Summary
This theoretical study models the evolutionary dynamics of pathogens spreading across heterogeneous host populations with spatially varying selection pressures. The authors identify five distinct epidemic outcomes and show that generalist pathogens with multiple adaptations can outcompete specialist coalitions under finite population conditions, though higher mutation rates between genotypes can rescue specialist strategies at intermediate heterogeneity levels. The findings integrate migration, local selection, mutation, and genetic drift to provide insights applicable to designing more durable disease control strategies in agriculture and public health.
UK applicability
The theoretical framework is applicable to UK agricultural contexts where pathogens encounter spatially heterogeneous crop varieties or rotations, though practical application would require empirical validation with specific UK pathosystems and farming practices. The insights on control strategy design could inform crop breeding programmes and integrated pest management approaches used in British agriculture.
Key measures
Epidemic profiles, pathogen adaptation strategies, spread rates, extinction dynamics of locally maladapted pathogens, competition between specialist and generalist pathogen genotypes
Outcomes reported
The study identified five distinct epidemic profiles based on levels of spatial heterogeneity and adaptation costs, and characterised conditions favouring generalist versus specialist pathogen strategies. It quantified how demographic stochasticity, mutation rates, and spatial selection interact to determine pathogen spread dynamics.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.