Management of Insect-vectored Pathogens of Plants

Epidemiology of vectored plant pathogens involves the plant, the pathogens, the vectors, and the environment, all interacting in various ways. Often, an understanding is needed of seasonal cycles of host plants, pathogens, and vectors. For example, pathogens and vectors important to an annual crop may have non-crop reservoirs between harvest and re-planting. Vectors may overwinter in the crop, or on alternate host plants. The host range of the pathogen may determine whether inoculum control is feasible or not. Some pathogens are transmitted via plant propagation, and others are not. The epidemiology of vectored plant pathogens often is complex and an integrated approach to management is needed. Often, no single approach will achieve adequate control. This section is organized according to the concept of integrated pest management, including chemical control, biological control, host plant resistance, cultural control, and regulatory measures. Each of these categories will be considered in terms of the vectors and the pathogens.