Biology of animal vectors of plant viruses

Timetable

Module aim (aims)

Students will:
- learn basic concepts of epidemiology of plant viruses and their animal vector biology;
- have basic knowledge on the systematics of vectors of plant viruses;
- understand the tripartite interactions between plant virus, vector and host;
- gain basic knowledge on the strategies and role of vector control in the plant disease management;
- review current scientific literature relevant to the topic of vector ecology and vector-borne diseases, including studies on emergent pathogens, climate change and biodiversity.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

No special prerequisites

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to vector-borne plant viruses and their transmission modes (2 hrs lecture, 2 hrs seminar)
Week 2: Overview of plant virus vectors: systematics and biology of arthropod and nematode vectors, part 1 (2 hrs lecture, 2 hrs seminar)
Week 3: Overview of plant virus vectors: systematics and biology of arthropod and nematode vectors, part 2 (2 hrs lecture, 2 hrs seminar)
Week 4: Molecular insights into vector-mediated transmission (2 hrs lecture, 2 hrs seminar)
Week 5: Virus, vector and host interactions, part 1: viral manipulation hypothesis (2 hrs lecture, 2 hrs seminar)
Week 6: Virus, vector and host interactions, part 2: coevolution of viruses with their vectors and hosts (2 hrs lecture, 2 hrs seminar)
Week 7: Overview of vector control strategies in disease prevention (2 hrs lecture, 2 hrs seminar)
Week 8: Prospects and future directions in vector biology research (2hrs seminar)
Week 9: Evaluation: Written test

Reading list

Hull, R. (2014) Plant virology. 5th edition, Academic Press, London
Butter, N. S. (2018) Insect vectors and plant pathogens. 2nd edition, CRC Press, Boca Raton
The most recent relevant scientific publications on the topic will be selected during the course.