Plant pathogens driven by vector movement

Plant pathogens can seriously impact natural and cultivated plant populations. Vectors, such as aphids and whiteflies, are vital for the transmission of many pathogens between plant hosts. Pathogen transmission and disease spread across hosts depends on vector movement, which is driven by vector population dynamics, as well as characteristics of host plants. Here we use ODE population models, in order to better understand how vector behavior and life history traits drive the spread of plant pathogens. The model incorporates condition-dependent vector movement, as vector behavior has been shown to depend on local disease status. We investigate the model dynamics and impacts of vector movement and will discuss the implications of vector movement for the dispersal of vector-borne plant pathogens.

Collaborators:

Allison K. Shaw, Alison G. Power, and Nilsa A. Bosque-Perez

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