Modelling the Effects of Traits and Abiotic Factors on Viral Lysis in Phytoplankton

A mechanistic system dynamics description is developed of the interactions between a single lytic-virus – phytoplankton-host couple. The model has state variables for virus, uninfected and infected host biomass, describes virus allometry physiology. model, analogous to experimental laboratory virus-host systems but more amenable hypothesis testing, enables us explore relative importance some poorly understood factors suspected impact plankton dynamics. Model behaviour explored with respect abiotic (light, mixed layer depth, nutrient suspended particle loading), traits (size, growth rate, motility) latent period burst size including linkage compromised physiology, decay rates). Simulations show that optimal performance (i.e., trait characterisation) function many relating its host, environment. In general, smaller viruses motile hosts give rise productive infection outcomes result in rapid demise high post-infection abundance. However, timing development interaction (relative abundance at start population growth), overlain on rate physiological status was seen be critical. Thus, any one configuration inoculum level (multiplicity infection- MOI) displayed an optimum time-point developing too quickly, limiting biomass accumulation, or late so light limitation physiology hence size. Importantly, success depended also upon load which, if enough, adsorbs does not develop. We conclude adding ecosystem models realistic fashion complicated process due way individual coupled processes interact