Abstract: Plant cultivation for increasing the phytochemical content of a Labiatae plant is provided. The plant cultivation includes cultivating the Labiatae plant in a visible light environment having a dark period and a light period during which the Labiatae plant is exposed to visible light in an alternate manner, and performing treatment with UVB radiation during the light period for at least one day before harvesting. A cumulative dose of the UVB radiation may range from 0.54 J/m2 to 4.32 kJ/m2.

Abstract: The disclosed container defines (i) an “interior” configured to interact with a fluid and/or developing plants, and (ii) an “exterior” that at least partially defines a perimeter around the interior. The disclosed container may further include stacking features/elements which allow one container to be stacked/nested one upon the other. The disclosed container may further include features/elements which enable one container to be connected adjacent to the other. The disclosed container may further include (i) features/elements for delivering fluid, (ii) features/elements for draining fluid, and (iii) features/elements for supporting developing plants that are conducive to their growing within the disclosed container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the storability of seeds, comprising storing the seeds in the presence of an oxygen absorber. Preferably, the seeds are stored in a closed container. In a first embodiment, the oxygen absorber does not remove moisture from inside the container. In another embodiment, the oxygen absorber does remove moisture from inside the container. The seeds can be stored at a temperature between freezer temperature and the temperature at which the seeds lose their viability. Upon storing seeds according to the invention the storage temperature can be much higher.

Abstract: Provided are methods for growing and shipping sprouts and microgreens in the same container, growing while in shipment using moisture provided in a water-absorbent layer, with optional added beneficials, and including methods for producing sprouts and microgreens for consumption, and for pharmaceutical/nutriceutical use, comprising growth of sprouts in retail-ready containers, the container comprising a moisture-retaining layer of agar media or the like providing water for growth and obviating the need for irrigation during sprout growth. In certain aspects, media is supplemented with beneficial organisms or additives such as probiotic microbes, vitamins (e.g., B12), cofactors, nutrients, and other items (e.g., phytochemicals, natural colors, and antioxidants) which promote the growth of the beneficial microbes on the product, and/or which become incorporated into the product.

Abstract: Cryo-sprouts are germinated, grown and shipped in the same covered container with reduced numbers of pathogenic organisms. Seeds are placed on a membrane in the container with sufficient water. The container with the seeds is incubated at a pathogen antagonistic temperature during the growth phase. The pathogen antagonistic temperature is preferably between about 35° F. and about 45° F. The cryo-sprouts grown according to these methods have reduced numbers of pathogenic organisms, are greener and have an extended shelf-life.

Abstract: An automated system for sampling seeds generally includes an automated sampling station having a sampler configured to remove material from a seed while protecting germination viability of the seed, a seed conveyor configured to receive the seed from out of the sampling station after the material is removed from the seed, and a sample conveyor configured to receive the material removed from the seed. The sample conveyor is configured to locate the material removed from the seed in a sample container, and the seed conveyor is configured to locate the seed from which the material is removed in a seed container so as to facilitate a one-to-one correspondence between the seed and the material removed from the seed.

Abstract: A phytotoxicological device is provided comprising: a delivery chamber for insertion into a sample-containing medium, said delivery chamber comprising an upper end, a lower end and one or more apertures to permit moisture to enter the delivery chamber; an exposure chamber in communication with the upper end of the delivery chamber and adapted to receive a cartridge that houses a biological plant material; a locking cap to enclose the exposure chamber; and a base to enclose the lower end of the delivery chamber. This device allows for an investigation of the effects of waterborne contaminants on growth of wetland plants in situ as opposed to currently employed laboratory based methods.

