Abstract: A pick-and-place system for plant embryos includes a tray for receiving a suspension of plant embryos. The tray is movable to repeatedly reposition the plant embryos. An identification system is proximate the tray for identifying a target plant embryo amongst the plant embryos in the suspension. The identification system is configured to identify the target plant embryo while the tray is moving. A robotic arm is proximate the tray and is in communication with the identification system. The robotic arm is actuatable to pick the target plant embryo out of the suspension while the tray is moving, and deposit the target plant embryo at a target location.

Abstract: Provided are methods of inserting seedlings into soil plugs. The method includes: a) automatically identifying a target seedling located in a pick-up area using seedling detection apparatus; b) pick-up up the target seedling with an automated seedling handling apparatus; c) transporting the target seedling to an insertion area; d) providing a first soil plug in the insertion area to receive the target seedling, the first soil plug having a first plug end, a second plug end longitudinally spaced apart from the first plug end and a longitudinal slit extending from the first plug end toward the second plug end; e) spreading the slit in the first soil plug; f) inserting a root portion of the seedling into the slit while a stem portion of the seedling is positioned outside the first soil plug; and g) stripping the target seedling from the handling apparatus whereby the seedling remains received within the slit in the first soil plug.

Abstract: A pick-and-place system for plant embryos includes a tray for receiving a suspension of plant embryos. The tray is movable to repeatedly reposition the plant embryos. An identification system is proximate the tray for identifying a target plant embryo amongst the plant embryos in the suspension. The identification system is configured to identify the target plant embryo while the tray is moving. A robotic arm is proximate the tray and is in communication with the identification system. The robotic arm is actuatable to pick the target plant embryo out of the suspension while the tray is moving, and deposit the target plant embryo at a target location.