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BBC report on using dogs’ sense of smell to scout Xf infected plants

Jan 18, 2023 | News, Uncategorized

The BBC Future Planet published an extensive report on the use of dogs’ sense of smell to identify plants infected by Xylella fastidiosa. The “Xylella Detection Dogs” initiative started in Apulia, Italy, in 2020 thanks to the BeXyl Project‘s partner UNAPROL. Building on the success of the experiments on canines’ detecting Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (the bacterium causing “citrus greening” disease) in citrus, BeXyl Project aims at assessing and developing dog-assisted methods to detect early stage, asymptomatic X. fastidiosa infections.

Currently, training activities focus on obedience and sensitization to X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca strain De Donno ST53 (the causal agent of olive quick decline syndrome) cultures on agar plates, using scent boxes and the pairing approach.

In the BeXyl Project frame, new experiments will include training dogs on different olive cultivars, infected and non-infected, symptomatic and non-symptomatic. Researchers will also assess and validate dog performances ‘on the ground’ in nurseries. Finally, specialized diagnostic laboratories participating in the BeXyl Project will evaluate the performance of canine detection compared to standard diagnostics methods.

BeXyl, EFSA and Auburn University launch Xylella Seminars

BeXyl, EFSA and Auburn University launch Xylella Seminars

The BeXyl Project, EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and Auburn University are pleased to announce the launch of Xylella Seminars, a new cycle of international scientific webinars on Xylella fastidiosa. The series follows the inspiring path of the Xylella Files,...

BeXyl on the most important Italian press agency

BeXyl on the most important Italian press agency

"Xylella, 10 years later, EU research investigates new solutions" is the headline of an article by ANSA (the main Italian news agency) on the history of EU research and the BeXyl project. "The 'BeXyl-Beyond Xylella' project, launched at the end of 2022, aims to go...