Abstract: A system and device used to promote healthy growth and reduce damage to hydroponically grown flower bulbs during their transportation, storage and display. A transparent container is adapted and arranged with a support device and a snap-fit cover which act to reduce movement of fluids within the container in transit, thereby reducing spillage and minimizing damage to the flower bulbs. The support device contains a plurality of recessed inserts to secure flowers in an upright position and accommodate bulb growth without causing damage to the bulb. The snap-fit cover creates a reservoir chamber which prevents fluid from spilling out of the container if the container is tipped or subjected to unpredictable forces or motion during transportation. The hydroponic container is ready to be displayed and marketed as soon as it is shipped from the distributor, thereby minimizing retailer and consumer involvement and expenditure of time.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is broadly directed to a hydroponic growing system. The disclosed system is a soil-free plant growth system comprising a water solution that includes dissolved nutrients and oxygen. The roots of the plants are submerged into the nutrient-laden aqueous solution, thereby providing nutrition to the plant. In this way, the exact amount of water, nutrients, and oxygen can be provided. The disclosed system further comprises an irrigation subsystem, environmental subsystem, and control subsystem that allows the system to be customized and motorized depending on the plant grown and the grow desired grow conditions.

Abstract: A photo acoustic non-destructive measurement apparatus and method for quantitatively measuring texture of a food snack is disclosed. The apparatus includes a laser generating tool, an acoustic capturing device, and a data processing unit. The laser generating tool directs a laser towards a food snack placed on a surface and creates pressure waves that propagate through the air and produce an acoustic signal. The acoustic capturing device records and forwards the signal to a data processing unit. The data processing unit further comprises a digital signal processing module that processes the received acoustic signal. A statistical processing module further filters the acoustic signal from the data processing unit and generates a quantitative acoustic model for texture attributes such as hardness and fracturability. The quantitative model is correlated with a qualitative texture measurement from a descriptive expert panel. Texture of food snacks are quantitatively measured with the quantitative acoustic model.

Abstract: The current disclosure describes an automated high-throughput seed sorting system for separating seed via oil and/or moisture content using novel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) systems and methods. The disclosed systems and methods for measuring the oil and/or moisture content of a single seed in a low-field time domain NMR instrument are superior in sample throughput and signal-to-noise ratio to conventional NMR systems and methods (free induction decay or spin echo) for single seed oil/moisture measurement.

Abstract: A hydroponic cultivation apparatus with detachable cultivation tray is provided in that each cultivation tray is magnetically mounted to an expansion socket of a main aqueduct so that a replaceable cultivation room may be independently provided. Each cultivation tray is equipped with a light source plate at the bottom. The light source plate is provided with power via a wireless receiver connected with a wireless transmitter at the socket. Multiple drain slots are aligning along a direction perpendicular to a horizontal level on each cultivation tray with some of them plugged with insulation pieces so that each cultivation tray may have the water level controlled independently.

Abstract: A floating garden for individually potted plants, comprising a buoyant body with a plurality of through-bores extending from the top to the bottom surfaces, the through-bores adapted to receive potted plants and potting soil. Each through-bore comprises a larger diameter upper portion and a smaller diameter lower portion aligned with each other, and a netting cup in the lower portion extending adjacent the bottom surface of the buoyant body. The netting cup holds a wicking material such as peat moss in the lower portion of the through-bore, while the upper portion of the through-bore holds potting soil and the plant.

Abstract: Three-dimensional vegetation growing systems provide an enclosed hydroponic environment for growing plants. The system serves to uniformly expose the plants to nutrients, liquids, and light from multiple directions while the plant rotates.

Abstract: A plant growing device includes: a container configured to reserve a nutrient solution in a lower portion of the container; a holding unit configured to hold plants inside the container; spray units configured to spray the nutrient solution toward the inside of the container; and support units configured to support the holding unit, and to move the holding unit to a position depending on how the spray units are driving, in a range from a spray region where the nutrient solution sprayed by the spray units is supplied to roots of the plants to an immersion region where the nutrient solution reserved in the container is supplied to the roots of the plants.

Abstract: The current disclosure describes an automated high-throughput small object sorting system for separating small object via oil and/or moisture content using novel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) systems and methods. The disclosed systems and methods for measuring the oil and/or moisture content of a single small object in a low-field time domain NMR instrument are superior in sample throughput and signal-to-noise ratio to conventional NMR systems and methods (free induction decay or spin echo) for single small object oil/moisture measurement.

