Abstract:
A sampling tool includes a guiding body provided with a through bore, and a part-carrying punch mounted slidingly adjustable in the bore having a lower edge forming a cutting edge. A part-carrying die of the tool is provided with a cutting upper edge and separated from the guiding body by an opening provided with a through bore which the lower end of the punch enters when cutting the sample to be collected. An actuator to actuate the punch between an initial position, a stationary intermediate position, and a final position in which the punch passes through the die. The path of the punch is tangential to the surface of the opening and the bore is tangential to a geometric plane containing the surface to make a cut with an open contour in the plant from which the sample is collected.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a §371 application from PCT/FR2013/052373 filed Oct. 7, 2013, which claims priority from French Patent Application No. 12 59526 filed Oct. 5, 2012, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention belongs to the field of the equipment used for example to cut a plant sample to be analyzed from one of the leaves of a plant. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tool for taking a sample, for example, of a plant, of a seedling or of a part of a plant, preferably from a leaf or a cotyledon, more preferably from the first leaf, for the purposes of genetic analyses, even phenotypic analyses, or even pathological analyses (identification of the presence of a viral, bacterial, fungal or other parasite). 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is known that the business of selecting and improving plants involves the use of the most efficient genetic analysis technologies, identifying as rapidly as possible the plants, notably at the stage of seedlings carrying the genetic combinations of interest. These analyses are carried out from tissue samples of the plants, followed by DNA extraction which will then be analyzed. Similarly, the business of selecting and improving plants implies pathological analysis capabilities: the plants are subject to viral, bacterial or even fungal attacks and it may be necessary to identify these attackers, for example by means of DNA analyses, by sampling from the plant tissues. However, the genetic analysis of the plants, even of their attackers, faces a bottle neck, not in terms of analysis capacity, but in terms of the capacity to supply plant material to be analyzed. In other words, the laboratories generally have the capacity to perform a number of genetic analyses far greater than they do today, provided that they receive sufficient samples of plant material to be processed. 
     In the laboratories, the technicians now in charge of this task are at the maximum of their capabilities, devoting all their time to collecting samples when they could be employed in more qualified tasks. Furthermore, such repetitive work, presenting a significant level of stress, leads to a certain percentage of errors which can falsify the identification of the plants of interest. Furthermore, the uniformity of the samples risks varying over the course of the operations. In addition, there are risks of pollution of the sample by incorrect handling. 
     Some automated sampling technique solutions exist, such as, for example, “seed chipping” (automated taking of a biological sample from a seed, for example a seed of corn), but they are not suited to the small size of most of the seeds of the garden species (tomato, lettuce, etc.) and of certain species of large crops (rape seed for example). 
     OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The object of the present invention is to propose a tool that makes it possible to rapidly and non-destructively take a large number of samples of plant material. 
     To this end, the tool for sampling, preferably, plant tissues according to the invention is essentially characterized in that it comprises:
         a guiding body provided with a through bore,   a part-holding punch mounted with sliding adjustment in the through bore of the guiding body,   a part-holding die, secured to the guiding body, positioned under the latter and separated from said body by an opening for introducing the plant to be cut, said die being provided, in the axial alignment of the through bore of the guiding body, with a through bore into which the bottom end of the punch penetrates when cutting plant tissue to be sampled.   a means for actuating the punch between an initial position whereby it is retracted into the guiding body, an intermediate position whereby the punch, by its bottom end, is situated in the bore of the die, and a final position whereby it passes right through the die and whereby its bottom end, it is outside the through bore of the die.       

     Such arrangements have the effect of mechanizing the taking of plant samples, without risk of error and automatically. 
     The initial position of the punch corresponds to a position in which the opening is freed for the introduction therein of the plant material. In the intermediate position of the punch, the plant sample is situated in the bore of the die and is kept there essentially by friction. In this position, the support of the sampling tool can be displaced at high speed from the sample-taking area to an area of delivery thereof. The final position of the punch corresponds to the position of delivery of the cut sample. In this position, the tool is positioned above the delivery area and more particularly above an appropriate container provided to receive the sample. 
     To facilitate the ejection of the sample, according to another feature of the invention, the tool provides means for ejecting a gaseous fluid or a liquid fluid or a mixture of the two at the bottom end of the punch. 
     According to another feature of the invention, these ejection means comprise a gaseous and/or liquid fluid feed head, an internal channel for dispensing a gaseous and/or liquid fluid, formed in the punch, interconnected with the feed head and at least one nozzle formed in the bottom part of the punch and emerging in the bottom face thereof, said nozzle being interconnected with the internal channel of the punch. 
     According to another feature of the invention, the internal channel receives a cannula for dispensing gaseous and/or liquid fluid, interconnected on the one hand with the feed head and on the other hand with the or each nozzle. 
     According to another feature of the invention, the diameter of the cannula is smaller than the diameter of the channel in order to form, between said cannula and said channel, a pathway for the gaseous and/or liquid fluid, this pathway being interconnected on the one hand with the feed head and on the other hand with the or each nozzle of the punch. 
     According to another feature of the invention, the opening for introducing the plant is flared. This arrangement facilitates the placing of the plant material in the opening. 
     According to a practical embodiment, the introduction opening is limited by a bottom horizontal face, corresponding to the top face of the die, by a top oblique face, corresponding to the bottom face of the guiding body and by a rear vertical face of a wall linking the die to the guiding body. 
     According to another feature of the invention, the trajectory of the punch is tangential to the rear vertical face of the opening and the through bore of the die is tangential to a geometrical plane containing said rear face in order to produce, in the plant from which the sample is taken, a cut with open contour. 
     According to another feature of the invention, the cross section of the bottom part of the punch and the cross section of the bore of the die each have, considering the movement in introducing the plant into the opening which is performed from front to rear, a front part and a rear part, the front part being wider than the rear part. 
     In combination with this feature, the contour of each rear part of the cross sections of the bottom part of the punch and of the bore of the die is tangential to a geometrical plane containing the rear face of the opening. 
     These arrangements make it possible to cut the sample at a distance from the edge of the leaf and to produce a cut with open contour facilitating the removal of the sampling tool without damaging said plant. 
     Another subject of the present invention is an automatic machine for taking samples comprising a manipulating arm, possibly multi-axial, bearing the sampling tool according to the invention. 
