Citrus Growers Use Trained Dogs to Sniff Out Pests

Trained dogs are a new tool for citrus growers to seek and destroy Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) populations in their groves.

The tiny insect blamed for spreading huanglongbing (HLB) in California, Texas and Florida can be spotted by trained eyes, but their size makes it difficult to see without knowing what to look for.

Much like a drug-sniffing dog, the trained canines use their keen sense of smell to detect the ACP. These dogs are not trained to sniff out the HLB disease they vector – just the insects. The new method gives commercial growers a greater chance of finding psyllids in their groves and making timely treatment decisions.

While the dogs are not part of a regulatory program authorized by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the company operates under a permit through the CDFA. The dog team services are free to commercial growers in California, Arizona, and Texas through next March with a grant provided by the USDA, according to Lisa Finke, Owner of Canine Detection Services.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

The citrus industry has had their fair share of pest problems in the past few years. This program will provide a great step towards early detection and treatment of at least one of those pests. Hats off to USDA, who by the way, has a great deal of experience using dogs to help border patrols and air terminal or port inspectors to sniff out everything from illegal drugs to unwanted pests. This is a great program that will help improve the productivity and profitability of the citrus industry. More profits equal more truck sales opportunities in the future! Just one more reason to think beyond the current situation, i.e., Look Beyond Your Lot!