Another Positive CymMV Virus

[PocoGigio]

I did a CymMV/ORSV test on my Brassidium Fly Away 'Taida' today. The plant looked as spotty as my Sharry Baby that tested positive for CymMV so I thought I'd check this one too!

Well, bummer, it also has the CymMV virus! But, it still has new growths, good roots and flowers well. I think I'll just isolate this one instead of throwing it out.

What do you all do when yours gets virused - do they stay or do they go?!

I'm crying.

(The good news is I tested 3 others and they were all negative!)

[elitebettas]

So sorry to hear, I've been pondering the fate of some of my plants as well. I think i will isolate the good performers. Also, a recent cymbidium from Ebay turned out to be virused. When I contacted the seller he refunded my money immediately and didn't even question or challenge me. ALOT of stuff out there unfortunately is either infected with virus or fusarium... Even the Better Gro bag babies. Just food for thought.

[Stitz]

Originally Posted by elitebettas

So sorry to hear, I've been pondering the fate of some of my plants as well. I think i will isolate the good performers. Also, a recent cymbidium from Ebay turned out to be virused. When I contacted the seller he refunded my money immediately and didn't even question or challenge me. ALOT of stuff out there unfortunately is either infected with virus or fusarium... Even the Better Gro bag babies. Just food for thought.

Your eBay vendor is honourable!

The best solution is to eliminate all virused plants from any collection, no matter how difficult the decision. I have “terminated” many plants due to positive virus tests.

I have “saved” a few virused plants which tested virus “positive”. Yes, I am engaging in risky behaviour.

I am virtually certain that most of the virus transmission in years past was due to insect vectors. I “think” that I have solved this problem through the use of IMIDACLOPRID. I have also changed hygiene practices.

Have I eliminated all virus transmission routes? Probably not...., yet.

--Stitz--

[digitalgate]

Originally Posted by Stitz

Your eBay vendor is honourable!
I am virtually certain that most of the virus transmission in years past was due to insect vectors. I “think” that I have solved this problem through the use of IMIDACLOPRID. I have also changed hygiene practices.

Have I eliminated all virus transmission routes? Probably not...., yet.

--Stitz--

eh.... imidacloprid is for insect. How does that solve virus problem

[Ron]

What do you all do when yours gets virused - do they stay or do they go?!
I'm crying.

Hi Sorry to hear about the virus problem.
What to do, well if you want to keep virus plants thats up to you.

My way of dealing with the problem and early on in my orchid collection I bought a few Cymbids from "FRIENDS" that turned out to be Viruses.
They all went straight into the garbage bin, a few plants either side that "MAY" have contact with there leaves were also binned'
I do not want my collection to be ruined or have people comment that my plants are all virused
I am very fussy about how clean my plants are, top quality.

The best solution is to eliminate all virused plants from any collection, no matter how difficult the decision. I have “terminated” many plants due to positive virus tests.

The way to go, if it looks funny/spotted streaky leaves, or the flowers become distorted or spotted, most likely they are virused.Get rid of them.
I now keep a very clean greenhouse and 99% of my plants come from professional labs/nurserys in flasks.
Cheerio
Ron

[Ron]

eh.... imidacloprid is for insect. How does that solve virus problem
Reply With Quote

Controls the sap suckers that can transfer the virus from plant to plant.
been proved by many research scientist study plant problems/behavior
Ron

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by PocoGigio

What do you all do when yours gets virused - do they stay or do they go?!

They go. Plain and simple.

[Bolero]

Yep they go. I know someone who destroyed an entire collection once........

[Brooke]

They go immediately.

Ron the virus can also survive the flask process if the parents are virused.

Brooke

[Ron]

Ron the virus can also survive the flask process if the parents are virused.

Hi Brooke, quiet correct, most big reliable nursery's/labs of high standards usually do their own pollinating and do not risk a bad batch of publicity if the seedling turn out virused.
I suppose the old saying 'Buyer beware'
Lucky I have never had any problems so far (touch wood"
Cheerio
Ron

[Andrew]

I throw out virused orchids. In the case of species that are hard to replace I have isolated virused plants and collected seed before throwing the plant out but I don't have the space or the inclination to keep virused plants isolated indefinately.

[syndywindy]

I don't have but a couple onc's but how does one test for viruses? Where do you get testing material?

