Automated seed planting and evaluation

A method for automated seed planting and analysis, the method comprising:

• conveying containers containing seeds to an automated seed planting station, wherein each container includes a machine-readable tag configured to associate the container with information stored in a database relating to the seeds contained in the container;
• selecting a planting tray to receive the seeds at the automated seed planting station, from multiple different types of planting trays, based on a test type for the seeds to be planted in the selected planting tray, wherein the different types of planting trays include radicle emergence testing (RET) trays and warm germ (WG) testing trays, and wherein the selected planting tray includes a first planting media corresponding to the test type for the seeds to be planted in the selected planting tray, and wherein at least one of the different types of planting trays includes a second planting media different from the first planting media;
• planting at least some of the seeds from the containers onto the selected planting tray using the seed planting station, wherein the selected planting tray includes a machine-readable tag configured to associate the planting tray with the information stored in the database relating to the seeds planted on the planting tray;
• transporting the seeds on the selected planting tray to a germination area;
• germinating at least one of the seeds on the planting tray at the germination area;
• and then
• after the planting tray is at the germination area for at least a defined amount of time, transporting the seeds on the planting tray to an analysis and evaluation station;
• and
• analyzing the germinated seed(s) on the planting tray at the analysis and evaluation station, consistent with the test type for the seeds.