RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Epidemic network analysis for mitigation of invasive pathogens in seed systems: Potato in Ecuador
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 107367
DO 10.1101/107367
A1 J. F. Hernandez Nopsa
A1 C. E. Buddenhagen
A1 K. F. Andersen
A1 J. Andrade-Piedra
A1 G. A. Forbes
A1 P. Kromann
A1 S. Thomas-Sharma
A1 P. Useche
A1 K. A. Garrett
YR 2017
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2017/03/23/107367.abstract
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.