Researchers are hoping to develop an electronic “wood hound” which will track lumber by its scent from forest to end product.
The device is intended to help the timber industry certify that products are sourced from sustainably managed forests.
Glen Murphy of Oregon State University and Robert Franich from Scion, formerly New Zealand’s Forest Research, published a study on the idea in 2004 and Mr Murphy has since developed a US$8,000 device which can track one scent. His tests have involved using three perfumes on cedar, ponderosa pine and hemlock.
Mr Murphy intends to be able to track about 25 scents within five years, allowing more than 33 million logs to be tagged with scents.
Currently, metal staples and plastic tags are used in tracking timber, which can cause problems with sawmilling machinery. Radio frequency tags are deemed expensive.
The scent tracking method could also help to crack down on timber theft and illegal logging, while helping companies improve their marketing and management.
Prof Murphy is looking to secure additional funds to widen the research.
