b'Aquaholder by Pewas s.r.o SORTEX H SpectraVision by Bhler GroupBhlers SORTEX H SpectraVision is an optical sorter designed to address the challenges faced in seed pro-duction. In response to issues such as higher raw mate-rial costs, climate change and mycotoxin contamination, Bhler reimagined the capabilities of an optical sorter. After extensive research and development, they success-fully created an AI engine called Merlin AI that allows the Sortex H to self-adjust, minimiz-ing the potential for human error, and allowing the user to run the Drought is one of the most pressing problems facing agricul- machine inter-ture. Aquaholder aims to tackle that challenge in a new way. Asvention-free.its name suggests, Aquaholder is a seed coating product thatAdditionally, contains a superabsorbent able to attract and retain water inBhler devised the form a hydrogel around seeds. The hydrogel functions as aa new algorithm water reservoir that supports a crop during its most vulnerablethat dramatically period: germination.increases the Aquaholder is not the first seed treatment absorbent avail- accept ratio and able. What makes it unique is that it overcomes major tech- defect concentration, surpassing their previous models and nological barriers that limit other seed treatment absorbents.competitors. This innovation significantly improves seed Aquaholders absorbent is inactive during seed treatment andquality and reduces waste in the production process. The only become activated once after seeds are planted into soil.Sortex H increases germination by removing damaged and In more than 200 certified field trials in six U.S. states and 13diseased seeds, as well as cross-contamination and foreign European countries, Aquaholder showed positive impact to cropseeds.root systems, biomass formation and yields.SpectraVisions effective identification and removal of These positive results, as well as the strong interest of farm- defects enhances the overall quality of the seed process-ers and the seed companies into our innovative technology, thising industry, contributing to improved germination, crop all confirms our belief into our project and its global potential,production and consumer satisfaction, according to the says Ivo Krpelan, Pewas CEO. And I do believe that our revo- company.lutionary product will be able to reduce the negative effects ofWith the Merlin AI sorting engine, we have managed to climate change and, thus, it will contribute to global sustainableachieve an additional 50% reduction in yield losses com-agriculture, soon. pared to previous solutions, says David Kinsella, head of R&D Digital Technologies for Bhler Group. This means less waste and a minimized footprint for processors, which is much better for the planet.FEBRUARY 2024SEEDWORLD.COM /35'