The phenology of aphid alatae as potential vectors of non-persistent virus in midwestern pumpkins

Pumpkins are susceptible to infection by four aphid-vectored viruses, but it is yet unknown which species may be primarily responsible for inoculating pumpkins with these viruses in the Midwest. To survey the prevalence of potential vector species throughout the growing season, aphid alates were monitored in 14 commercial pumpkin fields in Indiana. Alates were retrieved from pan traps on a weekly basis from mid-June through the end of September of 2010 and subsequently identified. In combination with an analysis of virus occurrence within pumpkin fields throughout the growing season, and with knowledge of aphid species virus transmission efficiencies, pan trap surveys of aphid alates could be used to indicate virus vector species of potential importance in pumpkins.