Abstract
We used the nuclear polyhedrosis virus (LdNPV) of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), to test one of the basic assumptions of most models of disease dynamics, that the rate of horizontal transmission is directly proportional to the product of the densities of healthy larvae and virus. To do this we made measurements of virus transmission, using small—scale experiments in bags on red oak (Quercus rubra) foliage and field data on naturally occurring populations from a previous study. We observed a decline in the transmission constant as the densities of both healthy larvae and pathogen increased, indicating that the rate of disease transmission is not directly proportional to the product of these variables.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
