PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - J. F. Hernandez Nopsa
AU  - C. E. Buddenhagen
AU  - K. F. Andersen
AU  - J. Andrade-Piedra
AU  - G. A. Forbes
AU  - P. Kromann
AU  - S. Thomas-Sharma
AU  - P. Useche
AU  - K. A. Garrett
TI  - Epidemic network analysis for mitigation of invasive pathogens in seed systems: Potato in Ecuador
AID  - 10.1101/107367
DP  - 2017 Jan 01
TA  - bioRxiv
PG  - 107367
4099  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2017/03/23/107367.short
4100  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2017/03/23/107367.full
AB  - Seed system structure defines pathways for the spread of pathogens involved in seed degeneration and influences their ability to supply high quality seed to farmers. We evaluated seed system networks defined by a regional potato farmer consortium (CONPAPA) in Tungurahua, Ecuador. The structure of networks of farmer seed and potato transactions, and the linked network of information about pest and disease management, were estimated based on surveys. We performed a scenario analysis of disease spread in this multilayer network to identify key nodes for sampling and mitigation. The centrality of CONPAPA’s leadership group in the network means that disease management interventions, such as training, monitoring and variety dissemination, should target CONPAPA staff and facilities. A market in the largest nearby town, Ambato, was the next most important node. Farmers reported receiving advice about disease and pest management through trusted CONPAPA technical staff. Advice from agrochemical stores was common but viewed as significantly less reliable. Farmer access to information (number and quality of sources) was similar for both genders. Women had a smaller amount of the market share, however. Understanding seed system networks provides a window into options for system improvement that include environmental and societal concerns.