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Spread of plant diseases by insects can be described by equations that model interplanetary gravity
September 05, 2006Researchers from Penn State University and the University of Virginia show that the spread of diseases by insects can be described by equations similar to those that describe the force of gravity between planetary objects. Their findings are detailed in the September issue of The American Naturalist.
Insects tend to transmit diseases in the course of feeding on plants, and their movement between plants is influenced by plant quality (how good of a meal they'll get) and the distance between plants, or, how far they'll have to travel to get to the next meal, explain Matthew Ferrari, Jessica Partain, Janis Antonovics, and Ottar Bjornstad.
"It turns out insects are more likely to move shorter distances between better plants," write the authors. "Interestingly, then, the probability of disease being passed between two plants goes up if they are closer and/or better, which parallels the stronger gravity between closer and larger planets."
The researchers tracked a fungal disease spread by bees and moths in the course of pollinating and feeding on nectar from white campion flowers at the University of Virginia's Mountain Lake Biological Station. As predicted by the behaviour of insects, the disease was more likely to spread shorter distances between plants that had many flowers.
"This implies that knowledge of insect behaviour can lead to better prediction of where disease will spread," explain the authors. In fact, these patterns are not limited to diseases of plants or diseases carried by insects. Bjornstad and colleagues have previously shown that similar patterns describe the spread of measles among cities, because people tend to travel more between large towns or only short distances.
University of Chicago Press Journals
The researchers tracked a fungal disease spread by bees and moths in the course of pollinating and feeding on nectar from white campion flowers at the University of Virginia's Mountain Lake Biological Station. As predicted by the behaviour of insects, the disease was more likely to spread shorter distances between plants that had many flowers.
"This implies that knowledge of insect behaviour can lead to better prediction of where disease will spread," explain the authors. In fact, these patterns are not limited to diseases of plants or diseases carried by insects. Bjornstad and colleagues have previously shown that similar patterns describe the spread of measles among cities, because people tend to travel more between large towns or only short distances.
University of Chicago Press Journals
Plant Disease Current Events and Plant Disease News RSSIowa State University researcher discovers key to vital DNA, protein interaction
A researcher at Iowa State University has discovered how a group of proteins from plant pathogenic bacteria interact with DNA in the plant cell, opening up the possibility for what the scientist calls a "cascade of advances."
New 'biofactories' produce rare healing substances in the endangered Devil's claw plant
Deep in Africa's Kalahari Desert lies the "Devil's claw," a plant that may hold the key to effective treatments for arthritis, tendonitis and other illnesses that affect millions each year.
Plant protein 'doorkeepers' block invading microbes, study finds
A group of plant proteins that "shut the door" on bacteria that would otherwise infect the plant's leaves has been identified for the first time by a team of researchers in Denmark, at the University of California, Davis, and at UC Berkeley.
Iowa State researchers contribute climate model to study that finds some winds decreasing
Declining wind speeds in parts of the United States could impact more than the wind power industry, say Iowa State University climate researchers.
New wheat disease could spread faster than expected
Both plant and human diseases that can travel with the wind have the potential to spread far more rapidly than has been understood, according to a new study, in findings that pose serious concerns not only for some human diseases but also a new fungus that threatens global wheat production.
Does hotter mean healthier?
Phytophthora blight, caused by Phytophthora capsici, is a major plant disease that affects many crop species worldwide, including chile peppers in New Mexico. Farmers' observations suggested that Phytophthora capsici caused less damage in pepper crops of the hot pepper varieties than low-heat pepper varieties.
Grazing animals help spread plant disease
Researchers have discovered that grazing animals such as deer and rabbits are actually helping to spread plant disease - quadrupling its prevalence in some cases - and encouraging an invasion of annual grasses that threaten more than 20 million acres of native grasslands in California.
New hybrid plants could prompt more prodigious pepper production in Southwest
By themselves or as an ingredient in a variety of foods, including salsa, America's top-selling condiment, peppers have found a warm spot in the hearts and stomachs of U.S. consumers.
People only eat 1 when the chips are brown
Dr. Don Henne isn't wasting his degree when he's standing by the deep fryer waiting for potato slices to turn brown. He's conducting research that will help the potato industry and consumers.
Laurel Wilt of Redbay and Sassafras: Will Avocados be Next?
Scientists with the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS), Iowa State University, and the Florida Division of Forestry have provided the first description of a fungus responsible for the wilt of redbay trees along the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
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Plant Pathology, Fifth Edition by George N. Agrios (Author) This fifth edition of the classic textbook in plant pathology outlines how to recognize, treat, and prevent plant diseases. It provides extensice coverage of abiotic, fungal, viral, bacterial,nematode and other plant diseases and their associated epidemiology. It also covers the genetics of resistance and modern management on plant disease. Plant Pathology, 5th Edition, is the most comprehensive resource and textbook that professionals, faculty and students can consult for well-organized, essential information. This thoroughly revised edition is 45% larger, covering new discoveries and developments in plant pathology and enhanced by hundreds of new color photographs and illustrations. * The latest information on molecular techniques and... |
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Bayer 701285B 3-in-1 Insect Disease and Mite Control Concentrate, 32-Ounce by Bayer 32 OZ, 3 In 1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control Concentrate, For Use On Flowers & Shrubs, Kills On Contact, Cures & Prevents Diseases, Rainproof Protection, Lasts Up To 30 Days, The Only Product With Tau Fluvalinate Highly Effective Miticide Compound, Bayer Active Ingredient Imidacloprid, Tebucomazole. |
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Bayer 2-in-1 Insect Protection with Fertilizer Plant Spikes #701710A by Bayer 10 Pack, 2 In 1, 8-11-5 Plant Spikes, Control Insects Plus Provides Slow Release Feeding, Lasts Up To 8 Weeks, For Potted Indoor Or Outdoor Ornamental Plants. |
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