[PocoGigio]

So, it's unanimous. Bummer.
I tossed the Brsdm. yesterday and the Sharry goes today. (No more Sharrys for me, I'm 0 for 2) I think I better get more test kits and do a few more that I suspect. I've been isolating the Sharry outside but now that they'll all be coming inside, their quarters will be a little more cramped and isolation is out.
I've been doing the imadacloprid thing for a couple of years now so hopefully I've curtailed some insect transfer.
I want to sterilize the decorative pots and LECA they were in with bleach. What should the concentration be and how long should I soak them

PS-Sunday is our society meeting and Glen Decker is speaking. He's bringing orchids for sale so that should cheer me up!

[amersault]

oh, Paula! i'm so sorry to hear that it's always hard to part w/ prized plants, but i have to agree: if it compromises your entire collection, discard the plants in question. you can always replace one or two. you can replace them all. cheer up - you can get other specimens another time.

[PocoGigio]

Originally Posted by syndywindy

I don't have but a couple onc's but how does one test for viruses? Where do you get testing material?

Syndy,
Here's where you can get them for CymMV and ORSV:
Agdia, Inc. - The World Leader In Plant Pathogen Test Kits.
The test kit # is ISK 13300. It comes with full instructions and is quite easy.
I am afraid to ask what other orchid viruses are "popular" (more like unpopular) and should be tested for!

[Stitz]

Originally Posted by PocoGigio

So, it's unanimous. Bummer.
I tossed the Brsdm. yesterday and the Sharry goes today. (No more Sharrys for me, I'm 0 for 2) I think I better get more test kits and do a few more that I suspect. I've been isolating the Sharry outside but now that they'll all be coming inside, their quarters will be a little more cramped and isolation is out.
I've been doing the imadacloprid thing for a couple of years now so hopefully I've curtailed some insect transfer.
I want to sterilize the decorative pots and LECA they were in with bleach. What should the concentration be and how long should I soak them

PS-Sunday is our society meeting and Glen Decker is speaking. He's bringing orchids for sale so that should cheer me up!

Paula,

The standard for "field sterilization" is a fresh 10% bleach solution (1:9), total immersion. For full sterilization it should be allowed to react for 20 minutes. It is essential that the material to be "sterilized" is totally free from all dirt/organic accumulation before the immersion in the 10% bleach solution.

I trash old media, whether it's LECA or organic. I do not have a financial interest in any of these products.

--Stitz--

[-k-]

Ok Devils advocate here, but I've been following this thread as well as others where it has been stated the plant has said virus yet remains healthy, growing, flowering etc...
Yes, I'm also being a bit lazy and not researching further but...my 'Q' is, if left untreated what is the ramification on the plant? Aside from spotting, what else occurs and further more what are the signs of said virus?

[PocoGigio]

Thanks Stitz,
This is today's project.
PS-I like to recycle when I can (and, I'm a cheap wench!). I have a feeling I'll be reusing alot of LECA because of this virus thing.
PPS-Off topic, but will you be at the NCOS show in October?

[PocoGigio]

Originally Posted by -K-

Ok Devils advocate here, but I've been following this thread as well as others where it has been stated the plant has said virus yet remains healthy, growing, flowering etc...
Yes, I'm also being a bit lazy and not researching further but...my 'Q' is, if left untreated what is the ramification on the plant? Aside from spotting, what else occurs and further more what are the signs of said virus?

Some thoughts:

Maybe the "ground zero" plant looks OK but it may/will spread to others that will not fare as well. The only treatment (unanimous amongst the geeks here) is destruction of the plant.

I could never sell/divide/donate a plant knowing it's virused or from a virused collection.

I posted a picture of my plant with its symptoms but depending on the virus or the genus of affected plant, the plants may show different symptoms or none at all. Ya gotta (bada) bing "orchid virus" and you'll get tons of info.

[-k-]

Tkx. yeah I was refering specifically to the one you tested for... I've read some sticky's here and though it does provide some overall effects it wasn't sepcific to the one you've tested for; (atleast to my knowledge).
Tkx for the added info; never had to deal with orchid virus before, and hope I'll never have too!

[Stitz]

Originally Posted by PocoGigio

Thanks Stitz,
This is today's project.
PS-I like to recycle when I can (and, I'm a cheap wench!). I have a feeling I'll be reusing alot of LECA because of this virus thing.
PPS-Off topic, but will you be at the NCOS show in October?

Paula, I don't choose to recycle virus. The 10% bleach is a "field" sterilization. The CERTAIN way to sterilize is to use an autoclave, essentially a giant pressure cooker. Autoclaves are used in hospitals or similar situations. Most people don't have access to an autoclave. If you fortunate enough to have that access, USE IT!

