Oh no...is this a virus?!

[Shannara]

I have had this orchid for almost a year now. Last year the blooms were lovely. This year...something isn't right.

If this is a virus I have no idea what to do in terms of how it got it and if it's spread it anywhere. Could it have had a virus even then and not shown it in the blooms? Should I get this tested...if so where? So many questions...

What you do you guys think...am I justifiably worried or not? Is this my year of bad luck? Could I get anymore discouraged at this point?

Pot. Beaufort Gold 'Susan Fender'

Last year:









This Year:





Shann~

[BGGraham1]

Hi Shann. I just did a quick search and found this. I hope I did the link right.

**CRY** Potinara Susan Fender 'Cinnamon Stick' and a lesson!!

[Ron]

Hi, they do look quiet different, can you see any patterns in the leaves of the plant.
Viruses will cause colour breaks in the flowers, they certinally have been effected by something.

[syndywindy]

I feel your pain. I had gotten this Pot San Damiano 'Watermelon Gold' and when it bloomed for the first time, I knew it did not look right. I contacted the vendor who agreed it was virused and without quetion sent me what was his last one and the pictures you see are the virused plants blooms and the new one.

[Shannara]

Originally Posted by BGGraham1

Hi Shann. I just did a quick search and found this. I hope I did the link right.

**CRY** Potinara Susan Fender 'Cinnamon Stick' and a lesson!!

Yipes! That one really had some color break didn't it? Thanks for the link Brigitte.

Originally Posted by Ron

Hi, they do look quiet different, can you see any patterns in the leaves of the plant.
Viruses will cause colour breaks in the flowers, they certinally have been effected by something.

I don't recall any patterns on the foliage but there are some hard nodules on some of the leaves and the newest growths leaf is a tad on the small side. I can post a pic of the entire plant tomorrow. The only other thing I can think of is my plants have been exposed to some cold temps. I have another hybrid I need to post when the bloom fully opens. Normally it's blooms are green but the entire thing is tinged in red I am assuming from either high light or cold temp exposure. I will post that one in the next day or two.

Originally Posted by syndywindy

I feel your pain. I had gotten this Pot San Damiano 'Watermelon Gold' and when it bloomed for the first time, I knew it did not look right. I contacted the vendor who agreed it was virused and without quetion sent me what was his last one and the pictures you see are the virused plants blooms and the new one.

The orchid, though purchased at a local nursery, does have the name of the grower on the tag. Maybe I should contact them and see what they think.

I am trying not to let this freak me out too much but it's very disconcerting.

Shann~

[Epipactis12]

Wow. I would have never guessed, ever. There is a chemical test that can be done, I watched the propagator at sboe use it one day to check a plant I wanted to buy, and he let me observe. I can find out name of product from him if you are interested.

Sorry Shann your photos are so beautiful it is hard to believe

[orchids4me]

I'm so Sorry Shann I think you've been messed with quite enough time for everything to turn around. I think you shoud isolate and test to be sure.

[BGGraham1]

You can buy virus testing kits from Agdia labs. I got a 10-pack, just in case, and keep it in the fridge.

[Shannara]

Originally Posted by BGGraham1

You can buy virus testing kits from Agdia labs. I got a 10-pack, just in case, and keep it in the fridge.

What test strips do I get? I know there are several common viruses and was kinda intimidated by the Agdia site...not sure what I need.

If I am able to get this guy tested for a reasonable cost I will let you all know the results. It will definitely not be going back out on my hanging rack. Luckily there was nothing below it as it was on the bottom rung but there was an Epi next to it I should probably test also.

Thanks all,

Shann~

[Ray]

The most commonly-used test strip is ISK-13301 for CymMV and ORSV.

This may be a virus or not. For one, you'll note the colors are far more intense, which indicates it has been cooler and/or brighter during flower development than last time..

To my eye, the only thing that suggests "virus" is the upper part of the petal to the right in the last photo, and it doesn't look unquestionably virus-like.

[Leafmite]

Among orchid ailments, there is nothing so dreaded as a virus. I have one apart from the collection due to an odd blooming but I am giving it the benefit of the doubt because it had mealy worms on the stem and buds and there was a sudden cool period. I will see if it blooms normally next time. Good luck, hope it tests negative so your worries can be over.

[BGGraham1]

Hi Shann! The test strips I got were the ones Ray mentioned. I was worried about one of my babies, so I tested it and it came out negative. The test was really easy to do.

Its nice to have them on hand...

[hera]

I wouldn't panic yet. If the temp was different this year from last, the color difference may be due to that. One of my Lc's will do something similar depending on blooming conditions. Quarantine it, and test it. Its so pretty that I would have a hard time throwing that one away until I was sure.

[orchidlover55]

Shann I hope the test is negative

[Shannara]

I went ahead and ordered some test strips from Agdia. Soon as I get them in I will perform the test.

Question though...which is the best area to test? Old growth, new growth, or the flower itself? Should I take cuttings from several places and put them all together in the baggie?

I really appreciate all the help and hopeful comments.

Shann~