     Also the subject of the present invention is an automated cell for taking samples comprising a bearing structure receiving the plants to be analyzed, possibly a support table that can be displaced height-wise facing the bearing structure and possibly a deck transfer system between the support structure and the table, characterized in that it comprises a sampling tool according to the invention. 
     According to another feature of the invention, the cell further comprises a line for supplying containers intended to receive the samples taken by the tool. 
     Another subject of the present invention is an automated cell for taking samples. Such a cell is essentially characterized in that it comprises:
         a support table designed to receive cellular trays bearing plants in clods of earth to be sampled,   an automatic machine provided with a manipulating arm, and,   a sampling tool according to the invention borne by the manipulating arm of the automatic machine.       

     According to another feature of the invention, the support table of the cell comprises a transfer system for cellular trays, suitable for ensuring the transfer of the cellular trays between the support table and a means for transporting cellular trays and vice versa. 
     According to another feature of the invention, the support table can be displaced height-wise facing the transport means. 
     Another subject of the present invention is a cellular tray transport means suitable for ensuring the transportation of said trays from a plant storage and/or growth area, to the sampling cell, and vice versa, from said cell to said storage and/or growth area. 
     The plant storage and/or growth area can consist of a greenhouse, or any other enclosure specifically for storing and/or growing plants. 
     According to another feature of the invention, the transport means consists of a transport carriage provided with evenly spaced horizontal shelves fixed to the frame and two sets of rolling members, one of which is borne by a raising and lowering system. 
     Another subject of the present invention is a method for taking a sample comprising:
         a) moving the tool toward a previously selected plant or alternatively moving the plant toward the tool,   b) engaging the opening on either side of one of the leaves of this plant,   c) cutting a sample by punching the leaf and doing so by moving the punch from its initial position to its intermediate position,   d) keeping the punch of the tool in the intermediate position, in order to keep the sample in the through bore of the die,   e) removing the tool or alternatively the plant, while ensuring that the punch of the tool is kept in the intermediate position,   f) depositing the sample in an appropriate and dedicated container.       

     Another subject of the present invention is a method for analyzing samples comprising:
         a) moving the tool toward a previously selected plant or alternatively moving the plant toward the tool,   b) engaging the opening on either side of one of the leaves of this plant,   c) cutting a sample by punching the leaf and doing so by moving the punch from its initial position to its intermediate position,   d) keeping the punch of the tool in the intermediate position, in order to keep the sample in the through bore of the die,   e) removing the tool or alternatively the plant, while ensuring that the punch of the tool is kept in the intermediate position,   f) depositing the sample in an appropriate and dedicated container,   g) analyzing the samples, notably analyzing their DNA.       

     The techniques for extracting DNA and then analyzing them, for example by means of molecular markers, are known to those skilled in the art of molecular biology. They are for example described in the patent application FR 07/01589, the DNA there being obtained by a CTAB (Cetyl Trimethylammonium Bromide)/chloroform extraction and the molecular marking being performed by means of CAPS (Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequence) and SCAR (Sequence Amplified Characterized Region) markers. The term “molecular marker” should be understood to mean a specific fragment of a DNA sequence that can be identified within a genome of an individual and that can notably be used to locate a gene of interest, verify whether an individual has inherited a particular characteristic of a parent or differentiate two individuals. It may or may not be a coding sequence. The marker can be dominant, co-dominant. The detection of the molecular marker, or its non-detection, makes it possible to select the individuals that exhibit the gene of interest or the particular characteristic, or, on the other hand, to not select the individuals who do not exhibit the gene of interest or the particular characteristic. In the present invention, the molecular markers make it possible to rapidly test the plants or seedlings during development and retain those which have the characteristics sought. Molecular markers of different kinds are known to those skilled in the art: AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphisms), SCAR (sequence characterized amplified region), SSR (microsatellites, or simple sequence repeats), RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphisms), etc. 
     Yet another subject of the present invention is a method for selectively eliminating plants that do not comprise the genetic element or elements sought, for example molecular markers, said method comprising:
         a) moving the tool toward a previously selected plant or alternatively moving the plant toward the tool,   b) engaging the opening on either side of one of the leaves of this plant,   c) cutting a sample by punching the leaf and doing so by moving the punch from its initial position to its intermediate position,   d) keeping the punch of the tool in the intermediate position, in order to keep the sample in the through bore of the die,   e) removing the tool or alternatively the plant, while ensuring that the punch of the tool is kept in the intermediate position,   f) depositing the sample in an appropriate and dedicated container,   g) analyzing the samples, notably analyzing their DNA,   h) destroying plants by a plant suction system during a second run of the cellular trays in the automated sampling cell.       

     According to another feature common to the three methods as explained above, the depositing of the sample is performed by movement of the punch of the sampling tool from its intermediate position to its final position. 
     According to another feature, the depositing of the sample is performed by ejection of a fluid. 
     This fluid can be a gas or a liquid or even a mixture of the two. 
     The ejection of the fluid can constitute an alternative to the deposition of the sample by moving the punch, but this ejection can be combined with the movement of the punch between the intermediate position and the final position. 
     According to another feature common to the three methods as explained above, a cut with open contour is produced in the plant that is tangential or secant to one of the edges of said plant. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other aims, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description of a preferred embodiment, given as a nonlimiting example with reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a sampling tool according to the invention, 
         FIG. 2  is a view in longitudinal cross section of the tool according to its first embodiment, 
         FIG. 3  is a view in cross section of a feed head of the tool according to the first embodiment, notably ensuring the mechanical link between the motor means and the punch, 
         FIG. 4  is a view of the punch from below, 
         FIGS. 5 to 7  illustrate the mode of operation of the tool according to the first embodiment of the invention, 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a variant embodiment of the tool according to the invention, 
         FIG. 9  is a view from below of the tool according to the variant embodiment, 
         FIG. 10  is a view in longitudinal cross section along the line AA of  FIG. 9 , 
         FIG. 11  is a view in longitudinal cross section along the line BB of  FIG. 9 , 
         FIG. 12  is a detail view in perspective of a variant execution of the tool and more particularly of its bottom part, 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an automated sampling cell according to the invention, 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of this same cell without the elements of the enclosure and without the means for transporting the cellular trays bearing the plants or seedlings to be sampled, 
         FIGS. 15 and 16  are partial views of the cell, in perspective, showing the support table, 
         FIG. 17  is a partial view of a lifting rigid rod with which the support table is equipped, 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective rear view of a sampling cell, 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective rear view of the support table, 
         FIGS. 20 and 21  are perspective views showing the means for lifting the support table, 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a support table according to another embodiment, 
         FIGS. 23 and 24  show the means for supplying sampling boxes, and a pod for transporting sampling boxes to an area for parking and collecting the samples taken, the sampling box not being represented in  FIG. 24 , 
         FIG. 25  is a schematic view of a means for eliminating plants in clods of earth by suction, 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a transport carriage, 
         FIG. 27  is a partial view, in perspective from below, of the bottom part of the transport carriage, 
         FIG. 28  shows the cut produced in a seedling, for example in one of the leaves thereof, 
         FIG. 29  illustrates the steps of the method, according to the invention, for taking a sample, 
         FIG. 30  illustrates the steps of the method, according to the invention, for analyzing the samples, 
         FIG. 31  illustrates the steps of the method, according to the invention, for selectively eliminating plants. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     In the present description, “sampling” should be understood to mean the action consisting in taking, by cutting, a sample from a plant. 
