Abstract: A seed sorting system for sorting seeds includes a seed transfer station configured to move seeds through the system. An imaging assembly includes an x-ray camera configured to acquire x-ray images of the seeds as the seeds move through the system. The x-ray camera is configured to produce high quality images at high line scan rates to accommodate a speed and width at which the seeds are moved by the seed transfer station through the system. A sorting assembly is configured to sort the seeds into separate bins based on the acquired x-ray images of the seeds.

Abstract: In a method of measuring moisture in corn, an ear of corn is operatively coupled to a moisture meter and an amount of moisture is determined while the ear of corn is being grown on a corn plant. The moisture meter can use a spectrometry to determine the amount of moisture in the corn. A moisture meter includes a corn interface configured to conformingly engage the ear of corn when pressed against the ear of corn to form an optical seal about an opening through which the spectrometer determines the amount of moisture in the corn to inhibit ambient light from passing between the corn interface and the ear of corn into the at least one opening.

Abstract: In a method of measuring moisture in corn, an ear of corn is operatively coupled to a moisture meter and an amount of moisture is determined while the ear of corn is being grown on a corn plant. The moisture meter can use a spectrometry to determine the amount of moisture in the corn. A moisture meter includes a corn interface configured to conformingly engage the ear of corn when pressed against the ear of corn to form an optical seal about an opening through which the spectrometer determines the amount of moisture in the corn to inhibit ambient light from passing between the corn interface and the ear of corn into the at least one opening.

Abstract: A seed sorting system for sorting seeds includes a seed transfer station configured to move seeds through the system. An imaging assembly includes an x-ray camera configured to acquire x-ray images of the seeds as the seeds move through the system. The x-ray camera is configured to produce high quality images at high line scan rates to accommodate a speed and width at which the seeds are moved by the seed transfer station through the system. A sorting assembly is configured to sort the seeds into separate bins based on the acquired x-ray images of the seeds.

Abstract: A seed sorting system for sorting seeds includes a seed transfer station configured to move seeds through the system. An imaging assembly includes a first camera mounted above the seed transfer station and configured to acquire images of the seeds as the seeds move through the system and a second camera mounted below the seed transfer station and configured to acquire images of the seeds as the seeds move through the system. A sorting assembly is configured to sort the seeds into separate bins based on the acquired images of the seeds.

Abstract: A seed sorting system for sorting seeds includes a seed transfer station configured to move seeds through the system. An imaging assembly includes a 2D camera configured to acquire 2D images of the seeds as the seeds move through the system and a 3D camera configured to acquire 3D images of the seeds as the seeds move through the system. A sorting assembly is configured to sort the seeds into separate bins based on the acquired 2D and 3D images of the seeds.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for the automation of seed planting and analysis comprising automated planting of the seeds, germination, and analysis. The methods generally comprise conveying containers containing seeds to an automated seed planting station, wherein each container includes a machine-readable tag, planting at least some of the seeds in the container onto respective planting trays, wherein each planting tray includes a machine-readable tag, allowing the seeds to germinate, and analyzing the germinated seeds. The systems generally comprise a seed planting system and a planting verification and correction system. Also provided herein are backlit templates comprising a light source and a power interface configured to connect to a power source to power the light source.