Abstract: A sorting and bagging apparatus including a container defining an internal chamber with an opening thereinto and a lid configured to be positioned on the container. The lid defines a through opening aligned with the opening into the container. A basket extends through the through opening and is supported by the lid. The basket has sidewalls and a bottom surface and at least the bottom surface has a plurality of passages therethrough. A funnel having a funnel body extending between an inlet edge and an outlet edge is secured relative to the basket such that the inlet edge extends along the basket bottom surface wherein a sorting chamber is defined between the basket sidewalls, the basket bottom surface and the funnel. The lid is configured to be tilted such that contents within the sorting chamber pass from the sorting chamber to the funnel and out of the funnel at the outlet edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for non-destructive testing of a seed. In various embodiments, the method may comprise vibrating the seed to orient the seed on an axis, identifying a location of a known feature of the seed, determining a sample location on the seed based on the location of the known feature, and performing a non-destructive testing procedure on the seed proximate the sample location. In one embodiment, the method may comprise removing a sample portion of the seed from the sample location without damaging the embryo of the seed. Accordingly, the viability of the seed may be maintained while allowing for subsequent testing on the sample portion of the seed.

Abstract: A seed sampling system is provided having an automated seed loading assembly including a seed bin and being operable to singulate seeds from a plurality of seeds within the seed bin. The system also includes an automated seed sampling assembly operable to remove tissue samples from the singulated seeds, and an automated seed transport assembly operable to transfer the singulated seeds from the seed loading assembly to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly includes multiple retention members. Each of the retention members is movable relative to the seed loading assembly and to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly is operable to position one of the multiple retention members adjacent to the seed loading assembly for engaging one of the singulated seeds, while positioning another of the retention members adjacent to the seed sampling assembly for presenting another of the singulated seeds to the seed sampling assembly.

Abstract: To provide an accelerated aging seed testing kit system, a single sheet of plastic or other suitable formable sheet material is pressed into the shape of a compartment base having recesses for mounting a seed holder. A seed holder that includes a seed support and a seed support holder is formed. The seed support holder is formed of a single sheet of plastic having radially extending tabs that fit into the recesses of the container to support the seed support above the bottom of the test kit. A bypass channel for addition of an aqueous solution used in the prescribed test condition is provided in the seed holder. A lid is formed out of one piece of plastic having a bendable tab to serve as a port and the openings and connecting points of the lid and seed holder are positioned so they can only fit together in one orientation having the port above the bypass channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating germination properties of plant seeds and/or of sprouts developed from the plant seeds, on the basis of anatomical characteristics (x, y) at a particular point in time, wherein determining the anatomical characteristics (x, y) at a particular point in time comprises analyzing the plant seeds and/or sprouts using at least one imaging method and obtaining three-dimensional analysis data (410) at a particular point in time, segmenting the analysis data (400) at a particular point in time and associating segments (516-519) thus obtained into anatomical units of the plant seeds and/or sprouts, and determining the anatomical characteristics (x, y) of the anatomical units of the plant seeds and/or sprouts at a particular point in time from the associated segments (516-519) at at least one point in time.

Abstract: An automated high throughput apparatus, method and system for seed sampling is provided. The seed sampling system includes an ablation subsystem having a controlled cutting path and a seed handling subsystem comprising a staging system having a plurality of seed staging positions for staging a batch of seed in a sequential manner, and a carrier system for simultaneously presenting seed staging positions at the cutting path for removing a sample portion from each seed in the batch. A method of this invention includes providing ablation means having a controlled cutting path, automatically staging a batch of seed at a plurality of staging positions in a sequential manner, simultaneously presenting the batch of seed at the cutting path, and removing a sample portion from each seed in the batch.

