Detection of plant pests and invasive weeds with scent detection dogs
De flesta växtodlare har någon gång behövt tampas med olika typer av växtskadegörare, växtsjukdomar eller ogräs. Ofta är det både kostsamt och tidskrävande att söka upp och identifiera dem och får man angrepp av vissa växtsjukdomar kan det till och med gå så långt att en hel skörd måste kasseras.
About the project
An innovation project has been launched to explore the possibility of using scent detection dogs in the fight against invasive weeds and plant pests. The aim is to be able to find these unwanted elements in fields, in seeds or on machines and tools with the help of scent detection dogs. The project will initially look at the possibilities for using scent detection dogs in plant cultivation. The project is coordinated by Region Västra Götaland's department of natural resources, and the practical tests will take place at Naturbruksskolan Uddetorp in Skara and at various farms and grain silos.
The study will look at the types of pests and weeds that the dogs can detect, as well as the most appropriate locations and moments to use the dogs. For example, the dog's ability to search seeds, fields, machines and tools will be tested to find the most efficient and accurate approaches. The project will also look at what a business model for scent detection dogs in the crop farming industry may look like, and how it could be profitable for both dog handlers and crop farmers. Recently, scent detection dogs have been used extensively to search for spruce bark beetles, which shows how these dogs' abilities can lead to economic gains and make work more efficient.
Similar needs and opportunities are being explored in agriculture. In the future, this could include hiring a dog team to check a shipment of seeds before they are used for sowing. It can also make it safer to rent machinery you don't have on your own farm if a scent detection dog has checked that the machine is free from traces of weeds and pests beforehand. The aim of the project is to develop a business model that is profitable for both parties and which can be introduced to the market.
Project summary
STATUS
Ongoing
OUR ROLE IN THE PROJECT
Project coordinator
PROJECT START
2022-10-23
DURATION
2 years, and extended 1 year
PARTNERS
HS Konsult AB
Svenska Brukshundklubben/Brukshundservice AB
SLU - Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
- Institutionen för mark och miljö
- Institutionen för ekologi
Nillar AB (seed grower)
Johan Klostergård (seed grower)
FINANCING
The project is financed by the Swedish Agricultural Agency's EIP fund for innovation projects in agriculture, horticulture and reindeer husbandry.
