Epidemiology of insect‐transmitted plant viruses: modelling disease dynamics and control interventions

TLDR

Plant viruses are a major constraint on global crop production, yet interdisciplinary collaboration has been limited; historically, vector‑based models focused on forecasting or vector dynamics, but recent epidemiological frameworks aim to better characterize host–virus–vector interactions, with vector activity and behaviour driving epidemic spread. The paper examines the theoretical foundations of epidemiological models for plant viruses and evaluates their use in assessing control strategies that target host–virus–vector interactions, while highlighting outstanding research and methodological challenges. The models’ applicability and flexibility are demonstrated through case studies, notably the growing significance of whitefly‑transmitted viruses. Abstract.

Abstract

Abstract. Plant viruses are an important constraint to crop production world‐wide. Rarely have plant virologists, vector entomologists and crop specialists worked together in search of sustainable management practices for viral diseases. Historically, modelling approaches have been vector‐based dealing with empirical forecasting systems or simulation of vector population dynamics. More recently, epidemiological models, such as those used in human/animal epidemiology, have been introduced in an attempt to characterize and analyse the population ecology of viral diseases. The theoretical bases for these models and their use in evaluating control strategies in terms of the interactions between host, virus and vector are considered here. Vector activity and behaviour, especially in relation to virus transmission, are important determinants of the rate and extent of epidemic development. The applicability and flexibility of these models are illustrated by reference to specific case studies, including the increasing importance of whitefly‐transmitted viruses. Some outstanding research and methodological issues are considered.