       FIGS. 1 to 4  show a tool according to a first embodiment. As represented in these figures, the sampling tool according to the invention is designed to be borne, for example at the end of a multi-axial manipulating arm that is known per se. It can be borne by any other mechanized system with several degrees of freedom, suitable for moving it in all three directions and all three orientations of space. This tool, according to a variant embodiment, is borne by an operator and is manipulated and actuated by this operator. 
     The tool  1 ′ according to the invention comprises a vertical longiform guiding body  1  provided with an axial through bore  10  in which a part-holding punch  2  is mounted with sliding adjustment. The tool also comprises, under and at a distance from the bottom end of the guiding body  1 , a part-holding die  3  secured to the guiding body by a wall  31 . This die  3  is thus separated from the bottom end of the guiding body by an opening  4  for introducing the plant to be cut. 
     The part-holding die  3 , in the axial alignment of the through bore  10  of the guiding body  1 , is provided with a through bore  30 , of constant cross section, into which the bottom end of the punch penetrates when cutting the plant sample to be taken from the leaf previously introduced into the opening  4 . The bottom end  20  of the punch  2  and the bore  30  of the die have, with a functional play, identical cross sections in terms of contours and dimensions. 
     The tool  1 ′ according to the first embodiment also comprises a motor means  5  for actuating the punch  2  between an initial position whereby it is retracted into the guiding body  1 , an intermediate position whereby, by its bottom end  20 , it is situated in the bore  30  of the die  3 , and a final position whereby it passes right through the die  3  and whereby its bottom end  20  is outside the through bore  30  of the die. This motor means  5  comprises an output element  50  with linear displacement, on which an effort and a displacement movement are available. This output element takes the form of a rigid rod. 
     According to a practical embodiment, the guiding body  1  comprises, at the top end, a plate  11  for fixing to the bottom base  60  of a protective casing  6  notably enclosing the motor means  5 . The base  60 , in the axial extension of the through bore  10  has a through hole for the passage of the punch  2 . This protective casing  6  is provided with means, known per se, for fixing to the manipulating arm. 
     Preferentially, the tool  1 ′, in its two embodiments, is provided with means for ejecting a gaseous fluid or a liquid fluid or a mixture of the two at the bottom end of the punch. These means make it possible to eject the sample taken and are described hereinbelow. The part-holding punch  2  comprises an internal channel  21  emerging at its top end to be interconnected with a gaseous and/or liquid fluid feed head  7 . In the bottom part, this internal channel  21  is interconnected with at least one nozzle  21   a  formed in the bottom part of the punch and emerging in the bottom face thereof. 
     According to the preferred embodiment, the punch comprises, in the bottom part, three nozzles  21   a  preferably extending obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the internal channel. 
     These provisions make it possible to inject, into the bottom part, a fluid in gaseous form and/or a liquid to facilitate the ejection of the sample. The nozzles  21   a  of this channel  21 , in the bottom part, make it possible to distribute the gaseous and/or liquid fluid over a number of areas of the sample and thus facilitate its ejection. 
     Similarly, this channel  21  and the nozzles  21   a  can be subjected to a slight vacuum pressure in order to ensure that the sample is kept at the bottom end of the punch  2 , upon the movement of the tool  1 ′ from the sampling area to the depositing area. 
     According to the first embodiment of the tool  1 ′, the feed head  7  is fixed to the motor means  5  and more particularly to the output element  50  thereof. This head  7  therefore ensures the transmission of movement between the output element  50  of the motor means  5  and the punch  2 . 
     This head  7  according to the two embodiments of the tool  1 ′ has a first cylindrical axial boring  70  interconnected with the channel  21  of the punch, this first axial boring  70  being interconnected via a first radial boring  71  with an end-fitting  72  fixed to the feed head and coupled to a source of gaseous and/or liquid fluid, for example a compressed gas, via a duct and a solenoid valve that are not represented. According to the first embodiment of the tool  1 ′, the top part of the punch  2  is fixed in a seal-tight manner in the first boring  70 . It can be noted that the radial boring  71  emerges in the cylindrical boring  70  above the punch. 
     In the final position of the punch  2 , the solenoid valve is activated in the direction of the opening in order for the compression gas, in this case air, to be introduced into the channel  21  of the punch  2 . The ejection of this compressed air, through the nozzles  21   a  of the channel at its bottom end, makes it possible to drive out the sample taken. This sample is intended to be collected by any appropriate container, for example of the type of those marketed by the company QUIAGEN under the reference “Collection Microtubes Nonsterile polypropylene tubes”. 
     In order to activate the solenoid valve when the punch  2  reaches its final position, at least one position sensor is provided, of the inductive type for example. This sensor is suitable for detecting the final position of the punch  2  and for generating a signal in response. This signal has the effect of activating the solenoid valve in order for the pressurized air to be delivered. It should be noted that the pressurized air is delivered in the form of a pulse. 
     The channel  21 , according to a preferred embodiment, is equipped with a cannula  8  for dispensing gaseous or liquid fluid. As can be seen, this cannula  8  extends axially in the channel  21  and has a diameter very much smaller than the diameter thereof. Thus, around the cannula  8 , a sufficient passage is freed up for the gaseous or liquid fluid. This cannula  8 , by its internal channel, is interconnected with a second cylindrical axial boring  73  formed in the feed head  7 , preferably in the axial extension of the first boring  70 . This second boring  73  is interconnected via a second radial boring  74  with a second end fitting  75 . This end-fitting, fixed to the head  7 , is coupled to this source of gaseous and/or liquid fluid via a duct and a solenoid valve that are not represented. In the preferred embodiment, the cannula, by its top end, is engaged in a seal-tight manner in the second axial boring  73 . 
