Detection dogs identify difficult-to-spot weeds in Lantmännen trials
In field trials, detection dogs have successfully located small weed plants within growing crops, proving effective where visual detection is challenging. The project now enters an analysis phase.
Lantmännen's research project utilizing detection dogs for weed identification has moved into its analysis phase following successful field trials. The dogs have demonstrated an ability to locate small weed plants directly within crops, which are often difficult for humans to spot visually.
The project aims to assess the practical potential of using dogs for early weed detection, a critical step for effective control. Early identification is particularly important for weeds like barnyard grass, which can produce a large number of seeds and develop herbicide resistance, posing significant challenges to farmers.
During the trials, dogs like Frej, handled by Britt, searched for specific weed scents. They successfully identified small plants that were then logged with GPS and cross-referenced with assessments by experienced advisors. This olfactory approach offers an advantage over purely visual inspection, especially for young plants.
Lantmännen is collaborating with institutions including the County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), and Svalöf Upper Secondary School. The project, funded by the Lantmännen Research Foundation, is exploring how dog detection could be integrated with other technologies, such as drones and AI, to enhance agricultural practices.