YES, I will be at the NCOS Show as a "participant" (orchid club exhibitor and also as a Judges' clerk). Please, PM/contact me!

Originally Posted by PocoGigio

Some thoughts:

Maybe the "ground zero" plant looks OK but it may/will spread to others that will not fare as well. The only treatment (unanimous amongst the geeks here) is destruction of the plant.

I could never sell/divide/donate a plant knowing it's virused or from a virused collection.

I posted a picture of my plant with its symptoms but depending on the virus or the genus of affected plant, the plants may show different symptoms or none at all. Ya gotta (bada) bing "orchid virus" and you'll get tons of info.

I was horrified to learn a few years ago that a very few plants that I gave to others were "virused". Some "virused" plants show absolutely no symptoms until flowering. Some plants are merely "carriers", a la Typhoid Mary! The plants are not obviously infected. To some collectors, it isn't an obstacle.

Some very famous cultivars are available only as infected plants and they continue to flower, beautifully!

--Stitz--

[PocoGigio]

OK. What, then, is field sterilization? Does that just clean up the pot of other non-viral infection or will it kill the virus, too? If 10% is good will 50% be better or is that just a waste? I am so clueless! I'll take your advice and toss out the whole shabang if there is no way to be sure except that autoclave thingy!

What famous cultivars? I hope I don't have any of those, too!!

[Stitz]

Originally Posted by PocoGigio

OK. What, then, is field sterilization? Does that just clean up the pot of other non-viral infection or will it kill the virus, too? If 10% is good will 50% be better or is that just a waste? I am so clueless! I'll take your advice and toss out the whole shabang if there is no way to be sure except that autoclave thingy!

What famous cultivars? I hope I don't have any of those, too!!

"field sterilization" is exactly what the words indicate - sterilization in the field, in other words battlefield conditions.

For the purposes of our discussion, field sterilization = without an autoclave. Autoclaves kill everything. "Field sterilization" kills almost everything.

To the best of my knowledge, there is no conveniently packaged list of famous virused orchid cultivars. Continue reading orchid forums................ one post at a time................................

--Stitz--

[PocoGigio]

Thanks Stitz,
It all goes in the trash!

[Ron]

I was horrified to learn a few years ago that a very few plants that I gave to others were "virused". Some "virused" plants show absolutely no symptoms until flowering. Some plants are merely "carriers", a la Typhoid Mary! The plants are not obviously infected. To some collectors, it isn't an obstacle.

Some "virused" plants show absolutely no symptoms until flowering

In our area a lot of people grow Cymbidiums outdoors as they are so easy to grow.
often amongst a collection of other plants.
Many garden plants are well know for being carries and only time you will see signs of virus is at flowering time or winter as it is then the plant is under extra stress of producing flowers
One of the worst offending plants are the common garden variety of Chrysanthemums.
Another trick some dishonest people do to "help" cover up the signs of virus in plants is to load them up with Epsom salts. this give them a very green leaf appearance and only wears off when you stop using Epsom.

As stated above, best advice it to destroy the plant.
Do not reuse potting mix, bleach all pots, cutting and pruning items between use.
when repotting lay a couple of sheets of newpaper on your bench and discard after each repotted plant.
were plastic/rubber glowers and dip your hands/gloves into bleach after handling every plant.
this will help eliminate the spread of virus by mecanical means
It certinally pays to be a fuss pot, to keep a very nice health collection of orchids
Ron

[Stitz]

Originally Posted by PocoGigio

If 10% is good will 50% be better or is that just a waste? I am so clueless!

10% bleach is the accepted solution. Sometimes, when it comes to cleaning and sanitation/disinfection/sterilization, more than the recommended dilution is worse.

Think about washing your hands. Extra soap beyond what is adequate doesn't accomplish anything, does it? Eventually, it becomes a hindrance.

--Stitz--

[PocoGigio]

I picked up another 10 virus tests for next week. After looking over my collection, I see 9 oncidium alliance 'chids that have those pesky spots. These I kept all in the same area and I'm afraid that "Typhoid Mary" (Sharry Baby) may have been hard at work.

I'll keep you posted with photos and results.

I think I need a and .

Or, maybe just a 6pack of .

[elitebettas]

I hear ya I've isolated my sherry baby from all the others. Still not sure if I'll just keep it isolated and enjoy the blooms or throw it out....

[PocoGigio]

Originally Posted by elitebettas

I hear ya I've isolated my sherry baby from all the others. Still not sure if I'll just keep it isolated and enjoy the blooms or throw it out....

