantly shorter than other treatments, while no significant difference between the RBUV and RB for the fresh and dry weights and leaf area. Dry weights at 28 days after transplanting were significantly higher in the R, RUV and BUV treatments than those in the W and FL. The leaf area was significantly higher under the BUV treatment. The ascorbic acid content of the 28 day-old spinach under the B was significantly higher, followed by the BUV, and significantly lower in FL and R. All the integrated data suggest that the BUV light seems to be the most suitable for growth and quality of hydroponically grown spinach in a plant factory.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.165-170
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• 2014

The objective of this study was to make growth and yield models of sowthistle (Ixeris dentata Nakai) by using an expolinear functional equation in a closed-type plant production system. The growth and yield of hydroponically-grown sowthistle were investigated under four different planting distances ($15{\times}10$, $15{\times}15$, $15{\times}20$, and $15{\times}25$ cm). Shoot dry weights per plant was the highest at $15{\times}25$ cm, but was the lowest at $15{\times}10$ cm. Shoot dry weights per area was the highest at $15{\times}15$ cm, but was the lowest at $15{\times}25$ cm. The optimum planting density and planting distance for yield of sowthistle were 44 plants/$m^2$ and $15{\times}15$ cm, respectively. Shoot dry weights per plant and per area were showed as an expolinear type functional equation. A linear relationship between shoot dry and fresh weights was observed to be linear regardless of the planting distance. Crop growth rate, relative growth rate and lost time in an expolinear functional equation showed quadratic function form. Radiation use efficiency of sowthistle was $4.3-6.1g{\cdot}MJ^{-1}$. The measured and estimated shoot dry weights showed a good agreement using days after transplanting as input data. It is concluded that the expolinear growth model can be a useful tool for quantifying the growth and yield of sowthistle in a closed-type plant production system.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.232-239
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• 2016

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of photoperiod and light intensity of RBW LED (red:blue:white = 2:1:1) on the growth of Taraxacum coreanum Nakai in a fully artificial light type plant factory. 3 photoperiods and 4 light intensity were used respectively in a fully artificial light type plant production system. Plants were cultured with three photoperiods and four light intensity regimes (conditions) for 270 and 120 days, respectively, using nutrient film technique (NFT) or aeroponics culture methods. For each photoperiod, the total leaves per plant harvested 8 times in all cultivation period was 224 in the 16/8(day/light) photoperiod that had no significant difference from 220 in the 12/12 photoperiod and the lowest number of leaves was 151 occurred in the 8/16 photoperiod, which means that the longer photoperiod, the more leaves harvest. Total fresh weight of above ground was the high in order of in 16/8 photoperiod as 125g, 12/12 photoperiod as 91g, 8/16 photoperiod as 56g. For each light intensity, the total leaves per plant harvested 4 times in all cultivation period was the great in order of $150{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ as 123, $200{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ as 107, $100{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ as 95, $50{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ as 56 which was the smallest number of total leaves harvest. Total fresh weight of above ground per plant was the high in order of $150{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ as 43.6g, $100{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ as 34.6g, $200{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ as 32.2g, $50{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ as 18.2g. From these results, it was concluded that photoperiod of 16/8 and light intensity at $150{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ can be used as the light condition of RBW LED (red:blue:white = 2:1:1) for optimal growth of Taraxacum coreanum Nakai in a fully artificial light type plant factory.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.291-297
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• 2013

