This is one of a series of articles about the 20 research projects for which CONNECTED provided pump-prime funding. A full set of articles about all 20 projects can be found here.
Modelling of cassava brown streak virus spread by the insect vector Bemisia tabaci
A project developing ways to predict the spread of plant viruses under different environmental scenarios
Climate change is expected to intensify vector-borne viral diseases in future, by expanding the current geographical range of diseases and by creating new outbreaks.
In a changing environmental context, epidemiological modelling is increasingly valued because it provides data to understand virus transmission processes, develop interventions, and predict disease incidence and prevalence.
Currently, few models are available to integrate the complex interactions of
- virus
- host plant
- insect vector, and
- environment
to anticipate future spread of the disease.
This project is developing a temperature based model – that integrates the life cycle of Bemisia tabaci and their vector ability – for Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV). This model will enable analysis of the probability of virus transmission as affected by different future temperature scenarios driven by climate change.
Countries
- Uganda
- Peru
- UK
International research collaboration
- National Crops Resources Research Institute, Uganda
- International Potato Center, Peru
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, UK
People
- Sophie Bouvaine (PI)
- Tadeo Kaweesi
- Jan Kreuze
- Susan Seal
Network members can find further details about those involved in the project by logging in to this site as a member, and using the Member Directory.