Advancements in Seed and Seedling Phenotyping: Enhancing Quality Assessments

In the realms of plant breeding, seed production, seed testing laboratories, gene banks, and research institutions, the precision and efficiency of seed and seedling quality assessments are paramount. Traditional methods, often reliant on manual inspections, can be labor-intensive and subject to human variability. To address these challenges, LemnaTec has introduced the SeedAIxpert, a cutting-edge digital phenotyping system designed to revolutionize seed testing processes.

• Comprehensive Imaging System: Equipped with a high-resolution industrial camera and specialized lighting, SeedAIxpert captures detailed images of seeds and seedlings, facilitating accurate analyses.
• Advanced Image Processing with Machine Learning: The system employs sophisticated algorithms, including machine learning, to detect and classify seed and seedling features such as germination status, root and shoot development, and seed purity. This minimizes human bias and enhances result consistency.
• Versatile Applications: SeedAIxpert is adept at handling various tasks, including seed counting, purity assessments, germination testing, and seedling quality evaluations. It accommodates a wide range of seed types, from small herb seeds to larger grains like maize.

In germination assessments, SeedAIxpert automates the detection of emerging roots and shoots, providing precise measurements of their lengths. This capability allows for detailed monitoring of germination dynamics across different cultivars. For instance, in a study comparing five rice cultivars, the system effectively differentiated germination rates and seedling growth patterns, offering valuable insights for breeders and researchers.
Advantages Over Traditional Methods:

• Efficiency and Throughput: Automated imaging and analysis significantly reduce the time and labor involved in seed testing, enabling higher sample throughput.
• Consistency and Standardization: By minimizing subjective assessments, SeedAIxpert ensures reproducible and standardized results, crucial for regulatory compliance and quality control.
• Comprehensive Documentation: The system maintains detailed records of images and analytical data, facilitating traceability and re-evaluation when necessary.

For professionals in the seed industry, seed testing laboratories, plant breeding, and gene banks, integrating advanced digital phenotyping tools like SeedAIxpert can markedly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of seed quality assessments. Embracing such technologies is a strategic step toward ensuring robust and reliable seed performance in agricultural applications.

Building upon the capabilities of the SeedAIxpert, LemnaTec offers advanced automated versions—SeedAIxpert HT and SeedAIxpert HTC—designed to meet the high-throughput demands of seed testing laboratories, plant breeders, gene banks, and research institutions.

The SeedAIxpert HT is engineered for large-scale, automated seed and seedling phenotyping. This system features an imaging unit equipped with high-resolution cameras and specialized lighting that traverses along shelving systems. Seed trays are automatically positioned in front of the camera for imaging, streamlining the data collection process. Integrated with advanced image processing algorithms, including machine learning, the HT model efficiently assesses germination rates, and seedling growth. Its modular design allows customization to fit climate-controlled rooms, ensuring optimal germination conditions. By automating the imaging and analysis, SeedAIxpert HT significantly reduces manual labor, enhances throughput, and delivers consistent, reproducible results.

Complementing the HT model, the SeedAIxpert HTC offers a semi-automated solution. This system is designed to provide high-quality imaging and analysis while maintaining flexibility for various applications. Samples, such as germination trays, are pre-loaded into trolleys, and the SeedAIxpert HTC works off the samples of each attached trolley automatically. For professionals in the seed industry, integrating SeedAIxpert HT and HTC into their workflows can substantially enhance the efficiency and accuracy of seed quality assessments, supporting the development of robust and high-performing crop varieties.