     As indicated previously, the opening of the solenoid valve in order for the liquid and/or gas to be delivered and ejected at the end of the punch will be triggered by the signal generated by the position sensor. It should be noted that this delivery and ejection of liquid and/or gas takes the form of a pulse. 
     It should be noted that the second radial boring  74  emerges in the second axial boring  73  above the dispensing cannula  8 . 
     Advantageously, the feed head  7  is equipped with a slide  76 . This slide  76  is engaged slidingly on a vertical rail  77  secured to a vertical plate  61  mounted fixedly on the base  60 . 
     The opening  4  has, for example, a flared form to facilitate the introduction of the plant material. As can be seen, this opening  4  is limited by a top horizontal face  32  of the die  3 , by a bottom oblique face  15  of the guiding body and by a rear vertical face  310  belonging to the wall  31 . 
     Preferably, the cross section of the bottom part of the punch  2 , and the cross section of the bore of the die each have a front part and a rear part, the front part being wider than the rear part. The front part is defined as being that furthest away from a geometrical plane containing the rear vertical face  310 . 
     According to a practical embodiment, the contour of each front and rear part is established along a curve, for example a circumferential arc of circle, the radius of curvature of the front part being greater than the radius of curvature of the rear part. These front and rear contours are joined by straight segments. 
     In combination with these features, the contour of each of the rear parts of the straight sections of the bottom part of the punch and of the bore of the die is tangential to a vertical geometrical plane containing the rear face  310  of the opening  4 . This arrangement, when cutting the sample, makes it possible to form, on the plant material (in this case one of the leaves of a plant), a contour that is open to the rear making it possible to remove the tool  1 ′ without damaging the leaf, this removal being performed when the punch  2  is in the intermediate position. 
     Advantageously, the motor means  5  of the tool  1 ′ according to the first embodiment is formed by two motor members, for example pneumatic  5   a ,  5   b , arranged in series, aligned along a vertical axis. The top motor member  5   a  is fixed to the rear plate  61 . This motor member  5   a  is provided with an output element with linear displacement, in the form of a rod. The output element of the motor member  5   a  is rigidly fixed to the yoke frame of the motor member  5   b , the latter being borne by the motor member  5   a . The output element of the motor member  5   b  constitutes the output element  50  of the motor means  5 . 
     The desactivated state of the two motor members  5   a ,  5   b  corresponds to the initial position of the punch  2 , whereas the activated state of one of the two motor members  5   a ,  5   b , for example the motor  5   a , corresponds first to the plant sample cutting movement and to the keeping of the punch  2  in the intermediate position. The simultaneous activation of the two motor members  5   a ,  5   b  and the keeping of these motor members in this state corresponds to the final position of the punch  2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 to 7 , there now follows an explanation of the operation of the tool  1 ′ according to the invention. 
     The tool  1 ′ is displaced toward a previously selected plant and the opening  4  is engaged on either side of one of the leaves F of this plant ( FIG. 5 ). According to an alternative, it is the plant which is displaced toward the tool  1 ′. During this approach and positioning movement, the two motor members  5   a ,  5   b  are deactivated and the punch  2  is kept in the initial position. Next, the motor member  5   a  is activated in order to perform a cutting operation of a sample E by punching the leaf F ( FIG. 6 ). The punch  2  is then brought to and kept in the intermediate position ( FIG. 6 ). In this position, the sample E is housed in the bore  30  of the die  3  and is protected thereby. Still while ensuring that the punch  2  is kept in the intermediate position, the tool  1 ′ is driven by a retraction movement to be disengaged from the punched leaf F. Alternatively, the plant is driven by a retraction movement to disengage the punched leaf F from the tool  1 ′. Since the contour of the cut on the leaf is open, the banks of this cut will be able to be easily separated from one another to slide over the punch  2 . Such an arrangement avoids any pulling force damaging to the leaf and to the plant. After removal, the sampling tool  1 ′ is displaced to an area of delivery or of deposition of the sample. Alternatively, the area of deposition of the sample, for example a suitable container, is displaced toward the tool  1 ′. For this deposition, the two motor members are activated and the punch  2  is driven toward its final position ( FIG. 7 ). The sample E borne by the bottom end of the punch  2  is located outside the bore  30  of the die  3  to be deposited in an appropriate container, for example a tube borne by a sampling box. In the final position of the punch, the solenoid valve associated with the compressed gas circuit or with the pressurized liquid circuit is activated so as to drive the sample E toward the dedicated container. 
     After sampling, the sampling boxes containing the samples, and more particularly the containers or wells, can be closed by means of suitable lids containing silica gel (or another product having the capacity to control the humidity), to allow them to dry. Such an arrangement is mainly used to prevent the degradation of the samples taken. They can thus be transported or stored without risks of deterioration of the tissues. This method avoids, for example, the constraints of keeping cold to conserve the tissues or the use of a lyophilizator. The use of silica gel to dry plant tissues is, for example, described in the paper by Chase and al., (Taxon, Vol. 40, No. 2, May 1991) where the silica gel is placed directly in the hermetically sealed bags containing the samples. In the case of the present invention, the silica gel is placed directly in lids suited to the different sampling box formats, which allows for the rapid drying of the samples without mixing between the sample and the desiccant. These lids can be reused without risk of contamination after heat treatment. 
       FIGS. 8 to 11  show a tool  1 ′ according to a variant embodiment. This tool  1 ′ is distinguished from the one that is the subject of the first embodiment essentially by the mode of actuation of the punch. 
     According to this variant execution, the punch  2  is fixed at the bottom end of a rigid cylindrical duct  9  engaged with sliding adjustment in the internal volume of the protective casing  6  so as to be guided therein by sliding along a vertical axis. The internal volume of this duct  9  is interconnected with the channel  21  of the punch  2  and is interconnected with the fluid feed head  7 , the latter being borne, outside the protective casing  6 , by the duct  9 . 
