Transmission dynamics and optimal control of a Huanglongbing model with time delay

In this paper, a mathematical model has been formulated for the transmission dynamics of citrus Huanglongbing considering latent period as the time delay factor. Existence of the equilibria and their stability have been studied on the basis of basic reproduction number in two cases τ=0 and τ>0. The results show that stability changes occur through Hopf bifurcation in the delayed system. Optimal control theory is then applied to investigate the optimal strategy for curtailing the spread of the disease using three time-dependent control variables determined from sensitivity analysis. By using Pontryagin's Maximum Principle, we obtain the optimal integrated strategy and prove the uniqueness of optimal control solution. Analytical and numerical findings suggest that it is feasible to implement control techniques while minimizing the cost of implementation of optimal control strategies.