Lusekelo, EvaHelikumi, MlyashimbiDaudi, SalamidaMushayabasa, Steady2025-07-082025-07-082025https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rico.2025.100522https://repository.must.ac.tz/handle/123456789/338This research article was published by ELSERVIER in 2025Cassava remains Sub-Saharan Africa’s secondmost crucial staple food crop after maize. However production of sufficient yields is hampered by pests and diseases. In particular, the white fly (Bemisia tabaci)has the potential toreduceexpectedyieldsby50%since it directly damages cassava leaves by feeding on phloem, causing chlorosis and abscission. This study develops an ovel mathematical model for cassava mosaic disease that incorporates immature and adult white fly populations. Additionally, the model includes vector feeding behavior since priorstudieshaveshownthatvectorsexhibitpreferencestosettleforeitherhealthyorinfected hosts.Wedeterminedtheoffspringnumberandcarriedoutitssensitivityanalysis.Additionally, we carried out an optimal control study on the use of insecticides and plantroguing as disease control measures against cassava mosaic disease .Our results show that vector preference and efficiency of disease control strategies plays an important role in shaping the short and long term dynamics of cassava mosaic disease, which subsequently impacts the design of its optimal control strategiesenOptimal Control Applied to a Stage-structured Cassava Mosaic Disease Model with Vector Feeding BehaviorArticle