     According to this embodiment, the cannula  8  is also engaged in the internal volume of the duct  9  to be coupled in a seal-tight manner to the feed head  7  in the manner described previously. The duct  9  is fixedly engaged in the first boring  70  of the feed head  7  and its internal volume is interconnected with the end fitting  72  via the first radial boring  71 . 
     A return spring  16  with non-contiguous turns is engaged around the top part of the duct  9 . This return spring  16  is compression-mounted between the feed head  7  and a shoulder  62  formed in the casing  6 . The purpose of this return spring  16  is to stress the punch  2  toward its first position by acting on the feed head  7 . Additionally, the casing  6  is equipped with a gripping handle  63 . To maneuver the punch  2  from its initial position to its final position, the operator, while holding the tool  1 ′ in his or her hand by the gripping handle  63 , acts on the feed head  7  in the direction of compression of the return spring  16 . As will be understood, the rigid duct  9  ensures the transmission of movement and of force between the punch  2  and the feed head  7 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the duct  9 , in the bottom part, comprises an end-fitting form  90 . This end-fitting form  90  is coupled to the body of the duct by an annular shoulder  91 . A second return spring  17  with non-contiguous turns is engaged around the end-fitting form  90 . This return spring  17  bears by its bottom end against the base  60 . In the initial position of the punch  2 , the shoulder  91  is separated from the top end of the return spring  17  whereas, in the intermediate position of the punch  2 , the shoulder  91  is in contact with the top end of the return spring  17  which then exerts an additional resisting force on the duct  9 . In this way, a point of resistance, embodying the intermediate position of the punch  2 , is formed. The operator, by simple touch sensation, can then assess the position of the punch  2 . 
     It will be understood that the duct  9 , the feed head  7 , the elastic members  16  and  17 , the handle  63  and/or the casing  6  constitute means for actuating the punch between its different positions. 
     The mode of operation of the tool  1 ′ according to the variant execution is as follows. The operator grasps the tool  1 ′ and moves it toward the plant and engages the opening  4  around one of the leaves of this plant. He or she then actuates the punch  2  toward the die by acting by pushing on the feed head  7  in order to cut a sample from the leaf. The operator then manually keeps the punch  2  in the intermediate position and displaces the tool  1 ′ toward the container provided to receive the sample. The operator acts once again on the punch  2  to bring the latter to the final position and acts on an external control or on a control incorporated in the tool  1 ′ to activate the solenoid valve associated with the appropriate fluid circuit in order to eject the sample. 
       FIG. 12  shows a variant execution of the tool  1 ′ according to the invention. It can be seen in these figures that the face  310 , over its height (the height corresponding here to the distance between the two top and bottom faces of the opening  4 ) has two lateral clearances  311 , oriented toward the rear. Such an arrangement is a guarantee of being able to apply the perimeter of the leaf to be sampled always against the face  310  and to do so regardless of its contour. Such an arrangement reduces the risk of a leaf to be sampled failing to bear against the face  310  which could lead to the formation of a sample of insufficient size to be able to be used. Furthermore, the guiding body, the wall  31  and the die  3  comprise two opposing flats  312  to facilitate the introduction of the tool into the foliage of the plants to be sampled. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 28 , the tool as described makes it possible to produce, in the leaf F of a seedling, a cut tangential to the contour of the leaf. Thus, the contour of the cut D has an opening O allowing for the removal of the tool in the direction of the arrow V without damaging the seedling. 
     The tool  1 ′ according to the invention can equip an automated cell  500  for taking samples. This cell will be able to consist of an enclosure enclosing an automatic machine  510  provided with a manipulating arm  511 , preferably multi-axial, bearing the sampling tool  1 ′. With this cell, according to an exemplary embodiment, there is associated a means  520  for transporting cellular trays  530 . This means is suitable for ensuring the transportation of the cellular trays  530  from a plant storage and/or growth area, to the sampling cell and from this sampling cell to the storage and/or growth area, and do so, preferably, in a closed circuit. The storage and/or growth area will be able to consist of a greenhouse or any other type of suitable building. These cellular trays  530 , of rectangular form, comprise cells organized according to a regular grid, each receiving a plant in a clod of earth to be sampled. The bottom wall of each cell has a central through perforation for reasons which will become apparent later. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the transport means  520  consist of a transport carriage provided with horizontal shelves  521  evenly spaced apart vertically, each receiving a cellular tray  530 . 
     The cell will also be able to be equipped with a support table  550 , for example that can be displaced height-wise facing the transport carriage  520 , and a system  560  for transferring the cellular trays  530  between the carriage  520  and the table  550 , and vice versa. This cell will further be able to be equipped with means for supplying sampling boxes  506 , these boxes bearing longiform containers or wells, designed to receive the samples collected by the sampling tool  1 ′ from the plants or seedlings. Finally, the cell will be able to be equipped with at least one optical system such as a display system, making it possible, among other things, to check the presence of samples in the containers after each sampling sequence. 
       FIGS. 13 to 27  show an automated cell according to the invention. 
     It can be seen in these figures that the enclosure of the cell  500  comprises vertical walls forming a protective jacket around the table, the manipulating arm  511  of the automatic machine  510  and the different conveying elements. Thus, this jacket comprises a vertical rear wall, two lateral walls and a front wall provided with a wide opening in which the cellular tray transport carriage is engaged. 
     Facing this front wall there is a control cabinet provided with a microcontroller, architectured around a microprocessor and comprising memory modules receiving suitable software. This microcontroller is notably suitable for controlling and monitoring the equipment of the cell and notably the automatic machine  510 , its manipulating arm  511  and the tool  1 ′ borne by this manipulating arm. 
     One of the lateral walls of this enclosure is equipped with an access door. This access door will be associated with an opening detector that is known per se, connected electrically to the microcontroller. In this way, a signal representative of the opening of the door will be able to be detected by the microcontroller which, in return, will act on the motors of the automatic machine  510  to order their immediate stoppage. The restarting of the automatic machine  510  will be able to be performed only using a restart command, external to the enclosure, and functionally associated with the microcontroller. A human presence detector, connected electrically to the microcontroller, will also be positioned in the enclosure to prevent any movement of the manipulating arm  511  of the automatic machine  510  and of the other equipment of the cell should human presence be detected. Similarly, within the volume of the enclosure, there will be able to be a cable actuator. The cable of the actuator will extend horizontally in the enclosure and will be able to be fixed by one of its ends to an elastic member fixed to one of the lateral walls. This cable will be engaged freely in holding rings fixed to the lateral wall and to the rear wall. By its other end, the cable will be fixed to the moving element of the sensor. 
