A system prepares plant specimens, tracks the plant specimens, captures images of the plant specimens, and evaluates growth parameters of the plant specimens in the captured images. The system prepares receptacles by placing a predetermined quantity of gel, if required by a particular test, into a receptacle and a layer of material, if required by a particular test, on top of the gel. The system separates a quantity of seeds into individual seeds and places an individual seed in each receptacle between the gel layer and the cover layer. The receptacles are then arrayed into decks and carts and subjected to controlled stress conditions and conditions conducive to germination and growth. An image capture device captures backlit images of the receptacles, and a processor analyzes the captured images for growth parameters of the plant specimens and enters those parameters into a database together with a unique identifier of the plant specimen.

An automated method for analyzing seeds generally includes collecting image data from individual seeds using a seed sampling system, determining at least one characteristic of each of the individual seeds based on the collected image data, and removing tissue from each of the individual seeds using the seed sampling system. The method also includes, prior to removing the tissue sample from each of the individual seeds, adjusting at least one operational parameter of the seed sampling system based on the at least one characteristic of the seed from which the tissue is to be removed to thereby allow for generally consistent removal of tissue from each of the individual seeds. In some aspects, the method further includes analyzing the tissue removed from the seeds for presence or absence of at least one characteristic, and selecting seeds based on presence or absence of the at least one characteristic.

Methods for preserving viability of plant tissues such as plant embryos are provided herein. Also included are methods for storing genomic DNA and/or molecular marker assay materials in an oil bilayer as part of a high-throughput molecular characterization system. Moreover, plant embryos may be treated while in an oil matrix. The treatment may include chromosome doubling, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, or herbicide selection as part of an embryo rescue process.

An automated system for sampling seeds generally includes an automated sampling station having a sampler configured to remove material from a seed while protecting germination viability of the seed, a seed conveyor configured to receive the seed from out of the sampling station after the material is removed from the seed, and a sample conveyor configured to receive the material removed from the seed. The sample conveyor is configured to locate the material removed from the seed in a sample container, and the seed conveyor is configured to locate the seed from which the material is removed in a seed container so as to facilitate a one-to-one correspondence between the seed and the material removed from the seed.

Rapid pulse programming of seeds, to obtain improved germination probability, increased root mass, and crop yield, by illuminating seeds with radiation of a wavelength distribution from 300 nm to 20 microns, with a minimum average irradiance of 0.2 Watts/cm.sup.2 and a maximum average irradiance of 7 Watts/cm.sup.2, and having a narrow specific range of cumulative illumination energy from Joules/cm.sup.2 to 3 Joules/cm.sup.2 or a higher transition point cumulative illumination energy, so as to specifically engage an irradiance-sensitive and energy-sensitive hidden stimulative exposure response in the seed and so as to avoid illumination of higher cumulative illumination energy that would cause a different and destructive exposure response in the seed. Wavelengths include one or both of Medium Wavelength Infrared (MWIR) radiation and an Indigo Region Illumination Distribution (IRID), and they may be used to illuminate seeds in an illuminated agricultural planter.

A seed sensor senses seeds on a row unit and generates a seed sensor signal. A number of planting characteristics, such as a seed orientation, seed slugging, delivery system wear, and seed abnormalities, can be detected based on the seed sensor signal. The planter can be controlled based on the detected planting characteristics.

An automatic detection device for seed vigor is provided. The automatic detection device for seed vigor includes a seed screening system and a seed dispersing and seeding device for arranging seeds in a matrix. The seed dispersing and seeding device includes a seeding mechanism and a seeding disc capable of linearly moving along a horizontal direction. Seeding ports capable of being opened and closed are formed in a disc surface of the seeding disc. The seeding ports are arranged in a matrix. The seeding mechanism is used for putting single seeds into the seeding ports. The seed screening system includes a seed screening device and a hyperspectral imaging device for detecting seed vigor. The hyperspectral imaging device includes a hyperspectral lens located above the seeding disc. The seed screening device includes a seed sucker and a multi-axis mechanical arm for moving the seed sucker.

An automatic detection device for seed vigor is provided. The automatic detection device for seed vigor includes a seed screening system and a seed dispersing and seeding device for arranging seeds in a matrix. The seed dispersing and seeding device includes a seeding mechanism and a seeding disc capable of linearly moving along a horizontal direction. Seeding ports capable of being opened and closed are formed in a disc surface of the seeding disc. The seeding ports are arranged in a matrix. The seeding mechanism is used for putting single seeds into the seeding ports. The seed screening system includes a seed screening device and a hyperspectral imaging device for detecting seed vigor. The hyperspectral imaging device includes a hyperspectral lens located above the seeding disc. The seed screening device includes a seed sucker and a multi-axis mechanical arm for moving the seed sucker.