While disease has been shown to be of enormous importance in agriculture, we know very little about the importance of disease in regulating natural plant populations. Most agricultural studies have investigated short-term impacts on genetically uniform varieties; effects of disease on long-term population fluctuations in nature are not understood. The present study will use the anther-smut disease of white champion to investigate the effects of a particular class of diseases (those transmitted by pollinators) on population regulation. The research will combine computer simulation with the study of disease spread in experimental populations, so as to understand the potential impact of the disease on the plant populations.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Environmental Biology (DEB)
Application #
8717664
Program Officer
Gregory J. McCants
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1988-05-15
Budget End
1991-10-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
$282,122
Indirect Cost
Name
Duke University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Durham
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27705