Abstract: The seed test kit includes a compartment base, a lid and a holder for an oxygen scavenger. The base includes a liquid gas exchange control trough around its perimeter. It is sized to house a high moisture holding seed planting surface pack at the bottom so seeds can be placed on top of the surface to imbibe and initiate pre-germination mechanisms. The lid has an edge that fits into a trough that houses a gas barrier liquid in the base to form an airtight seal and has an attachable compartment for an oxygen scavenger so the kit may be placed together in an airtight configuration with the oxygen scavenger inside to provide an anaerobic atmosphere.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for analyzing a plurality of samples of small objects. In various other embodiments, the system includes a staging console for supporting a plurality of sample trays. The system additionally includes a plurality of workstations that each includes a robotic container transfer subsystem for sequentially removing and replacing each of a plurality of sample containers arrayed in the sample trays, each sample container containing a sample of small objects. Each workstation additionally includes an automated analysis subsystem for sequentially receiving each container from the transfer subsystem, removing each sample from the respective container, acquiring data of each sample and returning each sample to the respective container. The system further includes a tray shuttle robot that distributes and retrieves the sample trays to and from the workstations.

Abstract: A Mini Chamber is of the type constituted by a plastic container with a top closure lid, inside which a reticulated mesh basket is housed, extended in a horizontal plane, on which the seeds are arranged, which is removably mounted on an intermediate height above the volume of water contained in the bottom of said container. The novelty lies the plastic container is a cylindrical body of vertical axis and circumferential section, with an open top base on which a dome shaped top closure lid is placed. The invention considers the plastic container may be slightly conical, tapering towards its lower base. Preferably, both the top closure lid and the container itself are made of a transparent plastic material such as polycarbonate or polypropylene.

Abstract: An automated seed sampler system includes an imaging device for obtaining images of seeds, an orienting device for orienting the seeds based on the images, and a sampling station for removing tissue from the oriented seeds. In some aspects, the system also includes a transport subsystem for supporting the oriented seeds and conveying the oriented seeds to the sampling station. A method for removing tissue from seeds includes imaging the seeds, orienting the seeds based on image information obtained from the seeds, and removing tissue from the oriented seeds. In some aspects, the method also includes transporting the oriented seeds in a transport subsystem to a sampling station for removing the tissue from the oriented seeds, and/or collecting the tissue removed from the oriented seeds so that a one-to-one correspondence exists between the tissue and the sampled seeds, and/or analyzing the tissue for characteristics indicative of genetic and/or chemical traits.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a group of growth-induced seeds for commercial use or sale, the method including monitoring a physiological indication and/or morphometric indication for a seed, automatically determining if the monitored seed has a specific characteristic, separating the monitored seed having the specific characteristic into a group of seeds for commercial use or sale so that each and every seed in the group has been monitored and determined to have the specific characteristic.

Abstract: An automated seed sampler includes a sampling station; a sampler for removing material from a seed in the sampling station; a seed conveyer for conveying the seed from the sampling station to a compartment in a seed tray; and a conveyor for conveying the material removed from the seed to a corresponding compartment in a sample tray. The method of the present invention comprises feeding seeds individually to a sampling station, removing a sample from the seed in the sampling station; conveying the sample to a compartment in a sample tray, and conveying the seed to a corresponding compartment in a seed tray. The samples can be tested, and the seeds can be sorted according to the results of the testing of their corresponding samples.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating and sorting seeds based on characteristics of the seeds. One method generally includes collecting image data from different parts of the seeds, and then analyzing the collected image data to determine if the seeds exhibit at least one or more characteristics. The seeds can then be sorted to desired seed repositories based on whether or not the seeds exhibit the at least one or more characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating and sorting seeds based on characteristics of the seeds. One system includes an imaging and analysis subsystem that collects image data from the seeds and analyzes the collected image data for characteristics of the seeds. This subsystem can include an imaging theater having mirrors that reflect image data from the seeds to an imaging device for collection. The system can also include an off-loading and sorting subsystem configured to sort the seeds based on their characteristics. And, one method includes illuminating the seeds and collecting image data from the seeds for determining their characteristics. The image data can be collected from at least three portions of the seeds at each of a plurality of sequentially changing spectral wavelengths. In addition (or alternatively), the image data can be collected from top and bottom portions of the seeds using a single imaging device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for sorting seeds based on identified phenotypes of the seeds. In various embodiments, the system includes an optics and controller station structured and operable to collect image data of a top portion, a bottom portion and a plurality of side portions of each respective seed in a set of seeds, and to analyze the collected image data to determine whether each seed exhibits a desired phenotype. The system further includes a seed loading, transporting and sorting station structured and operable to singulate each seed of the set of seeds from a plurality of seeds in a bulk seed hopper, transport the set of seeds to the optics and controller station, and selectively sort each seed to a respective one of a plurality of seed repositories based on whether each respective seed exhibits the desired phenotype.

