Automated contamination-free seed sampler and methods of sampling, testing and bulking seeds

摘要

The invention relates to an automated seed sampler system (10), comprising an imaging device (208) such as a camera, configured to obtain at least one image of a seed; an orientation device (200) configured to orient the seed based on the at least one image of the seed; and a sampling station (500) configured to remove tissue from the oriented seed. The system comprises an imaging fixture (204) configured to support the seed adjacent the imaging device (208) so that the imaging device can obtain the at least one image of the seed; and the orientation device (200) is configured to orient the seed while the seed is supported within the imaging fixture (204). Tissue may be removed from a seed after it has been imaged and oriented based on information obtained from imaging the seed.