     The cell comprises a support frame  501  to which the support table  550 , the various supply and evacuation conveyors and the optical system or systems are notably fixed. 
     According to a preferred embodiment, the frame  501  is formed by a number of tubular uprights joined to one another by bracing tubular cross-members. 
     The support table  550  is fixed to this frame, this table being positioned facing the front opening of the enclosure so as to be positioned facing the transport carriage  520 . The area of the table situated facing this opening is called front area. The rear area of the table  550  is situated facing the automatic machine  510 , the latter being installed on a suitable support, behind the support table  550 . 
     The support table  550  comprises a top horizontal deck  551  provided to receive the trays  530  bearing the plants in clods of earth, this top deck  551  being borne by a stand  552  formed by four vertical uprights correctly braced by horizontal cross-members. 
     The top deck  551  of the table comprises through perforations  553  organized in a grid preferably identical to that according to which the through perforations of the cellular tray  530  are organized. 
     The support table  550  also comprises means for positioning and holding a cellular tray  530  on the top deck  551 . According to a preferred embodiment, these means consist of abutments  554  in the form of rollers, installed on the top deck  551 . These abutments  554  are designed to bearingly receive the rear edge and one of the lateral edges of the cellular tray  530 . These abutments determine a fixed positioning V. Additionally, the holding and positioning means comprise a movable jaw  555  determining a movable positioning V arranged diagonally opposite relative to the first fixed positioning V. This jaw  555  is actuated by a motor member, for example a pneumatic cylinder, to come to act by thrust against one of the corners of the cellular tray  530 . The force exerted by the jaw  555  on the corner concerned of the cellular tray  530  is directed diagonally toward the opposite corner. In this way, the tray  530  is pressed firmly against the lateral and rear abutments  554 . Furthermore, the support table  550  comprises means for firmly pressing the cellular tray against the deck of the table. These means consist of a horizontal jaw actuated by a motor member coming to act by downward thrust on the horizontal top edge of the support tray. These holding and positioning means thus ensure the temporary immobilization of the cellular tray  530  on the table and the alignment of the through perforations thereof with the through perforations  533  of the top deck  551  of the table  550 . 
     In the volume defined by the stand  552 , under the top deck  551 , and in the alignment of the through perforations  553  of said top deck, the table  550  comprises lifting vertical rigid rods  556  designed to be engaged, by upward movement, in the through holes of the cellular tray and in the through holes  553  of the top deck  551  to lift the clods of earth and separate them from the corresponding cell. These rigid rods  556  are borne in groups by horizontal plates  557  that can move height-wise and are actuated by motor members. Each vertical rod  556  bears, at its end, a number of gripping needles  558  designed to be inserted into the clod of earth to be raised. In this way, the raised clod of earth is firmly held by these needles  558 . Each plate  557  bears only a determined number of rigid rods in order to raise only one clod of earth out of two or one clod of earth out of three or even one clod of earth out of four. Thus, the foliage of the raised plants is separated from the foliage of the adjacent plants. In this way, the risks of taking a sample from an adjacent plant, present when their leaves or their cotyledons are superposed, are reduced. 
     The horizontal plates  557  are provided with plain bearings by which they are engaged slidingly on common vertical guiding columns, fixed to the stand of the table  552 . 
     The motor members for actuating the plates and rods that they bear consist of pneumatic cylinders fixed by their body to the stand of the table and by their rod to the corresponding plate  557 . 
     Alternatively, according to another embodiment as represented in  FIG. 22 , each vertical rigid rod  556  is actuated individually, that is to say independently of the other rods  556 , by a motor member  556   a  specific to it. Preferably, this motor member  556   a  consists of a pneumatic cylinder fed with compressed air by a compressed air source installed under the top deck  551  of the table between the elements of the stand  552 . The pneumatic cylinder  556   a  is supplied with pneumatic energy by a distributor, known per se, driven electrically by the microcontroller. 
     The system  560  for transferring the cellular trays  530  is suitable for grasping the cellular tray on one of the shelves  521  of the carriage  562  to bring it onto the top deck  551  of the table  550  and, conversely, after the samples have been taken, for bringing the cellular tray  530  onto the shelf  561  of the carriage  562 . 
     According to one embodiment, the transfer system  560  consists of suckers  561  connected to one and the same horizontal boom  562  connected to a vacuum source. This boom is mounted slidingly on at least one horizontal rail, occupying a lateral position on the top deck  551  of the table  550  and extending from the front area to the rear area of this table. The boom  562  is at right angles to the rail and is displaced along this rail by a motor member  563 , known per se, consisting of a rodless cylinder. The boom  562 , unlike the rail, is borne by a skid formed by a block of tetrafluoroethylene. 
     According to one embodiment, the table  550  can be moved height-wise in order to bring its top deck  551  level with each shelf  521  of the carriage  520  in order to charge or deposit a cellular tray  530 . 
     To this end, the stand  552  of the table  550  has two diagonally opposite lifting arms  559  fixed to it, and the frame  501  of the cell  500  is provided with two vertical guiding rails  502  each incorporating a motor member for actuating a lifting foot  503 . This lifting foot  503  cooperates slidingly with the guiding rail  502 . The two lifting arms  559  are respectively borne by the two lifting feet  503  and are secured respectively to these two lifting feet  503  via a floating mount, allowing a vertical sliding movement of the lifting arm  559  relative to the foot  503  which bears it. Through this arrangement, when the stand  552  of the table  550  reaches the floor, the feet  503  can continue their downward travel along the rail  502 . Thus, the table  550 , in the lowered position, will be able to be placed by its stand on a fixed reference plane of the frame of the sampling cell. This reference plane will advantageously be able to be formed by two bearing sole plates  501   a  installed fixedly on the floor. In its lowered position bearing on the sole plates  501   a , it is necessary for the table  550  to be centered relative to this plane. To this end, each sole plate  501   a  has positioning bushes each provided with an upwardly open tapered bore and the stand  552  of the support table  500 , facing the bushes, has positioning pins of tapered form. Each pin is designed to be engaged, in the lowered position of the table  500 , in the bore of the corresponding bush. 
