Patent ID: 12225860

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments are provided for complete disclosure and thorough understanding of the present disclosure by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and may be embodied in different ways. In addition, the drawings may be exaggerated in width, length, and thickness of components for descriptive convenience and clarity only. Like components will be denoted by like reference numerals throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Experiments were conducted to determine influence of treatment with UV light as auxiliary light on the growth and a phytochemical content of a plant.

Specifically, the growth and phytochemical content of plant samples grown under treatment with growth light alone or a combination of growth light and auxiliary light were measured.

The plant used in these experiments was barley sprout. In addition, the growth light used in these experiments was visible light that helps the plant grow.

Further, the auxiliary light used in these experiments was UV light for increasing the phytochemical content of the plant.

First, seeds of barley sprout were sterilized, transplanted into a tray, sprayed with water, and allowed to germinate in the dark for 3 days.

Then, the germinated seeds of barley sprout were subjected to treatment with the growth light alone or the combination of the growth light and the auxiliary light for 7 days, thereby cultivating barley sprout samples.

Here, the barley sprout samples were provided with an environment in which 16 hours of light period and 8 hours of dark period were alternated during cultivation for 7 days.

The growth light and the auxiliary light were supplied to the barley sprout samples during the light period. During cultivation for 7 days, the barley sprout samples were exposed to the growth light at a total irradiance of about 60 μmol/m2/s. In addition, during cultivation for 7 days, multiple barley sprout groups were exposed to the auxiliary light at different cumulative doses. Here, the auxiliary light delivered to the barley sprout samples was UV light having a peak in the wavelength range of 280 nm to 320 nm.

In all the experiments, control groups (Control groups1to3) were groups of barley sprout samples grown under treatment with the growth light alone without treatment with the auxiliary light. In addition, experimental groups were groups of barley sprout samples grown under treatment with combination of the growth light and the auxiliary light.

Specifically, Experimental group1was a group of barley sprout samples exposed to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of about 0.3 kJ/m2. Experimental group2was a group of barley sprout samples exposed to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of about 0.7 kJ/m2. Experimental group3was a group of barley sprout samples exposed to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of about 1.3 kJ/m2. Experimental group4was a group of barley sprout samples exposed to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of about 2.7 kJ/m2. Experimental group5was a group of barley sprout samples exposed to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of about 4 kJ/m2. Experimental group6was a group of barley sprout samples exposed to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of about 8.1 kJ/m2. Experimental group7was a group of barley sprout samples exposed to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of about 13.4 kJ/m2. Experimental group8was a group of barley sprout samples exposed to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of about 20.2 kJ/m2. Experimental group9was a group of barley sprout samples exposed to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of about 40.3 kJ/m2.

Here, the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light delivered to the barley sprout samples refers to the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light emitted from a light source to a space in which the barley sprout samples were grown.

Experiment1

Experiment1was aimed at determining changes in growth of barley sprout depending on the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light.

In Experiment1, the dry weight of barley sprout depending on the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light was measured.

In Experiment1, the dry weight of barley sprout was measured on control group1and experimental groups1to3,8, and9.

FIG.1is a graph showing results of measuring the dry weight of barley sprout depending on the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light according to Experiment1.

Referring toFIG.1, there was no significant difference in dry weight between control group1and experimental groups1to3.

The dry weight of barley sprout was higher in experimental groups2and3than in control group1.

More specifically, the dry weight of barley sprout was slightly but insignificantly higher in experimental groups2and3than in control group1.

In addition, the dry weight of barley sprout was slightly but insignificantly lower in Experimental group1than in Control group1.

That is, barley sprout samples of Experimental groups1to3had similar growth to those of Control group1.

However, the dry weight of barley sprout was significantly lower in Experimental groups8and9than in Control group1, as shown inFIG.1.

This means that treatment with the auxiliary light adversely affected normal growth of barley sprout samples in Experimental groups8and9.

That is, Experiment1shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of 20.2 kJ/m2or greater causes reduction in growth efficiency of barley sprout.

Experiment2

Similar to Experiment1, Experiment2was aimed at determining changes in the growth of barley sprout depending on the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light. The dry weight of barley sprout was measured as the dry weight of barley sprout varies depending on the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light.

In Experiment2, some barley sprout groups were exposed to the auxiliary light at a different cumulative dose than the cumulative dose used in Experiment1.

In Experiment2, the dry weight of barley sprout was measured on Control group2and Experimental groups4to8.

FIG.2is a graph showing results of measuring the dry weight of barley sprout depending on the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light according to Experiment2.

Referring toFIG.2, there was no significant difference in dry weight between control group2and experimental groups4to7.