Keep it isolated but test that Baby before you decide to heave-ho! It may be fine. You can get 5 tests for $40 from: Agdia, Inc. - The World Leader In Plant Pathogen Test Kits.

[PocoGigio]

Got 10 new tests yesterday for CymMV and ORSV. Seven of the ones I tested came in negative
C. Chocolate Drop - (a Lowes BetterGro Bag Orchid)
Dgmra. Star of Hani
Wils. Aloha Sparks
Wils. Oporto
Bulb. echinolabium
Blla. Tropic Tom
Onc. Twinkle 'Red Fantasy'

All of these have spotting I suspected except the Chocolate Drop. I tested that one only because of the big box store reputation.


But, 3 came in positive
Brsdm. Catatante 'Solar Flare'
Odontocidium Henry Melczer
Brsdm. Fangtastic

I'll follow up with photos and results for these which are now in the trash!

[PocoGigio]

This large Brsdm. Fangtastic had a spike, gorgeous roots and new growths. But it tested positive for CymMV and negative for ORSV. It's bloomed reliably since 2006 when I got it.

Here's the pics:

[PocoGigio]

This large Ondontocidium Catatante 'Solar Flare' tested negative for CymMV and positive for ORSV. It also had great roots, new growths and beautiful blooms.

Here's the pics:

[PocoGigio]

This small Brsdm. Henry Melczer tested negative for CymMV and positive for ORSV. It was a division from a friend and just never did well. However, I had moved it to s/h and then I got great roots and new growth but I never got to see its blooms.

So, out of the 15 tests I did recently:
3 CymMV
2 ORSV
10 Clean

I don't have the will to do any more just yet, but I know I have to.

Here's the pics:

[berniep]

G'day Paula

How sad, but I guess you had to know. Chin up.

Cheers
Bernie

[Stitz]

Paula,

I'm sorry to learn of your losses. I know that this might be of little comfort for you. When I went on a testing binge last year, of the first large batch of plants that I tested (the ones that I considered to be the most"suspect"), I found 40% to be infected using the Agdia tests. Acquaintainces in Virginia & Maryland had numbers less than mine however similar to yours - in the neighborhood of 25-30%.

--Stitz--

[jcaesar1310]

I'm a real stickler about flaming tools. I isolate suspect plants on the side of my house, far away from my shade house. They're watered and fed as I can't bear to just toss them in the trash. (Its not the plant's fault that its virused).

I'm going to send several samples to Critter Creek next week and begin testing my plants. I want to do some breeding with my Catts and want to know if I have to dry seed rather than green pod flask the seed.

I am so diasappointed with some recent purchases out of Hawaii. Three plants recently bloomed out for the first time with color break.

[janet_a]

i isolate then toss when it starts to decline. i treat it like it has cooties and make sure i don't let it out of the house for any reason. (i had a honkin' huge den a few yrs ago that i was going to donate to a (somewhat) local college greenhouse, but i tested it first and it came up positive. it kept on blooming though so i held onto it until the whole plant started to decline, then i broke it up and stuffed it in the (39 gallon) garbage can. i have a picture of it up on my bboard at the office.)

[jcaesar1310]

Originally Posted by Ron

Hi Sorry to hear about the virus problem.
I bought a few Cymbids from "FRIENDS" that turned out to be Viruses.
They all went straight into the garbage bin, a few plants either side that "MAY" have contact with there leaves were also binned'

I don't think that orchid virus can be transmitted from leaves touching. From what I understand, CymMV and Odont. Ringspot can only be transmitted via sap from cutting tools (& cloning). The other viruses, those that can be transmitted via sucking insects don't really harm the plant or cause any outward symptoms.

The only sure way to have a virus free collection is to test every plant you have and every plant that comes into your collection, multiple times, in order to catch false positives/negatives and then remove them from your collection. Another way is to collect your plants in nature I religiously torch my cutting tools between plants and isolate those with visible symptoms until I can have them tested.

[koshki]

Why oh why did I ever look at this thread? I've got some plants that look like this, just never gave it a second thought. Ugh.

[Izzie]

I would never have thought that plant had a virus, the spots look more bacterial or fungal to me. Drat. I'm sorry for your loss- time for a sympathy 'chid!

[orchidea]

Originally Posted by koshki

Why oh why did I ever look at this thread? I've got some plants that look like this, just never gave it a second thought. Ugh.

Same here......

