Pathogen and Vector Interactions with Biofuel Crops: Investigating the Importance of Landscape Context

Schrotenboer, A.C., R. Goodwin, N. Batora, and C.M. Malmstrom

Presented at the GLBRC Sustainability Retreat (2010-02-10 to 2010-02-12 )

Bioenergy development is leading to anthropogenic changes to plant traits and to large-scale modifications to landscape composition, which can influence plant-pathogen interactions. Pathogen interactions are important to consider not only for the sustainability of biofuel crops, but also for other landscape compartments, such as food crops and conservation areas. In our study we consider interactions among of a group of generalist plant viruses Barley and cereal yellow dwarf viruses (B/CYDVs), their aphid vectors, and potential biofuel crops (corn, switchgrass, prairie). To determine aphid pressure in fields of corn, switchgrass, and prairie, we sampled aphids using pan traps in summer of 2009. Aphid pressure data was compared to virus infection rates in switchgrass fields that had been determined from 2008 samples. To assess the importance of landscape context, we determined landcover in a 1.5 km radius around each study site through interpretation of aerial photographs. Aphid pressure was significantly associated with virus incidence in switchgrass fields. Landscape context influenced aphid pressure, with more diverse landscapes (based on Simpson’s Index) having fewer aphids. Areas with higher aphid and virus pressure could be a source of vector and pathogen spillover into other vegetation types, particularly if biofuel crops are planted with virus-susceptible varieties.

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