Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) (Luteoviridae) is the most damaging viral disease of cereals worldwide. Due to increased adoption of conservation tillage practices in winter wheat production in south-western Ontario, it was suspected that BYDV incidence may have increased due to reduced destruction of volunteer wheat and earlier planting dates. It was hypothesized that volunteer wheat could serve as a reservoir for cereal aphids that transmit BYDV and provide a 'green bridge' to autumn sown winter wheat. Over two years of study, the incidence of BYDV in winter wheat and fields containing volunteer wheat was assessed and the most prevalent serotype(s) were determined. The most abundant vector species was determined as well as the seasonal dispersal patterns of cereal aphids by monitoring field populations and catches in suction air and elevated pan traps. Chloronicotinyl seed treatments were evaluated for their efficacy in controlling cereal aphids and BYDV.