[Stitz]

Originally Posted by jcaesar1310

I don't think that orchid virus can be transmitted from leaves touching. From what I understand, CymMV and Odont. Ringspot can only be transmitted via sap from cutting tools (& cloning). The other viruses, those that can be transmitted via sucking insects don't really harm the plant or cause any outward symptoms.

The only sure way to have a virus free collection is to test every plant you have and every plant that comes into your collection, multiple times, in order to catch false positives/negatives and then remove them from your collection. Another way is to collect your plants in nature I religiously torch my cutting tools between plants and isolate those with visible symptoms until I can have them tested.

jcaesar1310,

WELCOME to orchidgeeks! I noticed that you are new to our forum. Please, tell us more about your orchid history. I am especially intrigued by your statements in this post. I hope to learn more!

--Stitz--

[jcaesar1310]

Originally Posted by Stitz

jcaesar1310,

WELCOME to orchidgeeks! I noticed that you are new to our forum. Please, tell us more about your orchid history. I am especially intrigued by your statements in this post. I hope to learn more!

--Stitz--

Updated bio...been growing off & on for 12 years, primarily Cattleya species & hybrids. Trying my hand at home flasking...hope to make a few hybrids using some old school Catts.

[Ron]

Hi All, found this document and I had it professionally coloured printed.
I hope the address comes out ok.
It gives photos of most of all the know plant viruses so identification can be a lot easier

http://www.icogo.org/images/Dr._Chin...id_Viruses.pdf

[elitebettas]

i feel your pain, had to discard two plants that are virused today.

[orchidaddict789]

Oh wow, the orchid photo in post #31 looks EXACTLY like the onc I got from a big box store. The leaves developed the exact same sort of yellowing and pitting--especially the leaf on the right. The plant eventually died (it had root rot), but the strange thing was, it never grew an inch. I mean, normally, root-rotted orchids should at least put out some attempt at recovery, i.e, growing new roots, leaves, etc. But mine just sat there looking worse and worse. I've heard that viruses cause decreased vigor in plants, and big box stores are notorious for carrying virused orchids.

I know I can never know for sure about my plant. The plant wasn't worth the money and effort for a virus lab test. But I suspect it was a virus.

[Bolero]

I throw all mine out that I suspect of virus. I don't have many but occasionally I do get one.

The problem as I see it as that most if not all plants have a latent virus as do humans. When the plant weakens it allows the virus to show itself like when we get a cold.

I really don't know the answer and I don't know if the above theory is right although it makes sense.

It's a shame, I heard of one person who threw out an entire collection of over 1000 plants but later found out it probably wasn't virus.....

[Ron]

I don't think that orchid virus can be transmitted from leaves touching. From what I understand, CymMV and Odont. Ringspot can only be transmitted via sap from cutting tools (& cloning). The other viruses, those that can be transmitted via sucking insects don't really harm the plant or cause any outward symptoms.

How would they spread in the wild then, agricultural scientist have proven either by mechanical means such as leaves rubbing together or by sucking insects.
Even one walking through a greenhouse, grabbing Cymbidiums leaves and running them through the hands rupture the microscopic pores on the leaves, realising small amount of fluid enought to carry viruses.

The other viruses, those that can be transmitted via sucking insects don't really harm the plant or cause any outward symptoms.

Really?

[jcaesar1310]

Originally Posted by Ron

How would they spread in the wild then, agricultural scientist have proven either by mechanical means such as leaves rubbing together or by sucking insects.
Even one walking through a greenhouse, grabbing Cymbidiums leaves and running them through the hands rupture the microscopic pores on the leaves, realising small amount of fluid enought to carry viruses.


Really?

Hi Ron. I'm by no means an expert on orchid virus. From what I've read over the years, there are no known orchid viruses in nature. Its when they enter cultivation that virus becomes a problem. I believe virus could be transmitted if the leaves rubbing together caused damage that allowed the virus to jump from one plant to another (fluid transmission). I don't think just touching of the leaves allows the virus to spread. There are a few viruses that transmit via aphids/sucking insects. Again, from what I understand, those types of viruses are not common in hobbyists collections. One that comes to mind is the potato-y virus. There are some 40 or so viruses that affect orchids...Cym & Ringspot are the most common and distructive. The article posted earlier in this thread was very telling. A Cymbidium cut flower nursery in Brazil had very little virus transmission in a collection of plants where cutting tools were steralized as opposed to the other growing area where tools weren't steralized.

[evagentry]

This thread is very interesting. Many thanks to all who have taken time to post their experiences.

[Ron]

there are no known orchid viruses in nature. Its when they enter cultivation that virus becomes a problem.