However, the dry weight of barley sprout was significantly lower in Experimental group8than in the dry weight of barley sprout in Control group2.

From these results, it can be seen that, in the case of Experimental group8, the treatment with the auxiliary light adversely affected the growth of barley sprout. For example, barley sprout samples of Experimental group8had poor growth or suffered damage, as compared with barley sprout samples not treated with the auxiliary light.

Experiment2shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at the cumulative dose of 20.2 kJ/m2or greater causes reduction in growth efficiency of barley sprout.

FIG.3is an image showing the degree of damage to barley sprout depending on the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light.

FIG.3shows barley sprout groups corresponding to Control group3and Experimental groups1and7to8. Referring toFIG.3, barley sprout samples of Control group3and Experimental groups1and7had normal growth without suffering damage, as shown inFIG.3.

However, barley sprout samples of Experimental groups8and9suffered from yellowing or developed spots as shown in red circles.

That is, it can be seen that exposure to the auxiliary light at the cumulative dose of 20.2 kJ/m2or greater causes damage to barley sprout.

From Experiment1, Experiment2, andFIG.1toFIG.3, it can be seen that the treatment with the auxiliary light at the cumulative dose of 20.2 kJ/m2or greater can cause damage to barley sprout.

That is, it can be seen that exposure to the auxiliary light at the cumulative dose of less than 20.2 kJ/m2does not adversely affect the growth of barley sprout. Furthermore, it can be seen that exposure to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of 13.4 kJ/m2or less does not adversely affect the growth of barley sprout.

Experiment3

Experiment3was a first experiment to measure a total phenolic content of barley sprout depending on a cumulative dose of the auxiliary light delivered to barley sprout.

In Experiment3, the total phenolic content of barley sprout was measured on Control group1and Experimental groups1,2,3,6,8, and9.

FIG.4is a graph showing results of measuring the total phenolic content of barley sprout depending on conditions of treatment with the auxiliary light according to Experiment3.

Referring toFIG.4, the total phenolic content of barley sprout was slightly but insignificantly higher in Experimental groups1to3than in Control group1.

However, the total phenolic content of barley sprout was significantly higher in Experimental groups6,8, and9than in Control group1.

Experiment3shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of greater than 1.3 kJ/m2increases the total phenolic content of barley sprout. Furthermore, Experiment3shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of 8.1 kJ/m2or greater further increases the total phenolic content of barley sprout.

Experiment4

Experiment4was a second experiment to measure the total phenolic content of barley sprout depending on the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light delivered to barley sprout.

In Experiment4, the total phenolic content of barley sprout was measured on Control group2and Experimental groups4,5,6,7, and8.

FIG.5is a graph showing results of measuring the total phenolic content of barley sprout depending on conditions of treatment with the auxiliary light according to Experiment4.

Referring toFIG.5, the total phenolic content of barley sprout was higher in all of Experimental groups4to8than in Control group2.

That is, Experiment4shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of 2.7 kJ/m2or greater increases the total phenolic content of barley sprout.

As such, taken together, the results of Experiments3and4indicate that the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing increase in total phenolic content of barley sprout is greater than 1.3 kJ/m2. Furthermore, the results of Experiments3and4indicate that the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing increase in total phenolic content of barley sprout is 2.7 kJ/m2or greater.

Here, considering normal growth of barley sprout, a cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing increase in total phenolic content of barley sprout may be set within the range of greater than 1.3 kJ/m2to less than 20.2 kJ/m2. Furthermore, a cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing increase in total phenolic content of barley sprout without sacrificing normal growth thereof may be in the range of 2.7 kJ/m2to 13.4 kJ/m2.

Experiment5

Experiment5was a first experiment to measure the antioxidant capacity of barley sprout depending on the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light delivered to barley sprout.

In Experiment5, the antioxidant capacity of barley sprout was measured on control group1and experimental groups1,2,3,6,8, and9.

FIG.6is a graph showing results of measuring the antioxidant capacity of barley sprout depending on conditions of treatment with the auxiliary light according to Experiment5.

Referring toFIG.6, the antioxidant capacity of barley sprout was significantly higher in experimental groups1,6,8, and9than in control group1.

However, there was no significant difference in antioxidant capacity between Experimental group1and experimental groups2and3, which were exposed to the auxiliary light at a higher cumulative dose than Experimental group1.

That is, Experiment5shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of greater than 1.3 kJ/m2increases the antioxidant capacity of barley sprout. Furthermore, Experiment5shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of 8.1 kJ/m2or greater increases the antioxidant capacity of barley sprout.

Experiment6

Experiment6was a second experiment to measure an antioxidant capacity of barley sprout depending on the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light delivered to barley sprout.

