Abstract: Use of motion sensing and tracking equipment to image, monitor, track, and/or determine a parameter of plant growth kinetics (e.g., plant leaf elongation and height growth rate). Some embodiments concern methods for screening plants for the presence of one or more agronomic trait(s), and/or to study the growth kinetics of particular plants and cultivars, for example, in an automated high-throughput platform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically opening a seed packet and dispensing the contents of the same for planting is disclosed.

Abstract: A method system/apparatus for the streamlined cutting of seeds to sample the seeds and select seeds for planting is disclosed. A method of sampling seeds using such system/apparatus is also provided. The seeds are manually positioned and cut by a serrated cutting tool.

Abstract: A system for high temporal and high spatial resolution monitoring of a field of plants is disclosed. Illustratively, the system includes a plurality of ground based reference objects, a balloon adapted to be positioned above the field of plants, and a balloon positioning system coupled to the balloon and configured to position the balloon relative to the field of plants. An imaging system is supported by the balloon and includes a locations system, at least one camera, and at least one gimbal configured to orient the at least one camera. The imaging system captures at least one image of the field of plants including the plurality of ground based reference objects in the at least one image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically opening a seed packet and dispensing the contents of the same for planting is disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing test strip comb members having a plurality of fingers are disclosed. The systems and methods may analyze a test strip comb member to determine the presence of one more analytes on each of the plurality of fingers.

Abstract: A system for high temporal and high spatial resolution monitoring of a field of plants is disclosed. Illustratively, the system includes a plurality of ground based reference objects, a balloon adapted to be positioned above the field of plants, and a balloon positioning system coupled to the balloon and configured to position the balloon relative to the field of plants. An imaging system is supported by the balloon and includes a locations system, at least one camera, and at least one gimbal configured to orient the at least one camera. The imaging system captures at least one image of the field of plants including the plurality of ground based reference objects in the at least one image.

Abstract: A system for high temporal and high spatial resolution monitoring of a field of plants is disclosed. Illustratively, the system includes a plurality of ground based reference objects, a balloon adapted to be positioned above the field of plants, and a balloon positioning system coupled to the balloon and configured to position the balloon relative to the field of plants. An imaging system is supported by the balloon and includes a location system, at least one camera, and at least one gimbal configured to orient the at least one camera. The imaging system captures at least one image of the field of plants including the plurality of ground based reference objects in the at least one image.

Abstract: A gas measurement system is provided that includes a mechanism for customizing gas supplied to the system. The system further includes a plurality of test locations that can be serviced by a common vessel portion and common sampling and testing infrastructure. The system further includes a controller that is able to control the customization of the supply gas and the location of the common vessel portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the number of kernels on a sample cob are provided. In one embodiment, an image including a front region of the sample cob, and a back region of the sample cob displayed in at least one reflective surface are provided to an image processor that identifies the presence of kernels in the image and determines the number of kernels based on the identified presence of kernels in the image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing test strip comb members having a plurality of fingers are disclosed. The systems and methods may analyze a test strip comb member to determine the presence of one more analytes on each of the plurality of fingers.

Abstract: A gas measurement system is provided that includes a mechanism for customizing gas supplied to the system. The system further includes a plurality of test locations that can be serviced by a common vessel portion and common sampling and testing infrastructure. The system further includes a controller that is able to control the customization of the supply gas and the location of the common vessel portion.