David C Mcnertney

US Patent:

58649840, Feb 2, 1999

Filed:

Jun 19, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/491397

Inventors:

David C. McNertney - South Haven MN

Assignee:

Paradigm Research Corporation - South Haven MN

International Classification:

A01C 100
A01C 102

US Classification:

47 101

Abstract:

A machine vision system for determining seedlot vigor comprising an imaging device oriented to acquire an image of a germinating seed and an image analyzer for analyzing successive images of a seed and determining growth rate for a root of the seed, to determine the vigor of a seedlot to which the seed belongs. This system determines seedlot vigor independent of environmental germination conditions, measures a parameter which correlates highly with the characteristic of interest, and employs an appropriate experimental design, including sample size and test replication in order to insure that test results match actual final stands obtained from normal commercial production.