In Experiment6, the antioxidant capacity of barley sprout was measured on Control group2and Experimental groups4to8.

FIG.7is a graph showing results of measuring the antioxidant capacity of barley sprout depending on conditions of treatment with the auxiliary light according to Experiment6. Referring toFIG.7, there was no significant difference in antioxidant capacity between Experimental group4and Control group2. However, the antioxidant capacity of barley sprout was significantly higher in experimental groups5to8than in control group2.

That is, Experiment6shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of greater than 2.7 kJ/m2increases the antioxidant capacity of barley sprout. Furthermore, Experiment6shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of 4 kJ/m2or greater further increases the antioxidant capacity of barley sprout.

As such, taken together, the results of Experiments5and6indicate that the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing increase in antioxidant capacity of barley sprout is greater than 2.7 kJ/m2. Furthermore, the results of Experiments5and6indicate that the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing increase in antioxidant capacity of barley sprout is 4 kJ/m2or greater.

In addition, considering normal growth of barley sprout, a cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing increase in antioxidant capacity of barley sprout may be set within the range of greater than 2.7 kJ/m2to less than 20.2 kJ/m2. Furthermore, a cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing antioxidant capacity of barley sprout to increase without sacrificing normal growth thereof may be in the range of 4 kJ/m2to 13.4 kJ/m2.

Experiments7to10were aimed at determining influence of treatment with the auxiliary light on contents of specific phytochemicals in barley sprout. The specific phytochemicals measured in Experiments7to10were lutonarin and saponarin, which are polyphenol compounds.

Lutonarin and saponarin are known to have skin whitening, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, lutonarin and saponarin are known to be also effective in relieving hangovers and improving alcoholic fatty liver. Further, saponarin is known to also have antidiabetic effects.

Experiment7

Experiment7was a first experiment to measure a content of lutonarin in barley sprout depending on a cumulative dose of the auxiliary light delivered to barley sprout.

In Experiment7, the content of lutonarin was measured on Control group1and Experimental groups1,2,3,6,8, and9.

FIG.8is a graph showing results of measuring the content of lutonarin in barley sprout depending on treatment with the auxiliary light according to Experiment7.

Referring toFIG.8, the content of lutonarin in Experimental groups1,2,8, and9was similar to that in Control group1.

However, the content of lutonarin in Experimental groups3and6was significantly higher than that in Control group1.

That is, Experiment7shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at the cumulative dose of greater than 0.7 kJ/m2to less than 20.2 kJ/m2increases the lutonarin content of barley sprout. Furthermore, Experiment7shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of 1.3 kJ/m2to 8.1 kJ/m2further increases the lutonarin content of barley sprout.

Experiment8

Experiment8was a second experiment to measure the content of lutonarin in barley sprout depending on the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light delivered to barley sprout.

In Experiment8, the content of lutonarin was measured on Control group2and Experimental groups4to8.

FIG.9is a graph showing results of measuring the content of lutonarin in barley sprout depending on treatment with the auxiliary light according to Experiment8.

Referring toFIG.9, Experimental groups4to8all had a higher lutonarin content than Control group2.

Here, the content of lutonarin in Experimental group4,7, and8was similar to that in Control group2.

However, the content of lutonarin in Experimental groups5and6was significantly higher than that in control group2.

That is, Experiment8shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at the cumulative dose of greater than 2.7 kJ/m2to less than 13.4 kJ/m2increases the lutonarin content of barley sprout. Furthermore, Experiment8shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at the cumulative dose of 4 kJ/m2to 8.1 kJ/m2further increases the lutonarin content of barley sprout.

As such, taken together, the results of Experiments7and8indicate that the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing increase in lutonarin content of barley sprout is in the range of greater than 2.7 kJ/m2to less than 13.4 kJ/m2. Furthermore, the results of Experiments7and8indicate that a cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing increase in lutonarin content of barley sprout is in the range of 4 kJ/m2to 8.1 kJ/m2.

The range of cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing an increase in lutonarin content of barley sprout falls within the range of cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing normal growth of barley sprout.

Experiment9

Experiment9was a first experiment to measure a content of saponarin in barley sprout depending on the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light delivered to barley sprout.

In Experiment9, the content of saponarin was measured on Control group1and Experimental groups1,2,3,6,8, and9.

FIG.10is a graph showing results of measuring the content of saponarin in barley sprout depending on conditions of treatment with the auxiliary light according to Experiment9.

Referring toFIG.10, the content of saponarin was significantly higher in Experimental groups1,2,3, and6than that in Control group1.

However, the content of saponarin in Experimental group8and9was similar to or lower than that in Control group1.

