Plant Pathogen Detection using Scent Discriminating Dogs: An Emerging Approach
Abhishek Verma
ICAR-IARI, Regional Station, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra (411 067), India
Savarni Tripathi*
ICAR-IARI, Regional Station, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra (411 067), India
Raj Verma
ICAR-IARI, Regional Station, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra (411 067), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Detection, Dogs breed, Pathogen, Plant diseases
Abstract
Yield losses caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses are a major constraint in crop cultivation worldwide. Their early detection coupled with a rapid response is vital for avoiding severe epidemics. Human visual observations are inadequate for early detection as visual symptoms take time to develop. Serological and molecular assays are not practically and economically feasible for use in large plantations. Dogs are being increasingly used in crop protection for early detection of certain plant pathogens. Scent discriminating canines use their olfactory ability to rapidly survey large landscapes and can serve as an effective proactive management tool for plant pathogen detection, overcoming the limitations associated with visual and lab based diagnostic methods. This article provides information on a non-invasive approach of using canine olfaction for detection of plant pathogens, and its potential future.
Downloads
not found
Reference
Anglada, L. P., Torras, M., 2016. Detection of Verticillium dahliae in Olive groves using canine detection units. Agricultural Sciences 7, 225-229. doi: https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2016.74022.
Gottwald, T., Poole, G., Taylor, E., Luo, W., Posny, D., Adkins, S., Schneider, W., McRoberts, N., 2020. Canine olfactory detection of a non-systemic phytobacterial citrus pathogen of international quarantine significance. Entropy 22(11), 1269. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/e22111269.
Mendel, J., Burns, C., Kallifatidis, B., Evans, E., Crane, J., Furton, K. G., Mills, D., 2018. Agri-dogs: Using canines for earlier detection of laurel wilt disease affecting Avocado trees in South Florida. HortTechnology 28(2), 109-116. doi: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH03791-17.