The review is intended for international readers or those unable to read Russian. The review is based on long-term research of the affiliated University and search in Russian-language databases. Currently, there is a large number of sites in the Russian forests that need to be restored. Mechanization of grading seeds in Russia has more than half a century of history. The results of retrospective analysis show that the choice of the sorting method depends on the seed characteristics and the level of achieved technologies in equipment design. The prospects for the use of optoelectronic and mechatronic devices for such purposes are due to low costs and negative impact compared to the use of grid and trier. The research materials will allow planning new experiments to find a reliable protocol for testing and preparing coniferous seeds, depending on the method of further seeding or storage. The study will allow to correct plant propagation protocols for sustainable forest management. However, many questions remained unresolved: what types of grader and pelleting apparatus to use, what wavelength range is best used to identify viable seeds?