That is, Experiment9shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at the cumulative dose of 0.3 kJ/m2to less than 20.2 kJ/m2can increase the saponarin content of barley sprout. Furthermore, Experiment9shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at the cumulative dose of 0.3 kJ/m2to 8.1 kJ/m2can further increase the saponarin content of barley sprout.

Experiment10

Experiment10was a second experiment to measure a content of saponarin in barley sprout depending on the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light delivered to barley sprout.

In Experiment10, the content of saponarin was measured on Control group2and Experimental groups4to8.

FIG.11is a graph showing results of measuring the content of saponarin in barley sprout depending on conditions of treatment with the auxiliary light according to Experiment10.

Referring toFIG.11, the content of saponarin was significantly higher in Experimental groups4to8than that in Control group2.

That is, Experiment10shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of 2.7 kJ/m2to 20.2 kJ/m2can increase the saponarin content of barley sprout. Furthermore, Experiment10shows that exposure to the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of 2.7 kJ/m2to 13.4 kJ/m2can increase the saponarin content of barley sprout.

As such, taken together, the results of Experiments9and10indicate that a cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing increase in saponarin content of barley sprout is in the range of 0.3 kJ/m2to less than 20.2 kJ/m2. Furthermore, the results of Experiments9and10indicates that a cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing increase in saponarin content of barley sprout is in the range of 0.3 kJ/m2to 13.4 kJ/m2.

Here, considering normal growth of barley sprout, a cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing increase in saponarin content of barley sprout may be set within the range of 0.3 kJ/m2to less than 20.2 kJ/m2. Furthermore, a cumulative dose of the auxiliary light allowing the increase in saponarin content without sacrificing normal growth of barley sprout may be in the range of 0.3 kJ/m2to 13.4 kJ/m2.

FIG.12is an exemplary view of a plant cultivation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.12is a schematic sectional view of a plant cultivation apparatus1according to this embodiment. The plant cultivation apparatus1according to this embodiment provides a space for plant cultivation. In addition, the plant cultivation apparatus1according to this embodiment can improve a phytochemical content of a plant cultivated therein. Here, the plant may be barley sprout.

The plant cultivation apparatus1according to this embodiment may include a tray3, a moisture supply unit2, a light source module10, and a controller4.

The tray3allows seeds of barley sprout to germinate therein and supports barley sprout in an upright position to facilitate supply of moisture to the roots of the barley sprout.

The moisture supply unit2supplies moisture to the barley sprout cultivated in the tray3. For example, the moisture supply unit2may be disposed under the tray3and may store a substance5that can supply moisture to the barley sprout, such as water. Alternatively, the moisture supply unit2may store a culture medium that can supply nutrients to the barley sprout.

Here, the barley sprout may be secured in the tray3with the roots thereof immersed in the water or culture solution stored in the moisture supply unit2to be supplied with moisture and nutrients.

The light source module10may supply growth light and auxiliary light to the plant. Here, the light source module10may emit the growth light and the auxiliary light to the space for plant cultivation to supply the plant with the growth light and the auxiliary light. That is, a cumulative light dose delivered to the plant refers to a cumulative dose of light emitted from the light source module10towards the space for plant cultivation.

The growth light is light suitable for growing the barley sprout. In addition, the auxiliary light is light suitable for increasing the phytochemical content of the barley sprout.

For example, the light source module10may supply the barley sprout with the growth light at a total irradiance of 60 μmol/m2/s during plant cultivation. In addition, the light source module10may supply the barley sprout with the auxiliary light during plant cultivation. The light source module10may supply the barley sprout with both the growth light and the auxiliary light during a light period. For example, the light period during which light is supplied to the barley sprout may be set to 16 hours and a dark period during which light is not supplied to the barley sprout may be set to 8 hours. During plant cultivation, the light period and the dark period are alternated with each other.

The light source module10may include a substrate130, a growth light source110emitting the growth light, and an auxiliary light source120emitting the auxiliary light. The growth light source110and the auxiliary light source120may be operated simultaneously or may be operated individually.

FIG.12shows the plant cultivation apparatus1including a single light source module10. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto and two or more light source modules10of the plant cultivation apparatus1may be arranged as needed.

The plant cultivation apparatus1according to this embodiment may supply the barley sprout with the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of 0.3 kJ/m2to less than 20.2 kJ/m2during plant cultivation, thereby increasing the phytochemical content of the barley sprout.

In addition, the plant cultivation apparatus1according to this embodiment may change the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light delivered to the barley sprout depending on purposes. That is, the plant cultivation apparatus1can increase the content of a specific target phytochemical through adjustment of the cumulative dose of the auxiliary light emitted from the light source module10.