     Advantageously, each lifting foot  502  comprises a vertical wing mounted slidingly in the vertical guiding rail  502  and fixed to the motor member incorporated therein and a bottom horizontal wing on which the corresponding lifting arm  559  bears when the table  550  is raised. The floating mount is formed by a vertical guiding rail  504 , fixed rigidly to the lifting foot and by a slide  505  engaged slidingly on the guiding rail  504  and fixed to the lifting arm  559 . The guiding rail  504  and the slide  505  cooperate with one another by guiding grooves and dovetail tenon forms. 
     The cell  500  comprises means for supplying sampling boxes  506 . These means consist of a magazine  505  of sampling boxes  506 . This magazine, for example in column form, receives a vertical stack of sampling boxes  506 . This magazine is provided, in the bottom part, with a delivery opening through which the bottom box of the stack can be delivered. With this magazine  505  there are associated bottom retention elements, actuated between a position of release and a position of retention by motor members consisting of pneumatic cylinders. Additionally, the magazine has associated with it two other retention elements actuated by motor members to retain the stack of boxes when the last box  506  is dispensed. 
     The magazine  505  is positioned above the trajectory of a transport pod  507  borne by a rodless cylinder  507   b  extending from the magazine  505  to an area for parking and collecting samples taken by the tool  1 ′. This pod  507  is provided with a hollow imprint  507   a  designed to receive the sampling box  506 . Such an imprint arrangement ensures that the sampling box  506  is held on the pod  507  when transported from the magazine  505  to the sample parking and collection area. Preferably, the rodless cylinder  507   b  occupies a lateral position relative to the support table  550 . 
     The sample parking and collection area is provided with means for positioning and holding the sampling box  506 , these means consisting of a first V-shaped fixed jaw  508  fixedly installed on said parking area and a second V-shaped movable jaw  509 . These jaws both act with thrust on two diagonally opposite corners of the sampling box  506 . The movable jaw  509  is actuated by a motor member such as a pneumatic cylinder. 
     Thus, the sampling box  506  is perfectly maintained in a position suitable for receiving the samples taken from the seedlings by the sampling tool  1 ′. In order to deposit the sample taken into the corresponding container, the tool  1 ′ is made to penetrate by a few millimeters into the container. 
     Adjoining the parking area and the actuation cylinder  507   b  for the transport pod  507  for the sampling boxes  506 , there is a conveyor  500   b , for evacuating said boxes  506  to a reception area. This conveyor  500   b  is arranged with a slight slope to evacuate the boxes of samples to the reception area. 
     Between the parking area and the evacuation conveyor  500   b , there is a transfer means  540  suitable first of all for grasping the sampling box  506  present in the parking area and then for transferring this box  506  to the evacuation conveyor  500   b.    
     According to one embodiment, this transfer means  540  comprises suckers  541  borne by a housing  542 , the internal chamber of which is interconnected on the one hand with a vacuum source and on the other hand with the suckers. The transfer means  540  further comprises an actuating motor  543 , for example a pneumatic cylinder, to which the housing  542  is fixed. 
     Advantageously, the bottom wall of the transport pod  507 , the wall on which the sampling box  506  rests, is transparent to light and the sampling box  506  and the containers or wells that it bears are also transparent to light. Additionally, the pod  507  incorporates a back-lighting source suitable for lighting the sampling box from below. Also, above the sample parking and collection area, vertical to said area, there is a telecentric vision system  570 , by which the correct filling of the containers or wells of the sampling box  506  positioned on the parking area with samples can be observed. This vision system  570  is connected to the microcontroller of the cell. 
     The cell  500  further comprises a mount  580  bearing two optical systems oriented toward the support table. This mount  580  and the systems that it bears can be displaced horizontally above and at a distance from the table  550 , for example in a direction at right angles to the direction of displacement of the cellular tray  530  on the top deck  551  of the table  550 . One of the optical systems consists of a first viewing camera  581 . The optical axis of this camera is vertical. The other optical system consists of a stereoscopic camera or 3D camera,  582 , and a laser ray source  583 . The optical axis of the stereoscopic camera is inclined relative to the vertical whereas the optical axis of the laser source is vertical. The camera  581  or 2D camera makes it possible to check the viability of the seedling, whereas the camera  582 , in association with the laser ray source  583 , makes it possible to obtain a three-dimensional representation of the seedlings via the deformation of the laser line. For the purpose of this checking and obtaining of images, the mount  580  is displaced over the cellular tray  530 , the latter and the seedlings that it bears all being lit by the laser ray. 
     The mount  580  is borne by a carriage  584  mounted on top horizontal guiding rails fixed to the frame  501  of the cell  500 . This carriage  584  can be displaced along these rails by a motor assembly  585  comprising an electric motor  585   a  with rotary output shaft and a movement transmission with notched pinions  586 ,  587  and notched belt  588 . One of the two pinions, the driving pinion  586 , is fixed to the output shaft of the electric motor  586   a  whereas the other, the driven pinion  587 , is fixed to an axis engaged in bearings borne by a clevis fixed to the frame  501  of the cell  500 . The notched belt  588  is fixed to the carriage  584 . The axis of the driving pinion  587 , beyond one of its bearings, is coupled to a coder  589  that is known per se, electrically connected to the microcontroller. This arrangement makes it possible to determine the position of the mount  580  along the rails. 
     Advantageously, the cell  500  has an associated tank, not represented, provided to contain a solution for washing the sampling tool  1 ′. Thus, after a determined number of samples have been taken, the sampling tool  1 ′ will be dipped by the automatic machine  510  in this washing solution. The periodic washing of the tool  1 ′ makes it possible to reduce the risk of the sample taken remaining stuck in the die  3  of this tool  1 ′. This washing container will be able to be borne by the support table  550 . 
     The microcontroller has connected to it, via suitable interfaces, the various electrical equipment items of the cell  500 , these electrical equipment items being, in a nonlimiting manner, the automatic machine  510  and its various motors, the electric drivers of the various pneumatic cylinders, the motor of each rail  502 , the motor  585   a  for displacing the mount  580 , the various end-of-travel sensors associated with the moving elements of the cell and the various presence detectors. The microcontroller also has the various optical systems connected to it for the purpose of image analysis. 
