Chapwanya, MichaelMatusse, A.Dumont, Yves2021-04-202021-02Chapwanya, M., Matusse, A. & Dumont, Y. 2021, 'On synergistic co-infection in crop diseases. The case of the maize lethal necrosis disease', Applied Mathematical Modelling, vol. 90, pp. 912-942.0307-904X (print)1872-8480 (online)10.1016/j.apm.2020.09.036http://hdl.handle.net/2263/79514Crops are often subject to intense attacks by pests and diseases. Among them, Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) is a serious disease that impact maize crops in many Southern countries. It results from the synergistic interaction of two plant viruses, transmitted by two vectors. In this paper, we develop a general deterministic epidemic model of crop-vector-borne disease for synergistic co-infection, with a particular focus on MLN disease. A theoretical analysis shows that different thresholds exists that drive the dynamics of the system: the well known basic reproduction numbers and also invasion reproduction numbers. The latter are essential for the emergence or not of the MLN disease. After a global sensitivity analysis, we illustrate our results through numerical simulations and discuss potential control methods such as vector control and roguing.en© 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Notice : this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Applied Mathematical Modelling. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. A definitive version was subsequently published in Applied Mathematical Modelling, vol. 90, pp. 912-942 , 2021, doi : 10.1016/j.apm.2020.09.036.Maize lethal necrosis (MLN)Vector-borne plant diseaseCo-infectionSynergistic interactionInvasion reproduction numberSensitivity analysisNumerical simulationsPostprint Article