For example, the light source module10may supply the barley sprout with the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of greater than 1.3 kJ/m2to less than 20.2 kJ/m2during plant cultivation to increase the total phenolic content of the barley sprout. Furthermore, the light source module10may supply the barley sprout with the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of 2.7 kJ/m2to 13.4 kJ/m2during plant cultivation to further increase the total phenolic content of the barley sprout.

In addition, the light source module10may supply the barley sprout with the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of greater than 2.7 kJ/m2to less than 2.02 kJ/m2during plant cultivation to improve the antioxidant capacity of the barley sprout. Furthermore, the light source module10may supply the barley sprout with the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of 4 kJ/m2to 13.4 kJ/m2during plant cultivation to improve the antioxidant capacity of barley sprout.

As another example, the light source module10may supply the barley sprout with the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of 0.3 kJ/m2to less than 2.02 kJ/m2during plant cultivation to increase the saponarin content of the barley sprout. Furthermore, the light source module10may supply the barley sprout with the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of 0.3 kJ/m2to 13.4 kJ/m2during plant cultivation to increase the saponarin content of the barley sprout.

As further another example, the light source module10may supply the barley sprout with the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of greater than 2.7 kJ/m2to less than 2.02 kJ/m2during plant cultivation to increase the lutonarin content of the barley sprout. Furthermore, the light source module10may supply the barley sprout with the auxiliary light at a cumulative dose of 4 kJ/m2to 8.1 kJ/m2during plant cultivation to increase the lutonarin content of the barley sprout.

The controller4may control operation of the light source module10based on an input signal or pre-stored data. Here, the input signal or the pre-stored data may include information about different types of target phytochemicals, information about the cumulative light dose corresponding to specific phytochemicals, information about different durations of the light period and the dark period, and the like.

The controller4may control an operation cycle of the light source module10, the irradiance of the growth light, and the irradiance of the auxiliary light based on the input signal or the pre-stored data. For example, the controller4may control the irradiance of the growth light and the auxiliary light through adjustment of the numbers of growth light sources110and auxiliary light sources120put into operation. In addition, the controller4may control the irradiance of the growth light and the auxiliary light through adjustment of the magnitude of voltage or current supplied to the growth light source110and the auxiliary light source120. In this way, the controller4may regulate the cumulative doses of the growth light and the auxiliary light delivered to the plant through control over the irradiance and operating time of the light source module10. In the plant cultivation apparatus1according to this embodiment, the controller4and the light source module10are provided as independent components.

However, it will be understood that the configuration of the plant cultivation apparatus1is not limited thereto. For example, the substrate130of the light source module10may serve as the controller4.

The plant cultivation apparatus1ofFIG.12is merely by way of an example where the light source module10capable of increasing the phytochemical content of barley sprout cultivated can be used advantageously. That is, the light source module10according to the present disclosure may be used in other devices or space for cultivation of barley sprout to increase the phytochemical content of the barley sprout.

FIG.13toFIG.33relate to various embodiments of a light source module for plant cultivation, which can improve the growth and phytochemical content of barley sprout.

Now, various embodiments of a light source module used in the plant cultivation apparatus1ofFIG.12and light delivered to barley sprout by the light source module will be described with reference toFIG.13toFIG.33. In optical spectra related to various embodiments of the light, the x-axis represents a wavelength of the light and the y-axis represents light intensity. In addition, the values on the y-axis are relative values obtained by comparing light intensities at different wavelengths contained in the light.

FIG.13toFIG.15are exemplary views illustrating characteristics of a light source module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.13is a schematic view of a light source module11according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.14is a spectrum of light emitted from a growth light source110of the light source module11according to the first embodiment.FIG.15is a spectrum of light emitted from the light source module11according to the first embodiment.

Referring toFIG.13, the light source module11according to the first embodiment may include a substrate130, a growth light source110, and an auxiliary light source120.

The growth light source110supplies a plant with growth light suitable for growing the plant. The auxiliary light source120supplies the plant with auxiliary light suitable for increasing the phytochemical content of the plant. The growth light source110and the auxiliary light source120may be mounted on the substrate130. In addition, the substrate130may be electrically connected to the growth light source110and the auxiliary light source120to supply power to the growth light source110and the auxiliary light source120therethrough.

Referring toFIG.13, a plurality of growth light sources110and a plurality of auxiliary light sources120are mounted on the substrate130. In addition, in some forms, each of the auxiliary light sources120is disposed between the growth light sources110.

However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the numbers and arrangement of growth light sources110and auxiliary light sources120of the light source module11may vary as needed.

