# Specialist K9 company Luna Hounds says trained dogs are helping Macadamia farmers detect pests before they become visible. Speaking to Engineering News, Robynne Oosthuizen says the scent-detection trained dogs can identify a specific scale insect infestation with reported 99-percent accuracy, allowing growers to target treatment and potentially reduce insecticide use. The company says a trained team can search one hectare in eleven minutes when no infestation is present. The dogs detect changes in plant scent caused by pests, with results recorded and affected trees marked for further attention.
Luna Hounds trained dogs assist Macadamia farmers detect pests