Abstract: A seed sampling system is provided having an automated seed loading assembly including a seed bin and being operable to singulate seeds from a plurality of seeds within the seed bin. The system also includes an automated seed sampling assembly operable to remove tissue samples from the singulated seeds, and an automated seed transport assembly operable to transfer the singulated seeds from the seed loading assembly to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly includes multiple retention members. Each of the retention members is movable relative to the seed loading assembly and to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly is operable to position one of the multiple retention members adjacent to the seed loading assembly for engaging one of the singulated seeds, while positioning another of the retention members adjacent to the seed sampling assembly for presenting another of the singulated seeds to the seed sampling assembly.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides an automated seed sampling and sorting system. The system includes an imaging station for collecting image data of a set of seeds and a seed orientation station for independently positioning each seed in the set in a desired orientation based on the collected image data. The system further includes a seed sample and sort station for extracting a sample from each seed in the set, sorting each sample to a sample tray and sorting each sampled seed to a seed tray.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides an automated seed sampler system that includes a milling station for removing at least a portion of seed coat material from a seed and a sampling station for extracting a sample of seed material from the seed where the seed coat has been removed. A seed transport subsystem conveys the seed between the milling station and the sampling station and a seed deposit subsystem conveys the seed from the seed transport subsystem to a selected well in a seed tray after the seed has been sampled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.

Abstract: An automated seed sampler includes a sampling station; a sampler for removing material from a seed in the sampling station; a seed conveyer for conveying the seed from the sampling station to a compartment in a seed tray; and a conveyor for conveying the material removed from the seed to a corresponding compartment in a sample tray. The method of the present invention comprises feeding seeds individually to a sampling station, removing a sample from the seed in the sampling station; conveying the sample to a compartment in a sample tray, and conveying the seed to a corresponding compartment in a seed tray. The samples can be tested, and the seeds can be sorted according to the results of the testing of their corresponding samples.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated testing of seeds includes a testing device having a testing stage, for analyzing a seed delivered to the testing stage; and a conveyor for automatically individually conveying each of a plurality of seeds in a tray between individual compartments in the tray and the testing stage of the testing device.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a group of growth-induced seeds for commercial use or sale, the method including monitoring a physiological indication and/or morphometric indication for a seed, automatically determining if the monitored seed has a specific characteristic, separating the monitored seed having the specific characteristic into a group of seeds for commercial use or sale so that each and every seed in the group has been monitored and determined to have the specific characteristic.

Abstract: A transport subsystem conveys seed holding well trays between a plurality of stations. A loading subsystem is positioned at a first station and is operable to load seeds into individual wells of the conveyed tray. An imaging subsystem is positioned at a second station and is operable to image the seeds contained within the tray wells. A mechanism is provided for flipping the seeds so as to enable the imaging subsystem to obtain multi-side seed images. A sorting subsystem is positioned at a third station and is operable to remove the seeds from the tray wells and sort the removed seeds into a plurality of sort bins. The sorting determination may be made based on an analysis of the seed images obtained by the imaging subsystem.

