1. A method for classifying sugar-beet seeds, comprising the steps of a. measuring an IR-spectrum of each seed, b. classifying seeds according to their IR-spectrum yielding at least two seed classes, wherein the first seed-class differs from the at least one other seed-class by a quality of composition, wherein the quality of composition is the functional quality of “field emergence characteristic” present in the sugar beet seed, and wherein said quality of composition is reflected in a specific IR-spectrum.