The objective of this study was to know the growth response and light use efficiency of leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) 'Yorum Cheongchukmyeon' (green leaf lettuce) and 'Hongyom Jeokchukmyeon' (red leaf lettuce) under different RGB (Red:Green:Blue) ratio in a closed-type plant factory system. The plants were hydroponically cultured with a 12-h photoperiod at $20{\sim}25^{\circ}C$, 60~70% RH and 600~900 ${\mu}mol{\cdot}mol^{-1}$ $CO_2$. The light treatments were combined in three colors LEDs (red, blue, and white) and RGB ratios (1 : 4 : 5, 5 : 0 : 5, 5 : 2 : 3, 7 : 0 : 3, 7 : 1 : 2, and 8 : 1 : 1), however, as the light intensities of treatments were different. Growth characteristic response in both lettuces were significantly as affected by interaction between cultivar and light quality, when they were grown under different light quality conditions. Plant heights of green and red leaf lettuce were the lowest in 1 : 4 : 5 and 8 : 1 : 1, respectively. The highest length and number of leaf were showed 8 : 1 : 1 and 7 : 0 : 3 for the green and 5 : 2 : 3 and 8 : 1 : 1 for the red, respectively. Shoot dry weights of green and red leaf lettuce were the heaviest in 7 : 0 : 3 and 8 : 1 : 1, respectively. Leaf width and leaf shape index were significant about cultivar and light quality. Leaf widths of green and red leaf lettuce were the largest in 8 : 1 : 1 and 5 : 2 : 3, respectively. Leaf shape index of green and red leaf lettuce were the largest in 1 : 4 : 5 and 1 : 4 : 5, respectively. Shoot fresh weight and light use efficiency were significant about cultivar and light quality. Shoot fresh weights of green and red leaf lettuce were the heaviest in 7 : 0 : 3 and 8 : 1 : 1, respectively. Light use efficiencies of green and red leaf lettuce were the highest in 7 : 0 : 3 and 5 : 0 : 5, respectively. These results suggested that the ratio of RGB was 5~7 : 0~2 : 1~3 to cultivate leaf lettuce in a plant factory system.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.298-302
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• 2022

Sulforaphane is a sulfur-containing substance found in large amounts in cruciferous plants and has been reported in several studies to have anticancer effects. Kale is a representative cruciferous plant known as a superfood and is widely used as an ingredient in various dishes. In this study, in order to investigate a cultivation method for increasing kale's content of sulforaphane, kale was treated with geraniol or methyl jasmonate and water stressed during cultivation using a aeroponic culture system in a fully enclosed plant factory. Geraniol or methyl jasmonate were sprayed on the kale's leaf surface once a day for 2 days, and water deprivation stress was conducted for 3 days after 7 days from first treatment day. No difference in growth between control, geraniol, methyl jasmonate treated groups were observed during cultivation. The study results showed that the kale sulforaphane content increased by 60% in the group treated with geraniol compared to the control group and that the group treated with water deprivation stress in addition to geraniol showed a significant increase of 414%. These results show that kale with an increased content of sulforaphane can be grown and that geraniol can be a good research material for increasing the content of functional substances in plants.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.260-268
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• 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of light quality using either monochromatic or combined LEDs on the growth and antioxidant accumulation of Agastache rugosa cultivated under hydroponics for 4 weeks. This experiment was performed in a controlled-environment room at $22{\pm}1^{\circ}C$ and $18{\pm}1^{\circ}C$ (day and night temperatures, respectively) and 50-70% relative humidity, with a provided photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of $180{\pm}5{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ and irradiated with either monochromatic (W10 and R10) or mixed LEDs (W2B1G1, R3B1, R2B1G1, and W2B1G1) with a differing ratio of each LED's PPFD and fluorescent lighting (FL: control) with a 16/8 h photoperiod. Fresh and dry weights were highest for plants grown under the W2B1G1 treatment. A. rugosa grown with R10 had the greatest plant height but the lowest SPAD among all treatments. The concentration of rosmarinic acid in plants grown under W2B1G1 was significantly higher than that of plants grown under other treatments. Tilianin content was significantly higher in R3B1 than in the other treatments. However, whole-plant rosmarinic acid and tilianin content was the highest under the W2B1G1 condition. To cultivate A. rugosa in a plant factory, mixed-LED light conditions with W2B1G1 is considered to be more advantageous for the growth and antioxidant accumulation of A. rugosa. It is though that the total whole-plant antioxidant content is more crucial for commercial use; the present study demonstrates the potential to achieve higher content of functional materials in plants through the selection of light quality.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2015

We obtained the following results from investigation on vegetation damage from 5 to 6 August, 2013, about one year after an accident that hydrofluoric acid leaked from a chemical maker, Hube Globe in Gumi. Pinus densiflora and Pinus strobus showed very severe damage. Ginko biloba, Quercus acutissima, Pinus rigida, Salix glandulosa, Hibiscus syriacus, and Lagerstroemia indica showed severe damage. Quercus variabilis, Lespedeza cyrtobotrya, and Miscanthus sinensis showed moderate damage. Quercus aliena, Smilax china, Arundidinella hirta, Ailanthus altissima, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Paulowinia coreana showed slight damage. We did not find any plants without leaf damage around there. This result means that fluoride damage still persists in this area as was known that fluoride remains for a long time in air, soil and water and exerts negative effects at all levels of an ecosystem. In addition, fluoride content contained in plant leaf depended on the distance from a fertilizer producing factory and vegetation damage tended to proportionate to the concentration in the Yeocheon industrial complex. In these respects, a measure for removal or detoxification of the remaining fluoride is urgently required around the hydrofluoric acid leak spot. Fertilizing of dolomite containing Ca and Mg, which can trap fluoride, was prepared as one of the restoration plans. In addition, phosphate fertilizing was added in order to enhance soil ameliorating effects. Furthermore, we recommend the introduction of tolerant plants as the second measure to mitigate fluoride damage. As the tolerant plants to make a new forest by replacing trees died due to hydrofluoric acid gas damage, we recommended Q. aliena and S. china, A. hirta, etc. were recommended as plant species to add mantle vegetation to the forest margin to ensure stable interior environment of the forest.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.55-62
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• 2024

