Specially trained dogs are proving to be invaluable allies for winemakers in the fight against vineyard pests and diseases, according to recent research. These canine helpers are demonstrating remarkable abilities to detect invasive species and fungal infections that threaten grapevines, offering a promising new tool for sustainable viticulture.
Sniffing Out Invasive Pests
A study led by Cornell University researchers, published in December in the Ecosphere journal, highlighted the effectiveness of dogs in detecting the eggs of the invasive spotted lanternfly. This pest, which can devastate vineyards, has been a growing concern for winemakers in the northeastern United States.
In the study, Dia, a Labrador retriever, and Fagan, a Belgian Malinois, outperformed humans in locating spotted lanternfly egg masses in forested areas adjacent to vineyards in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The dogs detected 3.4 times more egg masses than their human counterparts, particularly in wooded regions where the pests often overwinter.
However, humans proved more effective at finding egg masses within the vineyards themselves, likely due to their ability to conduct systematic, row-by-row searches.
“A spotted lanternfly infestation in a vineyard can cause 80% to 100% mortality of the vines in one growing season,” warned Professor Angela Fuller of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, who led the study.
Detecting Fungal Threats
In addition to pest detection, dogs have shown promise in identifying powdery mildew, a pervasive fungal disease affecting grapevines worldwide. A separate study, published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, revealed that dogs can recognize the scent of powdery mildew on grapevine leaves.
Researchers worked with three pet dogs experienced in scent detection for scientific purposes. While the results were promising, the study’s authors emphasized the need for further research to refine the dogs’ detection capabilities.
California Trials Showcase Canine Potential
A pilot project in California has further underscored the versatility of dogs in vineyard management. According to a December report by Wine Business, dogs successfully detected leafroll 3 virus and vine mealybugs with high accuracy.
In the trial, Malbec, a black Labrador, and Sauvi B, an English Springer Spaniel, were trained to sniff out mealybugs, while Cab, a German Shorthaired Pointer, and Zinny, another English Springer Spaniel, focused on detecting leafroll 3 virus. The results were presented by Stephanie Bolton, grower research and education director at the Lodi Winegrape Commission, at the Sustainable Ag Expo in San Luis Obispo.
A Sustainable Solution
The findings from these studies suggest that dogs could play a critical role in sustainable vineyard management. With their acute sense of smell and ability to cover large areas efficiently, dogs offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pest and disease detection methods.
As research continues, the integration of specially trained dogs into vineyard operations could become a game-changer for winemakers worldwide, helping to safeguard crops and ensure the future of sustainable wine production.
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