I regularly go up to Canberra and a member of its club, a few times over the years we have had top speakers from the CSIRO and ANU research departments give talks on the work they are doing on Australian plants, especially orchids.
It is routine work for them to test for viruses and they report about 40% tested from the wild contain at least one of the common types of virus.
They agree it is all from crops contaminated in the early years and transmitted by sap-sucking insects. rather frightening and weird in a way!

I suppose I have become a bit paranoid about viruses and there related problem.
I do not want any in my collection and if it happened, I do not know if I have the spirit or resources to start again.
I know of several people who have destroyed they entire collection, only found our about the virus problem when they became serious collectors and showed their orchids at show.
Picked up by comments from experienced Judges.
Not a nice way too go.

A Cymbidium cut flower nursery in Brazil had very little virus transmission in a collection of plants where cutting tools were steralized as opposed to the other growing area where tools weren't steralized

The way to do it properly I suppose.

[PocoGigio]

Hi all!
I've been off on vacation in New England but home again! Missed y'all!

Before I left, I had this beautiful Cattleya Love Castle 'Kurenai' BM/JOGA that reliably bloomed for several years. It bloomed again recently and started out as beautiful as usual. Then, within weeks, the flowers started to get these white streaks of "color break" and I suspected VIRUS . There were no symptoms on the leaves such as with my others posted on this thread. So, I tested it and, yes, it is "Another CymMV Virus" Here is a picture of it when it was virused. Also, a picture of the test results. I used the petals for the first time in the test.

I hope you find this educational. I thought I was getting better at sterilizing, etc. but I continue to have virus issues.

Sigh! I hope I can get rid of this problem in my collection. I couldn't possibly trash the whole shebang. I did deep six the plant, media and pot.

[PocoGigio]

Thanks for this Ron, but like others who wish they hadn't seen this thread I wish I didn't see this! I have only tested for CymMV and ORSV, combined in one test strip. But I see PhCSV (Phal. Chlorotic Spot Virus) might be something I need to check also. I couldn't find where Agdia had the test kit so I am not sure where I could even get one affordably. I could possibly have some of that on my Phals. I recall Ray mentioned somewhere in Geeks that Phals are commonly virused. Please say it isn't so.

Originally Posted by Ron

Hi All, found this document and I had it professionally coloured printed.
I hope the address comes out ok.
It gives photos of most of all the know plant viruses so identification can be a lot easier

[Ron]

I recall Ray mentioned somewhere in Geeks that Phals are commonly virused. Please say it isn't so.

I would not think that they would be any more prone to becoming viruses in them, than any other commonly grown plants.
I have from my limited experiences and from others talking about the virus in orchids problem, put Cymbidiums high on the list as they are most commonly grown and also more commonly grown amongst other flowering plants in the garden.
Rather than as one would tend to grow Phalaenopsis in a more enclosed greenhouse or indoors were contact with the more common garden plants perhaps infected with viruses, such as the tomato, potatoes viruses etc.
Cymbidiums are also more commonly grown rather more crowded together than Phallies!

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by PocoGigio

I have only tested for CymMV and ORSV, combined in one test strip. But I see PhCSV (Phal. Chlorotic Spot Virus) might be something I need to check also. I couldn't find where Agdia had the test kit so I am not sure where I could even get one affordably.

You may not be able to find an affordable test for PhCSV. Agdia tests only test for CyMV and ORSV. Even virus testing labs only check for CyMV, ORSV and if you're lucky OFV.

Originally Posted by PocoGigio

I recall Ray mentioned somewhere in Geeks that Phals are commonly virused. Please say it isn't so.

I have heard that comment about Phals from several sources. I believe the problem is not the increased susceptibility of Phals but rather that a number of the Phal mericlones sold in the US are propagated from virused stock plants.

[jcaesar1310]

Originally Posted by Ron

40% tested from the wild contain at least one of the common types of virus.
.

Hi Ron. Was that in Australia? Are the virused wild orchids widespread or are they found in only 1 area..and does it appear to be spreading beyond agricultural areas? That's very interesting. (Makes me think about the problem w/the Taz Devil) I've never heard that virused orchids exist in nature...goes to show you learn something new everyday.

[Ron]

Hi Ron. Was that in Australia?

Yes in Australia, I suppose to also could be the same in many other developed country's also.

Hi Ron. Was that in Australia? Are the virused wild orchids widespread or are they found in only 1 area..and does it appear to be spreading beyond agricultural areas? That's very interesting. (Makes me think about the problem w/the Taz Devil) I've never heard that virused orchids exist in nature...goes to show you learn something new everyday.