The plurality of growth light sources110and the plurality of auxiliary light sources120may be simultaneously operated. That is, the plurality of growth light sources110and the plurality of auxiliary light sources120may be simultaneously turned on/off.

Alternatively, the plurality of growth light sources110and the plurality of auxiliary light sources120may be operated independently of each other. That is, a growth light source110group including the plurality of growth light sources110and an auxiliary light source120group including the plurality of auxiliary light sources120may operate independently of each other.

Alternatively, all the light sources may be operated individually or independently of one another.

The growth light source110of the light source module11according to this embodiment may emit white light as the growth light.

Referring toFIG.14, the growth light emitted from the growth light source110may be white light having a similar spectrum to sunlight. In some forms, the spectrum of the light emitted from the growth light source110may have at least four peak wavelengths. For example, the light emitted from the growth light source110and delivered to the plant may have spectral characteristics in which peaks are located in the wavelength ranges of about 430 nm or less, about 440 nm to about 460 nm, about 510 nm to about 530 nm, and about 600 nm to about 630 nm, respectively.

The auxiliary light source120of the light source module11according to this embodiment may emit UV light as the auxiliary light. The auxiliary light emitted from the auxiliary light source120may be any kind of UV light that can increase the phytochemical content of the plant. For example, the auxiliary light from the auxiliary light source120may be UV light having a peak in the wavelength range of 280 nm and 320 nm.

Respective auxiliary light sources of light source modules according to other embodiments of the present disclosure described below are the same as the auxiliary light source of the light source module11according to the first embodiment.

The light emitted from the light source module11according to this embodiment includes the growth light emitted from the growth light source110and the auxiliary light emitted from the auxiliary light source120. Thus, the light source module11according to the first embodiment may supply the plant with light having the spectral characteristics shown inFIG.15.

FIG.16toFIG.18are exemplary views illustrating characteristics of a light source module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.16is a schematic view of a light source module12according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.17is a spectrum of light emitted from a growth light source115of the light source module12according to the second embodiment.FIG.18is a spectrum of light emitted from the light source module12according to the second embodiment.

Referring toFIG.16, the light source module12according to the second embodiment may include a substrate130, a growth light source115, and an auxiliary light source120.

Growth light emitted from the growth light source115of the light source module12according to this embodiment may be white light.

Here, the growth light emitted from the growth light source115of the light source module12according to this embodiment may have different spectral characteristics than the growth light emitted from the growth light source of the light source module according to the first embodiment.

Referring toFIG.17, the growth light source115according to the second embodiment may emit white light having a peak in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 500 nm.

In addition, the auxiliary light source120of the light source module12according to this embodiment is the same as the auxiliary light source of the light source module according to the first embodiment.

The light source module12according to the second embodiment may emit light having the spectral characteristics shown inFIG.18.

FIG.19is a schematic view of a light source module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring back toFIG.13andFIG.16, in the light source modules according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, both the growth light source and the auxiliary light source are mounted on the same substrate. The light source module13according to the third embodiment has a structure in which a growth light source110and an auxiliary light source120are disposed on different substrates.

Referring toFIG.19, the light source module13according to this embodiment may include a first light source module301and a second light source module302. The first light source module301may include a first substrate331and a growth light source110. The growth light source110according to this embodiment may be the same as the growth light source of the light source module according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

That is, the first light source module301may emit growth light having the spectral characteristics shown inFIG.14orFIG.17.

The second light source module302may include a second substrate332and an auxiliary light source120emitting UV light as auxiliary light.

The light source module13according to the third embodiment differs in the arrangement of the light sources from the light source module according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment. Thus, the light source module13according to the third embodiment emits light having the same spectral characteristics as the light emitted from the light source module according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

Thus, the light source module13according to the third embodiment may supply barley sprout with light having the spectral characteristics shown inFIG.15or18.

FIG.20toFIG.22are exemplary views illustrating characteristics of a light source module according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.20is a schematic view of a light source module14according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.21is a spectrum of light emitted from a growth light source410of the light source module14according to the fourth embodiment.FIG.22is a spectrum of light emitted from the light source module14according to the fourth embodiment.

Referring toFIG.20, the light source module14according to the fourth embodiment may include a substrate130, a growth light source410, and an auxiliary light source120. Here, the growth light source410may include a first growth light source411and a second growth light source412.

The first growth light source411may emit white light. For example, the first growth light source411may emit white light having the same spectral characteristics as the white light emitted from the growth light source of the light source module according to the first embodiment. In addition, the second growth light source412may emit red light having a peak in the wavelength range of 600 nm to 700 nm.

