Abstract
Aphids trapped in water pans near and within a planting of watermelon were identified and caged on virus indicator plants throughout the development of a watermelon mosaic virus 2 (WMV-2) epidemic. With this technique, no vectors of primary inoculum were identified, but aphids transmitting WMV-2 within the field were detected when infection in watermelon reached 4%. Final mosaic incidence was 99%. Of all aphids trapped within the watermelon planting, 87% were Anuraphis middletonii (Thomas), a consistent natural vector.