Transmission of plant diseases by insects. Successful protection of cultivated plants from pathogens is impossible without a good understanding of their epidemiology. We investigate the contribution of insect vectors to spreading disease within and between potato fields, as vector management is often the most efficient approach to preventing disease outbreaks. Our main emphasis is on Potato virus Y and aphids, but we also look at the transmission (or lack thereof) of blackleg by insect pests.
Representative Publications:
Galimberti, A., A. Alyokhin, H. Qu, and J. Rose. 2020. Simulation modelling of Potato virus Y spread in relation to initial inoculum and vector activity. Journal of Integrative Agriculture 19: 376-388. [Full text]
Galimberti, A. and A. Alyokhin. 2018. Lethal and sublethal effects of mineral oil on potato pests. Journal of Economic Entomology 111: 1261-1267. [E-mail to request a reprint]
Booth, E. and A. Alyokhin. 2016. Colorado potato beetle response to potato plants infected with Potato Virus Y and Potato Leafroll Virus. American Journal of Potato Research 93: 213-223. [E-mail to request a reprint]
Here is a video on Potato virus Y that we produced together with the Cooperative Extension:
Here is another video describing some Potato virus Y research in our laboratory:
