Wageningen Technology Speeds Up Plant Sorting Processes

22 Nov 2016 --- A state-of-the-art system that speeds up processes in sorting machines is using 3D technology to make accurate models of plants to evaluate their size and features in milliseconds. In just one day the MARVIN technology can process around four hundred thousand seedlings, which is almost half of what a plant grower of tomato plants produces in one season.

The technology leads to huge gains for producers who can save a lot of time and money, according to business developer and senior researcher at Wageningen University & Research, Dr. Rick van de Zedde. 

“The information can be automatically recorded in a database and used to sort out uniform batches. In addition, the measurements also provide insight into the germination capacity and stability of new varieties,” he says.

“During peak season, for instance, they won’t have to depend on temporary, often untrained employees. Carefully sorted batches are much more manageable with regard to cultivation than batches which are unsorted or only marginally sorted. This prevents any loss of quality and brings scale increase within reach.”

The cutting robot, developed for growers of pot roses by Van de Zedde and his colleagues in partnership with machine manufacturer ISO Group, offers similar benefits. Cuttings are usually performed by hand – a time-consuming, tedious and repetitive activity.

“The machine makes 3D models of a pot rose shoot and determines the best place to make a cutting,” says Van de Zedde. “A robot then cuts and grabs the pot rose cutting and sticks it into the soil.” 

A third application, the PlantSampler, was developed specifically for plant breeders and won development partner ISO Group an innovation award at the Greentech exhibition in Amsterdam earlier this year. 

“The PlantSampler snips a piece of leaf from a seedling which is then placed into a machine by the robot for DNA analysis while the seedling can continue to grow.”

Until now, sampling was performed by hand; a task that requires the utmost concentration as the DNA analysis has to be linked to the right plant with 100 percent certainty.

The MARVIN technology can be used for a series of applications and flexibly designed match the plant size and features to be measured and the robot application is bespoke. 

“This way both our scientists and the industry can make the most of this fast and accurate evaluation method,” adds Van de Zedde.