Thus, the growth light source410of the light source module14according to this embodiment may emit growth light in which the light emitted from the first growth light source411is mixed with the light emitted from the second growth light source412. For example, the growth light source410of the light source module14according to this embodiment may emit growth light having the spectral characteristics shown inFIG.21. Thus, the light source module14according to this embodiment may emit light in which the mixed light of the white light and the red light as the growth light is mixed with UV light as the auxiliary light. For example, the light source module14according to this embodiment may supply barley sprout with light having the spectral characteristics shown inFIG.22.

Referring toFIG.20, the light source module14according to the fourth embodiment may have a structure in which the first growth light source411, the second growth light source412, and the auxiliary light source120are all mounted on a single substrate130. In addition, each of the second growth light sources412may be disposed between the first growth light sources411, as shown inFIG.20. Further, each of the auxiliary light sources120may be disposed between the second growth light sources412.

However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the numbers and arrangement of first growth light sources411, second growth light sources412, and auxiliary light sources120may vary as needed.

FIG.23is a spectrum of light emitted from a light source module according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

Light emitted from a second growth light source412and an auxiliary light source of the light source module according to the fifth embodiment may be the same as the light emitted from the second growth light source and the auxiliary light source of the light source module according to the fourth embodiment.

However, light emitted from a first growth light source of the light source module according to the fifth embodiment may be different from the light emitted from the light source module according to the fourth embodiment.

For example, the first growth light source of the light source module according to the fifth embodiment may emit white light having the same spectral characteristics as the white light emitted from the growth light source of the light source module according to the second embodiment.

Thus, the light source module according to the fifth embodiment may supply barley sprout with light having the spectral characteristics shown inFIG.23.

FIG.24is a schematic view of a light source module according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.24, the light source module16according to the sixth embodiment may include a first light source module601and a second light source module602.

According to this embodiment, the first light source module601may include a first substrate631and a growth light source610mounted on the first substrate631. In addition, the growth light source610may include a first growth light source611and a second growth light source612. The second light source module602may include a second substrate632and an auxiliary light source120mounted on the second substrate632.

The first growth light source611, the second growth light source612, and the auxiliary light source120of the light source module16according to the sixth embodiment may be the same as the first growth light source, the second growth light source, and the auxiliary light source of the light source module according to the fourth or fifth embodiment, respectively.

The light source module according to the fourth or fifth embodiment has a structure in which all the light sources are mounted on a single substrate, whereas the light source module16according to this embodiment has a structure in which the growth light source610and the auxiliary light source120are mounted on different substrates. That is, according to this embodiment, the first growth light source611and the second growth light source612are mounted on the first substrate631and the auxiliary light source120is mounted on the second substrate632.

As such, despite having a different structure than the light source module according to the fourth or fifth embodiment, the light source module16according to the sixth embodiment may supply barley sprout with light having the same spectral characteristics as the light ofFIG.22orFIG.23.

FIG.25is a schematic view of a light source module according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.25, the light source module17according to the seventh embodiment may include a first light source module701, a second light source module702, and a third light source module703.

The first light source module701includes a first substrate731and a first growth light source711mounted on the first substrate731. The second light source module702includes a second substrate732and a second growth light source712mounted on the second substrate732. The third light source module703includes a third substrate733and an auxiliary light source120mounted on the third substrate733. That is, as shown inFIG.25, the light source module17according to this embodiment has a structure in which different types of light sources are mounted on different substrates.

Here, the first growth light source711, the second growth light source712, and the auxiliary light source120are the same as the first growth light source, the second growth light source, and the auxiliary light source of the light source module according to the fourth or fifth embodiment, respectively.

Thus, despite having a different structure than the light source module according to the fourth or fifth embodiment, the light source module17according to the seventh embodiment may supply barley sprout with light having the same spectral characteristics as the light ofFIG.22orFIG.23.

FIG.26toFIG.28are exemplary views illustrating characteristics of a light source module according to an eighth embodiment.FIG.26is a schematic view of a light source module18according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.27is a spectrum of light emitted from a growth light source810of the light source module18according to the eighth embodiment.FIG.28is a spectrum of light emitted from the light source module18according to the eighth embodiment.

Referring toFIG.26, the light source module18according to the eighth embodiment may include a substrate130, a growth light source810, and an auxiliary light source120. Here, the growth light source810may include a first growth light source811emitting white light, a second growth light source812emitting red light, and a third growth light source813emitting blue light.

As shown inFIG.26, the light source module18according to this embodiment may have a structure in which the growth light source810and the auxiliary light source120are mounted on the same substrate130. Alternatively, the light source module18according to this embodiment may have a structure in which the growth light source810and the auxiliary light source120are mounted on different substrates. Alternatively, the light source module18according to this embodiment may have a structure in which the first growth light source811, the second growth light source812, the third growth light source813, and the auxiliary light source120are mounted on different substrates.

