Does virus testing really identify viruses

[beanluc]

Originally Posted by ChrisFL

The part that concerns me is that they want the plant back.

They don't want the plant back, they just want a happy customer and a good reputation. They're going to trash it as soon as it's shipped back. They probably would do this with any return, but especially one that has a virus scare attached to it.

Their line about tests not being reliable is to deflect any negativity to their reputation. They want this customer to doubt, question whether the grower really has virusy plants or not. Treating this like any other return also underscores the grower's own confidence in their product.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Grandma M

Does anyone know of a source for less than 25 strips. I would like to try them but don't want to invest that much, if it's possible to buy less?

Marilyn

I looked at Agdia's website, and it's possible to buy 5 strips at a time:
agdia Immunostrips product catalogue


Otherwise, it is a bit cheaper to send samples to Critter Creek and have them do it for you. They charge $5 a sample.
Critter Creek Laboratory

I'm going to have to order some tests from the UK because I really don't like the look of one of my Cyms. It looks suspiciously virusy.

[Cookiemonster]

I recommend critter creek labs-
It is pretty cheap, and you can test as little or as many as you want, Id recommend the double-well tests, where they basically test it twice-

With all this virus talk I could not help myself and called Critter Creek Labs, and spoke with the manager there, and told me the double well tests- basically run the test twice for accuracy is pretty spot on (96-99% accurate). Jane told me if you want your plant tested pick the newest leaf that has JUST completed growth or just bloomed because, if there is indeed a virus it will be there. New growths that have NOT completed growing might not yet have enough "virus" in them to be detected. I know there is some scientific terminology of which I am unfamiliar with!
If you indeed have a larger plant which some parts do and dont show symptoms, take pieces from different parts of the plant and send em in!

I might go ahead and try my luck this week

Camille--- Good luck with your cymbidium, I hope its not virused, but if it is.... at least you'll have that peace of mind. Let us know!

[camille1585]

For those of you in Europe like I am, I found a good source for the tests.
pocket diagnostic

I'm going to order some, but I'll have to wait until spring break in April to test my Cym. I'm in the netherlands and the plant is in france!

[orchids3]

I might be wise for those of us in the USA to get the Agdia information together and present it to our Orchid Societies. The strips are cheaper if ordered in large quantities and the "awareness" would at least be good for society members.

[Grandma M]

Thanks, Camille. I will give them a call today. I have a couple of plants I would like to test. If they turn up positive, I will send some to Critter Creek. I also printed their info about the strips.

Marilyn