Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Managing The Spread Of Alfalfa Stem Nematodes Ditylenchus Dipsaci: The Relationship Between Crop Rotation And Pest Re-Emergence, Scott Jordan

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Alfalfa is a critical cash/rotation crop in the western region of the United States, where it is common to find crops affected by the alfalfa stem nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci). Understanding the spread dynamics associated with this pest would allow end-users to design better management programs and farming practices. This is of particular importance given that there are no nematicides available against alfalfa stem nematode and control strategies largely rely on crop rotation to non-host crops or by planting resistant varieties. I present a basic host-parasite model that describes the spread of the alfalfa stem nematode on alfalfa crops. With this …