A system for sowing seeds in cells of a germination tray or other container and related methods of operation are disclosed. The system may include a conveyor configured to move the germination tray in a conveying direction, a seed storage container configured to hold a plurality of seeds, a seed sowing machine, and a seed diverting mechanism. The seed sowing machine may be configured to transfer the seeds from the seed storage container along at least one seed transport path and into respective cells of the germination tray as the conveyor moves the germination tray in the conveying direction. The seed diverting mechanism may be configured to selectively divert seeds from the at least one seed transport path such that the diverted seeds are not deposited in cells of the germination tray during operation.

The present invention may relate to Aeroponic Systems and their individual elements. More particularly to automated systems capable of monitoring and adjusting some if not all of the light, nutrient, water quality and environmental factors required for the propagation and sustained growth of all types of plants. It may also describe methods to support the plants during propagation from seeds and for growth and harvesting. It may describe various methodologies for reducing space requirements and for increasing plant density without detriment to the growth cycles.

Provided herein is a method for sowing an individual seed in a seed location and to a seeder therefor. The method includes arranging a seed on a surface adjacent to an opening that leads to a guide channel that extends to the seed location; flushing the seed from the surface into the opening by directing a fluid over the surface in the direction of the opening; and guiding the seed to a seed location by means of the guide channel. The seeder has at least one opening that leads to a guide channel that extends to a seed location; a surface that is configured to be arranged adjacent to the at least one opening; and a selectively operable fluid supply for each opening, each fluid supply having at least one nozzle that is arranged for directing fluid over the surface in the direction of the opening.

Provided herein is a method for sowing an individual seed in a seed location and to a seeder therefor. The method includes arranging a seed on a surface adjacent to an opening that leads to a guide channel that extends to the seed location; flushing the seed from the surface into the opening by directing a fluid over the surface in the direction of the opening; and guiding the seed to a seed location by means of the guide channel. The seeder has at least one opening that leads to a guide channel that extends to a seed location; a surface that is configured to be arranged adjacent to the at least one opening; and a selectively operable fluid supply for each opening, each fluid supply having at least one nozzle that is arranged for directing fluid over the surface in the direction of the opening.

A method of sowing watermelon seeds includes seeding triploid watermelon seeds and watermelon pollinizer seeds in separate cells within a seedling tray. The triploid watermelon seeds produce seedless watermelons and the pollinizer seeds produce seeded watermelons. The seeded watermelons are not inherently bred to have reduced competition to plants grown from the triploid watermelon seeds.

A support funnel for filling a grow bag starts as a flexible panel having a length and a height, with a first fastening region comprising a plurality of fastening elements, implemented along the height at a first end of the length of the flexible panel, and a second fastening region comprising a second plurality of fastening elements complementary to the first fastening elements, implemented along the height at a second end of the length of the flexible panel, opposite the first end. The flexible panel is rolled into a cylinder or cone shape, with the first fastening region overlapping the second fastening region, and the first fastening elements are engaged with the second fastening elements, providing a stable cylinder or cone, enabling insertion of the cylinder or cone into a grow bag to support the grow bag while filling same with soil.

Methods and systems are provided for singulating, orienting, and delivering oriented objects (e.g., embryos) to a desired location (e.g., a plate containing a selected medium).

An improved plant breeding system for high throughput analysis of plant phenotype and genotype is provided. A method for analyzing the impact of genetic modifications on plants and selecting a plant with a genetic modification of interest is also provided. Also provided is a method for developing marketable information for improved plant breeding and a method for collecting data on a selected plant phenotype for rapid analysis of the effect of a genetic modification on the selected phenotype.

A method of potting a tree, wherein the method includes the steps of inserting the root system of the tree into the lumen of the pot, and supplying a particulate substrate to the pot to cover the root system using an apparatus including a supply system. To pot trees quicker, the supply system includes i) a buffer, and ii) at least one chute, wherein the method includes providing the buffer with a predetermined amount of particulate substrate, and batch-wise release of the particulate material in the buffer to provide the pot with the particulate material from the buffer via the at least one chute by gravity.

A conveyor system (4, 5) moves vertical poles (2) in an agricultural facility between a growing area (20) and a workstation (W). Each pole carries plant growing containers (3) at multiple levels (H1-H9). An irrigation reservoir (30) may be mounted on each pole. Irrigation lines (31-33) from the reservoir may be individually metered (35) at each level to compensate for differing water pressure with height. Sensors (40) in the reservoir and at each level of the poles may provide a controller (36) with data input. The controller may impose different growing conditions in different areas of the facility, including vertically different grow areas (20A, 20B), and controls pole movements and locations selectively to provide a sequence of poles at the workstation ready to harvest on a demand schedule. The workstation may have multiple heights (W1, W2, W3) for tall poles that increase plant density per facility footprint.