Mitigating epidemics caused by non-persistently transmitted aphid-borne viruses: the role of the pliant environment

Using Soybean mosaic virus as a model system, the rate, magnitude and timin g of epidemics caused by non-persistently transmitted, aphid-borne viruses are examined under various field conditions. Emphasis is placed on the beha vioural responses of vectors to environmental cues, although all three biot ic components (host plant, vector and virus) are considered. Both single an d double manipulations of the cropping system environment are explored usin g a computer model developed earlier by Ruesink and Irwin (Plant Virus Epid emics: Monitoring, Modelling and Predicting Outbreaks. Academic Press, Sydn ey, 1986, pp. 295-313). (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.