     This cell  500  will advantageously be equipped with identifier readers that are known per se. These identifiers will be borne by the cellular trays  530  and by the sampling boxes  506 . These identifiers will be able to consist of labels bearing barcodes, RFID chips, or any other identifier. The cellular tray identification reader will advantageously be borne by the support table  550 . This way, the identification code of the tray  530  will be able to be read before transfer to the support table  550  and an error message will then be able to be generated by the microcontroller in the case of a nonconforming cellular tray  530 . These identifier readers will be connected to the microcontroller. By these means and using suitable software, it will now be possible to ensure that the samples taken can be traced. To facilitate this tracing, the distribution of the wells or containers of each sampling box  506  will reproduce, on a smaller scale, the distribution of the cells of each cellular tray  530  and the sampling boxes  506 , at least in the sample parking and collection area, will be positioned in such a way that the rows and columns formed by the distribution of the wells or containers are respectively parallel to the rows and columns formed by the distribution of the cells of the cellular tray  530 . Such arrangements establish a relationship between the position of each cell and the position of each well or container in order for the taking of a sample from one of the cells to be reflected in the deposition of this sample into the counterpart container. Thus, the continuous monitoring applied via the telecentric vision system  570  will make it possible to detect not only the lack of samples in the wells, but also to detect a deposition in a well already filled, or a deposition in a well not intended to receive the sample concerned, or even, a correct deposition in the well that is the counterpart of the cell from which the sample was taken. If a nonconforming deposition is detected, the microcontroller will be able to generate an error signal and to stop any taking of samples. 
     The identification of the cellular trays  530  and of the sampling boxes  506  makes it possible to establish an association between a tray  530  and a box  506 . Thus, the reading of the identifier of the sampling box  506 , present on the sample parking and collection area, will initiate the search for the corresponding tray  530  by the microcontroller. This search will be carried out by upward displacement of the support table  550  facing the carriage  520  and by reading the identifier of the tray borne by each shelf  521 . 
     The reading of the identifier, or a specific marker, notably with regard to the sampling box  506 , makes it possible to ensure that it is positioned correctly. It is not however, desirable to stop the sampling if this box  506  is incorrectly positioned. For this reason, the microcontroller and its matching software will be able to take account of this incorrect positioning for the purpose of a conforming distribution of samples in the wells of the sampling box. 
     The automated cell  500  will be able to receive a means  600  for eliminating plants in clods of earth by suction. This means will be able to consist of a suction plant  601  comprising a suction mouth interconnected with a suction duct  602  bearing, at a distance from the plant, a suction end-fitting  603 . This suction end-fitting  603  will be able to be engaged removably in a collar  604  borne by the manipulating arm  511 , or, as represented in the attached figures, by the sampling tool  1 ′. 
     Such a means will be used to destroy the plants not selected after their DNA or their RNA has been analyzed. For this destruction, the data relating to the discarded plants and to the cellular trays which bear them will be transmitted by any suitable means to the microcontroller, and the cellular trays  530  concerned will be once again loaded onto the transport means  520  to be transported to the automated cell  500  to be then transferred by the transfer system  560  to the support table  550  in order for the plants or seedlings that have not been retained to be removed from the corresponding cells of the cellular tray  530 , by suction. To this end, the manipulating arm  511  will position the suction end-fitting  603  in line with the seedling to be eliminated and the suction will be activated in order for the seedling to be extracted from the corresponding cell of the tray  530 . 
     The front opening of the enclosure of the cell  500  is associated with two guiding elements forming a V for positioning the transport carriage  520  for the cellular trays  530 . These guiding elements are fixed to the floor and have, above the floor, two horizontal bearing flanges  500   a , provided to bearingly receive two lateral bearing elements  520   a  of the carriage  520 . 
     This transport carriage  520  consists of a frame bearing, at regular intervals, the support shelves  521  for the cellular trays  530 . This frame is equipped with two lateral bearing elements  520   a , in the form of arms, provided to come to bear on the two horizontal flanges  500   a  associated with the front opening of the enclosure. 
     Advantageously, the carriage has two sets of rolling members  522 ,  523 , of which one can be used for displacement outside and the other for displacement inside and notably around the outside of the cell. In this way, the risks of pollution of the samples by external agents is reduced. 
     One of the two sets of rolling members  522  is fixed directly to the frame of the carriage  520  whereas the other  523  is borne by a raising and lowering system  524 , secured to the frame and actuated for example by a crank  525 . By the actuation of the raising and lowering system, the rolling members  523  are brought to bear on the floor in order to separate the rolling members  522  from the floor by lifting the carriage  520 . In this position, the bearing elements  520   a , are situated at a higher level relative to the two flanges  500   a  and the carriage  520  can be freely introduced between the two guiding elements. An abutment fixed to the floor limits the travel of the carriage  520  to the support table  550 . After the introduction of the carriage  520 , the raising and lowering system is once again actuated in the direction of lowering of the carriage  520  in order for the two lateral bearing elements  520   a  to be able to come to bear on the two bearing flanges  500   a . Thus, the carriage  520  is immobilized facing the support table  550 , under the effect of its own weight. 
     The raising and lowering system comprises two axles  526  on each of which two rolling members  523  are installed, these axles being borne by fixing each at the end of two articulated connecting rods  527  to the frame of the carriage  520 . Each rolling member  523  has an axis by which it is fixed to the corresponding axle. This axis comprises a pin  528  engaged in a slide  529  formed in a tab of the frame of the carriage. These axles are secured to a common maneuvering arm  524   a  fixed to the nut of a screw and nut mechanism  524   b  of which the screw is maneuvered by the crank  525  via a movement transmission with notched pinions and notched belt  524   c . One of the pinions is engaged with the crank  525 , the other pinion is engaged with the screw of the screw and nut mechanism  524   b . The belt  524   c  is mounted on the two notched pinions. 
     Alternatively, the means for transporting the cellular trays  530  between the plant storage and/or growth area and the automated cell for taking samples  500 , and, conversely, between this cell  500  and said area, consists of a conveyor, for example, with motorized rollers, said conveyor being provided to allow the displacement of the cellular trays  530  from said storage area to the cell  500 , followed by their return to their storage area once the sampling has been done, for example in a closed circuit. It is obvious that any other type of conveyor, for example with endless belt, with rollers, with chain or with track wheels, will be able to be used to transport the cellular trays  530 . 
     Similarly, any transport means other than the carriage as described and a conveyor will be able to be used. 
     It goes without saying that the present invention can receive all arrangements and variants in the field of the technical equivalents without in any way departing from the framework of the present patent as defined by the claims hereinbelow.