I suppose the Tasmanian Devil would be a classic example or viruses of many types contaminating the wild populations, in this case animals.
I do not know if any one remembers the Dendrobium speciosum with the red flecks found in the bush about 20 or so years ago.
Big money and all the rage for a while, until I believe someone tested and found the red flecking was caused by viruses.
I think there was an article in Australian Orchid review at the time.

An annotated list of ornamentals naturally found infected by Brevipalpus mite-transmitted viruses

Scientia Agricola - An annotated list of ornamentals naturally found infected by Brevipalpus mite-transmitted viruses

Just when I thought it was safe to grow orchids again!
While not entirely confined to orchids it make very interesting reading

[Ladyofthelakes]

Ugh, I wish I didn't see the post. Well, no I am glad. I would hate to see my cacti collection go kaput.

I have received plant (1) in the mail that looked like the above onc. (sigh)

What will I do in the event of viruses, ( I won't be spending $$$$ on test kits) everything will go out in the burn barrel.
The money just is not there to fight the bad side of mother nature.

[PocoGigio]

This orchid is Cycnoches Kevin Clarke. It has been in my collection for about 3 years and always looked great and bloomed reliably....until this year. The flowers look beautiful but the leaves are all streaked with black and yellowy. This orchid goes dormant each winter and drops it leaves after flowering but this time it didn't look like normal leaf drop. I suspected virus so I tested it. It tested positive for CymMV.

For me, testing for suspected viruses are the ugly part of growing orchids but necessary. I invite all of you to post your virus tests to this thread. I think it's educational.

[Dorchid]

So it's best and probably correct to just assume that you have at least a few virused orchids in your collection even with no visible symptoms. That's so sad!!

After reading all this, and especially after checking out the links above, should we also be worried about bringing in virus on produce from the grocery store? Do we need to disinfect the kitchen after washing and cutting it before handling or watering our orchids afterward? Maybe I'm just paranoid now.

Also, I'm reading that mites and thrips transfer virus. Do mealybugs transfer it also? I hope not, because I had a problem with them this summer. -Yikes!

[PocoGigio]

Originally Posted by Dorchid

Maybe I'm just paranoid now.

Also, I'm reading that mites and thrips transfer virus. Do mealybugs transfer it also? I hope not, because I had a problem with them this summer. -Yikes!

There's been alot of discussion on insect vectoring. I have gnats, those asian stink bugs and even a honeybee in my greenroom. Since I started with barkless growing and using Bayer 3n1 each month, I don't seem to have scale or mealies anymore - not even slugs although I get those teeny-tiny snails. I don't really know what insect could do what so I keep up with the spraying just in case they could pass virus and other nasty stuff.

"Paranoia stikes deep, into your heart it will creep......" some song in my wayback machine tells me just be aware!

[Stitz]

Paula, I stop using the Bayer Advanced Complete Insect Killer for Soil & Turf (imidicloprid) outdoors around early November. I begin using it again during early spring, as soon as I can put my plants outdoors. I began using this product in mid-2009. During winter, 2009-2010, I had no problems with scale, mealybugs, aphids, spider mites (although imidicloprid doesn't claim to kill these), etc. NO problems. I think that once the systemic is lodged into the tissues after repeated exposures, you are good for several months. I also have several doses ready for treatment as early in 2011 as the weather will allow me to use my hose!

Any one else care to comment? I'm not a Bayer sales rep.

--Stitz--

[rcb]

Stitz, I use the exact same product and am very happy with it. In fact just picked more up yesterday while on the hunt for mosquito dunks. (Gnat problems)

Funny enough, even though I grow outside a good part of the year, I rarely get the common pest infections. Caterpillers I get and the dreaded spider mites. (I swear spider mites from counties over come to visit my Catastums) I usually use it as a spot spray for the caterpillers. Spider mites seem to laugh at this stuff for me. Even the Bayer 3 in 1 which states miticide made absolutely no dent in my spider mite collection this past summer. And I gave up using the 3 in 1 stuff.

And I also use it to completely water the pots when I am getting ready to bring them inside, just to get rid of any creepy crawlies that might be hiding in the pots. I used it yesterday to hopefully kill the fungus gnat larvae that is thriving in my spag potted plants.

Some things - the Bayer Compete Insect Killer is actually two different pesticides. Imidiclopid and B-Cyfluthrin.

