In this study, we discussed the significant threat posed by powdery mildew disease (PMD) to cashew plantations worldwide, causing yield losses and economic damages. While limited modeling studies have examined the transmission dynamics of PMD, this work comprehensively investigates its spread using a mathematical framework. We present a deterministic mathematical model to describe the transmission dynamics of PMD within cashew plant populations. The basic reproduction number( \(R_0\) ) was calculated using the next-generation matrix method, and it was used to examine the stability of equilbrium points. Additionally, we conducted a sensitivity analysis to determine which parameters most significantly affect \(R_0\) . The key findings from the analytical and numerical simulations suggest that increased contact rates between susceptible cashew plants and infected Oidium anacardii Noack fungi raise the transmission rate of PMD, negatively impacting cashew yield and quality. Furthermore, timely application of control measures, such as fungicide application and destroying infected plant debris, can mitigate disease spread, aiding in disease management and yield protection. This study, consequently, enhances the understanding of PMD transmission dynamics, offering valuable insights for developing targeted disease control strategies.