This study aimed to compare the nutrient uptake rate, growth and yield of strawberry grown under the aquaponic and hydroponic systems in a plant factory. For aquaculture, 12 of fish (Cyprinus carpio cv. Koi) were raised in an aquaponics tank (W 0.7 m × L 1.5 m × H 0.45 m, 472.5 L) filled with 367.5L of water at a density of 5.44 kg·m^-3. The 30 seedlings of strawberry were planted in ports filled with perlite substrate and then were placed on the bed (W 0.7 m × L 1.5 m × H 0.22 m) at the top of the aquaponics system, and the 30 seedlings were planted in net-pots and then placed on the holes of acrylic plates (140 cm × 60 cm, Ø80 mm) on the bed (W 0.7 m × L 1.5 m × H 0.22 m) at the deep flow technique (DFT)- hydroponics. The pH and EC of the aquaponic solution was ranged from 4.3 to 6.9 and 0.32 to 1.14 dS·m^-1, respectively, while those of hydroponics were ranged from 5.1 to 7.5 and 1.0-1.8 dS·m^-1, respectively. The NO₃-N and NH₄-N concentration of the aquaponic solution were higher about 3.6 and 2.2 me·L^-1 than those of the standard hydroponic solution for strawberry cultivation. The P, Ca, Mg, and S ions in the aquaponic solution were also higher about 0.76, 3.1, 0.8, and 0.9 me·L^-1 than those of standard hydroponic solution, respectively, while the K and Fe were lower about 0.8 me·L^-1 and 0.5 mg·L^-1, respectively. The mineral contents of the strawberry leaves grown on aquaponics did not differ from that of hydroponics, and K content in the leaves were in an appropriate range. Uptake rates of T-N and P between the 58 and 98 days after transplant (DAT) were 1.5 and 1.9-fold higher in the aquaponics than those of hydroponics, respectively with no significant difference in the uptake rate of K. The crown diameter, plant height, and leaf length and width in the 98 DAT were significantly higher in aquaponics. The number of fruits per plant was significantly higher in aquaponics than those in hydroponics, and the fresh and dry weights of fruit and length and width of fruit were significantly higher in hydroponics. The results suggest that plants in aquaponics continuously utilize fertilizer components of solid particles from fish and feed wastes.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.71-78
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• 2024

Among the various environmental conditions necessary for growing crops, light is closely related to the anthesis. This study aimed to determine the optimal photoperiod affecting floral differentiation in an edible flower, marigold, to efficiently cultivate the crops in a closed-type plant factory. The experiment was conducted with photoperiods of 4, 8, 12, and 16 hours. French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) 'Durango Red' seeds were sown in polyurethane sponges, and the photoperiod treatments were applied immediately. The extent of floral differentiation was examined at 2-3 day intervals, defined as the visible appearance of flower buds at least 2 mm in size. The growth parameters such as shoot fresh weight and dry weight, height, and leaf area were measured. The optimal photoperiod was determined based on the days when the floral differentiation had occurred in 50% of the total plants. In the 4-hour treatment, proper growth and flower buds did not appear. From the 8-hour treatment, the plant grew normally, and floral differentiation occurred, however, the 8-hour treatment showed the slowest floral differentiation compared to the 12 hours treatments or more. The 12- and 16-hour treatments didn't show significant differences in floral differentiation. While the 16-hour treatment exhibited the highest results in all growth parameters, it was not significantly different from the 12-hour treatment except for shoot dry weight and leaf area. According to the results, 8 hours of photoperiod induced floral differentiation. However, more time was required for flower bud formation, and plant growth was significantly lower compared to photoperiods of 12 hours or more. Considering the energy consumption and its growth, the optimal photoperiod for marigold was 12 hours.