Scent Discriminating Dogs for Early Detection and Surveillance of Phytoplasma Diseases - A New Possibility
Abhishek Verma*
ICAR-IARI, Regional Station, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra (411 067), India
Raj Verma
ICAR-IARI, Regional Station, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra (411 067), India
Savarni Tripathi
ICAR-IARI, Regional Station, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra (411 067), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Canine, Detection, Dogs, Phytoplasma
Abstract
Phytoplasmas pose an emerging threat to the global agricultural production with several cases being associated with severe epidemics leading to total yield loss in various crops. Early detection of phytoplasma infection along with a reliable diagnosis and rapid response is essentially in order to slow epidemics and minimize the damage to the crop. Visual observations are largely inadequate for the detection of these mollicutes due to the delayed appearance of visual symptoms. Whereas, molecular assays are not financially and practically viable for large-scale field level implementation. Canines have already proven to be effective for the early detection of several plant pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. This article explores an innovative approach of using the superior olfaction ability of canines as a tool for early detection and surveillance of phytoplasma infection in crops and the associated opportunities and challenges.
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Reference
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