Seeds, Science, and the Future of Quality: Videometer at ISTA 2026

This June, Calgary becomes the global gathering point for seed science. The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Annual Meeting brings together researchers, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world, all united by a shared commitment to seed quality, reliable testing standards, and the integrity of the global seed supply. Videometer is proud to be part of this community, and we are delighted that our CEO, Jens Michael Carstensen, will be attending the 2026 ISTA Annual Meeting.

Advancing Seed Science, Together

ISTA has been the cornerstone of international seed testing standardisation since 1924. Its annual meeting is where industry players debate new testing methods, align on global rules, and share the latest research that keeps seed certification trustworthy – from breeding programmes and variety registration to commercial trade and food safety.

For Videometer, engaging directly with seed scientists, laboratory professionals, and industry experts means gaining the insights that shape how we develop our technology. Jens Michael Carstensen’s attendance reflects our long-standing commitment to seed quality research and our belief that technology and science must develop hand in hand.

High-Throughput Seed Analysis with the VideometerLab

At the heart of Videometer’s contribution to seed science is the VideometerLab, our flagship spectral imaging system that captures images across 19 or more wavelengths – from ultraviolet through visible to near-infrared – in a single measurement. Each wavelength reveals different properties of the seed: surface texture, pigmentation, moisture-related signatures, compositional indicators, and more – properties that are simply invisible to the naked eye.

The VideometerLab with Autofeeder scales this capability up for the demands of a busy laboratory. Seeds are fed continuously into the imaging field, allowing thousands to be analysed within minutes, with the same precision as single-seed measurement, and without manual handling. The result is faster throughput, consistent and objective data, full traceability, and rich multi-dimensional information that goes far beyond size and shape.

Going Further: Physical Sorting with the SeedSorter and SeedLab

For laboratories whose workflows require not just analysis but physical separation of seeds, Videometer offers two dedicated sorting systems built on the same proven imaging technology.

The Videometer SeedSorter works in direct synchronisation with the Autofeeder, automatically adapting to its speed. Using advanced machine learning and mechanical fingers, it physically separates each analysed seed into two precise classes: a pure fraction and a second fraction of off-types or uncertain seeds. The system is calibrated to account for each seed type’s size and diameter, and its software is a straightforward extension of the familiar VideometerLab interface.

The Videometer SeedLab takes a different approach, pairing the VideometerLab with Autofeeder with a pick-and-place robot arm capable of sorting 30 to 60 kernels per minute. It is a fully automated, turnkey solution, from imaging through to physical separation, with a high degree of customisability in suction cups, picking speed, delivery bins, and classification models. Optional hardware add-ons such as front-light or fluorescence imaging further extend its analytical reach.

All three systems share the same spectral imaging foundation, documented in more than 500 peer-reviewed papers, giving laboratories confidence that the science behind their results is sound and thoroughly validated.

Looking Forward

Seed quality is not a single number. It encompasses germination potential, varietal purity, freedom from disease and infestation, and physical integrity. These are exactly the kinds of challenges the ISTA community works to address, and where advanced spectral imaging can offer both scientific depth and real practical value for laboratories around the world.

Jens Michael Carstensen’s participation in Calgary is an opportunity to connect with peers, learn from ongoing research in the field, and explore how Videometer’s technology can continue to serve the needs of seed testing professionals worldwide. If you are attending and would like to meet, we warmly encourage you to reach out – we would love to hear about your challenges and share what we have been working on.