Systems, methods, and apparatus for large scale, high throughput phenotyping of items including plants to derive environment/genetics correlations based on controlled variation of environment. Spatial and temporal resolution is improved by an integrated system that can use space efficiently yet concurrently process a large number of replicates but in varying environments. This is accomplished by using an array of miniature greenhouses, each in communication with one or more generators or regulators of an environmental factor that can be independently supplied and controlled to each miniature greenhouse. The controller also controls acquisition of data from each greenhouse as well as processing of that data into phenomic/genomic correlations.

The present invention relates to a method for selecting a seed intended for sowing. The method comprises subjecting a seed to germination conditions and selecting a seed that has germinated as a seed intended for sowing. As a result, only seeds which are likely to develop into a commercially interesting plant need to be sown and grown into plants.

A method of analyzing seeds including acquiring, using an X-ray machine, X-ray images of the seeds. Analyzing the X-ray images to determine a parameter of each of the seeds. Comparing a parameter determined from analyzing the X-ray image of one seed to a parameter determined from analyzing the X-ray image of another seed. Arranging the seeds relative to each other based on the seed parameters.

A method of analyzing seeds including acquiring, using an X-ray machine, X-ray images of the seeds. Analyzing the X-ray images to determine a parameter of each of the seeds. Comparing a parameter determined from analyzing the X-ray image of one seed to a parameter determined from analyzing the X-ray image of another seed. Arranging the seeds relative to each other based on the seed parameters.

A farming method may be shown and described. In an exemplary embodiment, plants may begin in a germination phase. Next, plants are brought to a nursery for a period of time before optionally being transplanted to one or more subsequent nurseries. Finally, plants are transplanted to a greenhouse where they may grow until they are ready for harvest. In an exemplary embodiment, the nursery phases may be vertical farms while the greenhouse phase may be a traditional, hydroponic, or other type of farm which may receive sunlight. AI may be implemented to optimize environmental conditions and robotics may be used to harvest the plants. Plants may be indexed to efficiently expedite plant growth and optimize the time and plant density/spacing in each phase.

A farming method may be shown and described. In an exemplary embodiment, plants may begin in a germination phase. Next, plants are brought to a nursery for a period of time before optionally being transplanted to one or more subsequent nurseries. Finally, plants are transplanted to a greenhouse where they may grow until they are ready for harvest. In an exemplary embodiment, the nursery phases may be vertical farms while the greenhouse phase may be a traditional, hydroponic, or other type of farm which may receive sunlight. AI may be implemented to optimize environmental conditions and robotics may be used to harvest the plants. Plants may be indexed to efficiently expedite plant growth and optimize the time and plant density/spacing in each phase.

The present disclosure relates to an onion growing method, and more particularly, to an onion growing method that includes the steps of: (a) allowing onions to be dormant; (b) breaking the dormancy of the onions; (c) planting the onions of which dormancy is broken in a field; (d) growing the planted onions to produce a plurality of stems and bulbs divided from the respective onions; and (e) harvesting the plurality of stems and bulbs. According to the present disclosure, the onion growing method does not have any limitation in growth time unlike a conventional onion growing method, reduces a period of growth, and drastically increasing onion yield to raise a farmer's profits. Also, the onion growing method stably supplies onion stems and leaves, thereby providing various profits through onions.

Methods and apparatuses to activate, modify, and sanitize the surfaces of granular, powdered, or seed material placed in a continuous flow of a low-temperature, reduced-pressure gas plasma. Said plasma may be created with radio-frequency power, using capacitive-inductive, or a combination of both types of discharge. The plasma is generated at pressures in the 0.01 to 10 Torr range. RF frequency ranges from 0.2 to 220 MHz, and correspond to a plasma density between about n.sub.e10.sup.8n.sub.e10.sup.12 or 0.001 to 0.4 W/cm.sup.3. Inserts and electrodes may be temperature controlled to control process conditions. RF discharge may be pulsed or modulated by different frequency in order to stimulate energy exchange between gas plasma and process material. The apparatuses may be grounded, biased and mechanically activated (e.g., vibration, rotation, etc.).

A shell cracking tool is provided. The shell cracking tool has first portion with a sequential arrangement of a threaded portion, a visible trough and a block surface. The second portion of the tool provides shaft dimensioned and adapted to operatively associate with the threaded portion so that an operational end of the shaft compresses a seed in the trough against the block surface. Thereby, the shell cracking tool selectively urges cracks in the shell of a seed that this visible in the trough, to the point where the slightly cracked shell is more likely to germinate as compared to its pre-cracked state.

A shell cracking tool is provided. The shell cracking tool has first portion with a sequential arrangement of a threaded portion, a visible trough and a block surface. The second portion of the tool provides shaft dimensioned and adapted to operatively associate with the threaded portion so that an operational end of the shaft compresses a seed in the trough against the block surface. Thereby, the shell cracking tool selectively urges cracks in the shell of a seed that this visible in the trough, to the point where the slightly cracked shell is more likely to germinate as compared to its pre-cracked state.