Abstract: To provide an accelerated aging seed testing kit system, a single sheet of plastic or other suitable formable sheet material is pressed into the shape of a compartment base having recesses for mounting a seed holder. A seed holder that includes a seed support and a seed support holder is formed. The seed support holder is formed of a single sheet of plastic having radially extending tabs that fit into the recesses of the container to support the seed support above the bottom of the test kit. A bypass channel for addition of an aqueous solution used in the prescribed test condition is provided in the seed holder. A lid is formed out of one piece of plastic having a bendable tab to serve as a port and the openings and connecting points of the lid and seed holder are positioned so they can only fit together in one orientation having the port above the bypass channel.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for determining and recording characteristics of particulate material in a batch of such material comprising a separator chamber having an inlet, means for reading an identifier on a batch of particulate material supplied to the inlet and providing the identifier as a digital output, means for causing a flow of gas in the separator chamber to separate the particulate material into a first fraction and a second fraction, first counting means, second counting means, means for weighing the first fraction and providing the result as a digital output, and means for integrating the digital outputs and for transferring them to a computer programmed to store data in prescribed format in a database, from which it may be manipulated to afford comparison of characteristics of batches of particulate material.

Abstract: A trait of interest is detected as being present within individual ones of a plurality of agricultural samples (such as seeds or plant tissues) by imaging the plurality of samples to form a magnetic resonance image. The image of the plurality of samples is then analyzed to detect image information indicative of the presence of the trait within one or more of the imaged samples. A determination is then made as to whether the trait is exhibited in individual ones of the samples based upon the foregoing analysis. As an example, the samples may be a plurality of seeds, and the detected trait may be oil. A determination is made, based on the image analysis, as to whether each individual seed in the multi-seed image contains oil. A further examination may be made to determine a relative content of oil in each seed as well as a content by weight.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for evaluating the physical strength of husks of a barley ingredient for malt manufacture. Barley kernels with husks are disposed in a sulfuric acid solution with a concentration of approximately 40% to 60%, and are agitated for a prescribed time (e.g. approximately 1 hour) using a stirrer bar or the like. After agitation, the barley kernels are treated with a mixed liquid of Methylene Blue and Eosin, and the degree of peeled husk (remaining degree) is examined by referring to the degree of dyed barley kernels, to thereby evaluate the physical strength of the husks of the barley kernels.

Abstract: A method to determine viability or non-viability of seeds is disclosed, wherein individual seeds or seed populations are analysed by a spectrometric method to provide spectral data; and said spectral data are compared with reference spectral data obtained for a reference seed or reference seed population by means of said spectrometric method and calibrated with reference to viability or non-viability of said reference seed or seed population by means of a calibrating method based on pattern recognition. Suitable calibrating methods are based on multivariate or megavariate analysis, neural network systems and regression analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.

Abstract: A bean sprout culture box with a sprinkling device has a water tray, at least one culture case, a sprinkling case, a hollow sprinkler pivotally mounted in the sprinkling case and an inlet valve. The sprinkling case has multiple drain holes defined in the bottom of the sprinkling case. The hollow sprinkler has a chamber defined in the bottom of the sprinkler and multiple posts extending down from the sprinkler at the end opposite from the chamber. With such a bean sprout culture box, the sprinkling device can automatically sprinkle by the effect of gravity on the water, and electricity is not needed.

Abstract: Photosynthetic organisms are grown in a tube having a gas inlet at one end and a gas outlet at the other. The tube containing a rotor having vanes adapted to wipe the inside surface, the tube being disposed at an angle to the horizontal in a bath containing liquid, the gas inlet being lowermost.

Abstract: A support bracket for mounting on a support wire includes a resilient U-shaped member having mutually orthogonal partial loops formed at the distal ends thereof. The legs of the U-shaped member lie in planes which diverge by an acute angle and which intersect through the base of said U-shaped member.

Abstract: Methods and apparati for screening compounds for agricultural activity has now been developed which employ e.g., intact plants grown in microtiter plates on very small amounts of plant growth media containing a test compound. In comparison to the standard greenhouse screen, the microscreen requires vastly less space, labor, and test compound. However, unlike in vitro screens, responses of intact plants are assayed. Using the microscreen, high-throughput screening of test compounds can be accomplished using whole plant responses as the assay.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.