Abstract: A method for the computer-aided training of an artificial neural network (ANN) for recognizing structural features on objects, by means of which method identified structural features on objects are recognizable rapidly and reliable. That is achieved by virtue of the fact that a convolutional neural network (CNN) having a multiplicity of neurons is used for the training of an ANN for feature recognition on objects. Said network comprises a multiplicity of convolutional and/or pooling layers for the extraction of information from images of individual objects. In this case, the images of the objects are respectively scaled or scaled up and/or down from layer to layer. During the scaling of the images information about the structural features of the objects is maintained, specifically independently of the scaling of the images.

Abstract: A method and a device for propagating plants, by which the propagation rate or growth rate of the plants can be increased. This is achieved in that at least one plant is recorded at least in regions by an image recognition device and plant-specific features of the at least one plant are recognized by a control unit on the basis of the items of information obtained by the image recognition device. In dependence on the recognized features, at least one component of the plant is then automatically severed from the plant by a cutting means for propagation. A type and/or physical properties of the cutting means to increase a propagation rate of the plants are selected in accordance with the recognized plant-specific features of the plant.

Abstract: A method and a device for propagating plants, by way of which the risk of contamination can be minimized and the costs of the production of plants can be reduced. This is achieved in that the plants to be propagated are automatically grasped by a first gripper and separated, the individual plants, hanging on the first gripper, are systematically cut into multiple clones and the individual clones are automatically transported away by a second gripper for further processing.

Abstract: A nutrient medium for the cultivation of plants, containing (a) 3 g/l to 18 g/l agar and (b) 0.5 g/l to 3 g/l carrageenan, as well as plant plugs which contain such a nutrient medium, a method for the production of the plant plugs, and a method for the automated or semi-automated cultivation of plants using the plant plugs.