In this paper the construction of a detailed, discrete
deterministic simulation model coupling the development
and spread of a fungus
Erysiphe necator
, with the development
of its host, the perennial crop
Vitis vinifera
, is
described. The model was used to show, by simulation,
the dependence of epidemic development on climatic
variables and crop management parameters. The model
was designed to (i) quantify and rank the most important
host and pathogen factors that modify the dynamic interactions
between pathogen, host and their environment
and, (ii) simulate the spatiotemporal dynamics of host
growth and epidemic development, beginning from a
range of climatic conditions, production systems and
initial conditions for the density and location of the
pathogen, in order to identify situations most conducive
to the spread of disease.