New production technology for Eustoma grandiflorum developed and demonstrated in the project ‘A Scheme to Revitalize Agriculture and Fisheries in Disaster Areas through Deploying Highly Advanced Technology’

Abstract

In the Hamadori area of Fukushima Prefecture, which was affected by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster, we carried out an advanced technology demonstration project for cut flowers. Being isolated from the external environment, the products are less subject to consumers’misgivings. We have developed new efficient and labor-saving technologies that enable year-round production of Eustoma (Lisianthus). NFT (nutrient film technique) hydroponic cultivation and its disease control techniques enable rapid and uniform seedling production using a closed seedling-raising device. The use of a photosynthesis model specific to the Eustoma that achieves greenhouse management at the skilled producer level. There is a sophisticated central environmental control system, a ducted pad and fan system that can separately control temperature and humidity, and a coloring accelerator that enables harvesting of cut flowers in the bud state. Combining these techniques has made it possible to cultivate three crops a year with unconstrained sowing times, which is an improvement over the single-yearly crop that was previously grown. We designed and demonstrated a year-round cultivation system that spreads out shipping times by cultivation in multiple greenhouses that have installed this technology. This system is anticipated to be adopted by new players. Specialized technologies are also anticipated to be applied to conventional soil cultivation.