Versions of the disclosure relate to multilayer structures for germinating seeds and growing plants in aeroponic or hydroponic farming. The multilayer structure can include a growth medium positioned in close proximity to a seeding tray. The seeding tray may be configured and dimensioned to at least partially retain a germinating seed. Optional grid tray may be positioned below the growth medium and configured and dimensioned to support the growth medium.

Versions of the disclosure relate to multilayer structures for germinating seeds and growing plants in aeroponic or hydroponic farming. The multilayer structure can include a growth medium positioned in close proximity to a seeding tray. The seeding tray may be configured and dimensioned to at least partially retain a germinating seed. Optional grid tray may be positioned below the growth medium and configured and dimensioned to support the growth medium.

A canola seed sample crusher features a frame, and a drum rotatably carried on the frame and having an array of seed pockets on an outer periphery thereof. The seed pockets are sized and shaped to receive individual canola seeds respectively therein. A pathway is arranged to receive a length of adhesive tape and guide the tape over the seed pockets in the outer periphery of the drum during rotation thereof to adhesively collect the sample of canola seeds from the seed pockets onto the adhesive tape. A crushing mechanism is carried on the frame and operatively installed at a position along the pathway to crush the sample of canola seeds collected on the adhesive tape during passage of the tap tape through the crushing mechanism.

A seed sampling system is provided having an automated seed loading assembly including a seed bin and being operable to singulate seeds from a plurality of seeds within the seed bin. The system also includes an automated seed sampling assembly operable to remove tissue samples from the singulated seeds, and an automated seed transport assembly operable to transfer the singulated seeds from the seed loading assembly to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly includes multiple retention members. Each of the retention members is movable relative to the seed loading assembly and to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly is operable to position one of the multiple retention members adjacent to the seed loading assembly for engaging one of the singulated seeds, while positioning another of the retention members adjacent to the seed sampling assembly for presenting another of the singulated seeds to the seed sampling assembly.

Method for the stimulation of seeds of dicotyledonous plants, wherein the seeds are primed in a solution containing nonionic nanoparticles of a metal selected from: silver (Ag), gold (Au), copper (Cu) and platinum (Pt) at a concentration from 0.05 ppm to 50 ppm to obtain 40-60% by weight of water content, and then dried at room temperature to obtain 10-40% by weight of water content. The invention also relates to the use of a solution of nonionic nanoparticles of a metal selected from: silver, gold, copper and platinum to stimulate seeds of dicotyledonous plants.

Method for the stimulation of seeds of dicotyledonous plants, wherein the seeds are primed in a solution containing nonionic nanoparticles of a metal selected from: silver (Ag), gold (Au), copper (Cu) and platinum (Pt) at a concentration from 0.05 ppm to 50 ppm to obtain 40-60% by weight of water content, and then dried at room temperature to obtain 10-40% by weight of water content. The invention also relates to the use of a solution of nonionic nanoparticles of a metal selected from: silver, gold, copper and platinum to stimulate seeds of dicotyledonous plants.

To provide an accelerated aging seed testing kit system, a single sheet of plastic or other suitable formable sheet material is pressed into the shape of a compartment base having recesses for mounting a seed holder. A seed holder that includes a seed support and a seed support holder is formed. The seed support holder is formed of a single sheet of plastic having radially extending tabs that fit into the recesses of the container to support the seed support above the rest of the test kit. A lid is formed out of one piece of plastic having a bendable tab to serve as a port and the openings and connecting points of the lid and seed holder are positioned so they can only fit together in one orientation having the port above a bypass channel.

An automated method for operating an automated seed sampling system having a seed loading station, a seed transport subsystem, and a seed sampling station generally includes sensing whether individual seeds are successfully isolated from a bulk of seeds at the seed loading station, and sensing whether the isolated seeds are properly positioned by the seed transport subsystem adjacent the seed sampling station in preparation for removing tissue from the isolated 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.

The present invention relates to a method and device for directing plant growth and development. The method comprises applying a radio wave signal with a frequency in the range of 1 MHz to 15 MHz to a plant from a device with an integrated antenna. By applying radio waves, root development, colour formation, seed germination, flowering and leaf production may be specifically stimulated.

The present invention relates to a method and device for directing plant growth and development. The method comprises applying a radio wave signal with a frequency in the range of 1 MHz to 15 MHz to a plant from a device with an integrated antenna. By applying radio waves, root development, colour formation, seed germination, flowering and leaf production may be specifically stimulated.