Another thing - Paula, the Kevin Clarke pic you show, while I'm not doubting the results of your tests, the leaves are showing a very severe spider mite infection. I just wanted to point that out, in case people confuse the symptoms of virus.

Something I noticed on the label, this product is restricted for certain counties in NY state.

[Stitz]

Originally Posted by rcb

Something I noticed on the label, this product is restricted for certain counties in NY state.

[PocoGigio]

Originally Posted by rcb

Another thing - Paula, the Kevin Clarke pic you show, while I'm not doubting the results of your tests, the leaves are showing a very severe spider mite infection. I just wanted to point that out, in case people confuse the symptoms of virus.

It's very possible you are correct on the spider mites since an orchid close by had them. You have a good, experienced eye. I should have taken a better picture of the leaves with the black streaking which led me to the virus suspicion that proved out. The plant is now history so I can't take another picture.

Thanks for your input.

[janet_a]

gaaaaah------!!

so i saw this funkiness on the leaf of one of my favorite phals last week; didn't figure it was much of anything, then saw the spread onto the top leaf last night. stitz, do you have an extra agdia kit i can buy from you? (maybe we want to bring up another group order on sunday?)

[Stitz]

Originally Posted by janet_a

gaaaaah------!!

so i saw this funkiness on the leaf of one of my favorite phals last week; didn't figure it was much of anything, then saw the spread onto the top leaf last night. stitz, do you have an extra agdia kit i can buy from you? (maybe we want to bring up another group order on sunday?)

I will bring an Agdia test strip at no charge to you. It will be a good demo for those who haven't seen it done before. Our meeting this Sunday has a "loose" agenda.

From your foto, it might be insect damage of some sort. Perhaps, our local museum orchid curator will be there on Sunday. He's very well informed on insects and virus!

--Stitz--

[PocoGigio]

Originally Posted by janet_a

gaaaaah------!!

so i saw this funkiness on the leaf of one of my favorite phals last week; didn't figure it was much of anything, then saw the spread onto the top leaf last night. stitz, do you have an extra agdia kit i can buy from you? (maybe we want to bring up another group order on sunday?)

Can you please let us know your results when you test it? Good luck!

[psyc1210]

Originally Posted by Stitz

I will bring an Agdia test strip at no charge to you. It will be a good demo for those who haven't seen it done before. Our meeting this Sunday has a "loose" agenda.

From your foto, it might be insect damage of some sort. Perhaps, our local museum orchid curator will be there on Sunday. He's very well informed on insects and virus!

--Stitz--

I'm looking forward to seeing the test performed on Sunday. I am crossing my fingers for Janet that it's insect damage. I haven't ever had thrips, but I was wondering if that could have been the culprit.

[janet_a]

-sniffle sniffle-

i was going to spray the hell out of it with pyrethrin this morning but forgot. (will do so tomorrow AM.) this is one of Al's that i raised from a baby; normally a very vigorously healthy plant, reliable bloomer on double spikes.

i'll bundle it up and bring it sunday and we can experiment. unlike the little sogo twinkle last year, i'm willing to try and save this one.

[janet_a]

WoOt!! It was negative!!
THANKS STITZ!!

[florafan]

I see that Agdia also has a test for Cymbidium Ringspot virus. It is expensive and the reagent set does not include all the components necessary. How prevalent is this virus and what are the manifestations? I just got started with this hobby and decided that I need to test all the ones I have acquired so far. Since my collection is small at this point, it is better to toss any infected ones sooner than later.

[nkorchid]

Originally Posted by florafan

I see that Agdia also has a test for Cymbidium Ringspot virus. It is expensive and the reagent set does not include all the components necessary. How prevalent is this virus and what are the manifestations? I just got started with this hobby and decided that I need to test all the ones I have acquired so far. Since my collection is small at this point, it is better to toss any infected ones sooner than later.

Hi I am unsure how prevalent it is. I haven't tested any of mine for it. I would not recommend that you attempt this test yourself as a hobbyist unless you have access to a lab and the various lab tools ie micro pipette and an ELISA microplate reader. The immunostrips are very easy and are the equivalent of a dipstick that says yay or nah once its in the solution and cures. This is very easy to use but still require directions and some minor type of protocol ie use a scale, etc. else there is the chance of getting a false positive. I hate throwing away perfectly good orchids. Just follow the directions that come with them to the letter and you will be fine. I found 3 bad ones in my bunch of 15. Good luck.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by janet_a

http://www.oneplusyou.com/q/v/caffeine

I topped "Cracked out paranoid" before I'd had my first cup!!!! LOL

[janet_a]

heh heh.