Detection of <i>Verticillium dahliae</i> in Olive Groves Using Canine Detection Units

Abstract

Verticillium wilt is one of the most significant agricultural diseases in the world, in view of the fact that not only does it affec olive groves but also a wide variety of fruit, vegetable and ornamental plants. Currently, the most efficient and economical method of control involves the use of plant species that are resistant to the disease. However, as there are few varieties of olive tree with this characteristic, early diagnosis and the replacement of affected trees are key strategies to combat the disease. The present research proposes the use of a canine unit that is specifically trained to detect Verticillium dahliae as an early detection method for the fungus in olive groves. For the odorous samples are produced in the laboratory from V. dahliae , it is calculated that the dog dis-plays a level of sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 95%, and an initial field assay shows that the sensitivity and specificity are constant when working with infected olive trees. In view of the fact that there is currently no curative treatment for this disease and the affected plants are completely lost, fast on-site detection provides significant advantages in terms of preventing the transmission of the disease. Moreover, it also enables focalized treatment to be provided on plots of land and plants and, in combination with the latest prevention methods, real-time detection of affected olive trees enables a reduction in the costs involved in vaccination, thereby contributing overall to a reduction in the financial losses caused by verticillium wilt.