South Florida

FIU Students Using Dogs, Drones to Protect Important Crops

FIU has made headlines for its research on hurricanes and the oceans, but now FIU is getting attention for research that could save us some money at the grocery store. 

Students are using dogs and drones to try and protect one of South Florida's most important crops.

Drones on the hunt are part of FIU's effort to save trees in trouble. Equipped with infrared cameras, the drones spot trees that are stressed.

Then it's up to specially-trained dogs to discover why. The canines are able to smell a disease, which is killing avocado trees around the world.

FIU researchers have discovered the dogs are actually able to spot the disease before trees even show sign of the fungus. Scientists said the dogs allow them to start treatment earlier, giving trees a better chance at survival.

"It's been quite surprising to see how well the dogs work, how fast they can be trained on an odor and begin to be effective. It's really amazing," said Julian Mendel, FIU student.

Folks at Kampong, the historic gardens in Coconut Grove, said the dogs have already come to the rescue of some of the oldest avocado trees in South Florida.

"These are historic specimen trees from the 1920's that we now hope to keep that we otherwise might have lost if it wasn't for the dogs and subsequent treatment," said Mike Maunder with Kampong botanical garden.

The dogs have saved trees in the Redland as well. Researchers said this could become a viable treatment for avocado farmers around the world.

Dogs can be hundreds of times more sensitive to odors than people.

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