That is, the numbers and arrangement of first growth light sources811, second growth light sources812, third growth light sources813, and auxiliary light sources120may vary as needed.

According to this embodiment, the first growth light source811may emit white light. In addition, the second growth light source812may emit red light having a peak in the wavelength range of 600 nm to 700 nm. Further, the third growth light source813may emit blue light having a peak in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 500 nm.

According to this embodiment, the growth light source810may emit growth light in which the white light is mixed with the red light and the blue light. Here, the white light may have the same spectral characteristics as the white light emitted from the growth light source of the light source module according to the first embodiment.

Thus, the growth light source810according to this embodiment may emit visible light having the spectral characteristics shown inFIG.27. In this way, the light source module18according to the eighth embodiment may supply barley sprout with light having the spectral characteristics shown inFIG.28.

FIG.29andFIG.30each show an optical spectrum related to a light source module according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.29is a spectrum of light emitted from a growth light source of the light source module according to the ninth embodiment.FIG.30is a spectrum of light emitted from the light source module according to the ninth embodiment.

The light source module according to the ninth embodiment is the same as the light source module according to the eighth embodiment except that the light source module according to the ninth embodiment includes a first growth light source different from the first growth light source of the light source module according to the eighth embodiment.

For example, the first growth light source of the light source module according to this embodiment emits white light having the same spectral characteristics as the white light emitted from the growth light source of the light source module according to the second embodiment as shown inFIG.17.

Thus, the growth light source according to this embodiment may emit growth light, which is visible light and the white light emitted from the growth light source of the light source module according to the second embodiment by mixing red light and blue light. That is, the growth light source of the light source module according to this embodiment may emit growth light having the spectral characteristics shown inFIG.29. Thus, the light source module according to this embodiment may supply barley sprout with light having the spectral characteristics shown inFIG.30.

FIG.31toFIG.33are exemplary views illustrating characteristics of a light source module according to a tenth embodiment.FIG.31is a schematic view of a light source module20according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.32is a spectrum of light emitted from a growth light source210of the light source module20according to the tenth embodiment.FIG.33is a spectrum of light emitted from the light source module20according to the tenth embodiment.

Referring toFIG.31, the light source module20according to the tenth embodiment may include a substrate130, a growth light source210, and an auxiliary light source120.

Here, the growth light source210may include a first growth light source211emitting white light and a third growth light source213emitting blue light.

As shown inFIG.31, the light source module20according to this embodiment may have a structure in which the growth light source210and the auxiliary light source120are mounted on the same substrate130. Alternatively, the light source module20according to this embodiment may have a structure in which the growth light source210and the auxiliary light source120are mounted on different substrates. Alternatively, the light source module20according to this embodiment may have a structure in which the first growth light source211, the third growth light source213, and the auxiliary light source120are mounted on different substrates. As such, the numbers and arrangement of first growth light sources211, third growth light sources213, and auxiliary light sources120may vary as needed.

The first growth light source211according to this embodiment may emit white light. In addition, the third growth light source213according to this embodiment may emit blue light having a peak in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 500 nm. The growth light source210according to this embodiment may emit growth light in which the white light is mixed with the blue light. Here, the white light may have the same spectral characteristics as the white light emitted from the growth light source of the light source module according to the first embodiment.

Thus, the growth light source210according to this embodiment may emit visible light having the spectral characteristics shown inFIG.32.

In this way, the light source module20according to the tenth embodiment can provide barley sprout with light having the spectral characteristics shown inFIG.33.

Alternatively, as another example, the first growth light source211may emit white light having the same spectral characteristics as the white light emitted from the growth light source of the light source module according to the second embodiment.

In this example, the growth light source210of the light source module20according to the tenth embodiment may emit growth light in which the blue light is mixed with the white light emitted from the growth light source of the light source module according to the second embodiment (seeFIG.17).

In addition, light emitted from the light source module20may be a mixture of UV light as the auxiliary light, the blue light, and the white light emitted from the growth light source of the light source module according to the second embodiment (seeFIG.18).

With the light source module according to the various embodiments described above, the plant cultivation apparatus according to the present disclosure can improve the phytochemical content of a plant cultivated therein.

In addition, the plant cultivation apparatus and the light source module according to the present disclosure can increase the content of specific phytochemicals in a plant without sacrificing normal growth of the plant through adjustment of the cumulative light dose delivered to the plant.

Although some embodiments have been described herein, it should be understood that these embodiments are provided for illustration only and are not to be construed in any way as limiting the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should be defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereto.