Virus Transmission Question. - Page 2 - Orchid Board

BrassavolaStars · #11 12-24-2022, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leafmite

If you are really worried, go and snip off the root that you accidentally knicked so any potential virus cannot travel through the plant. It takes time for the virus to divide in cells and move through the plant and if you remove the root immediately, you will probably be fine. Peace of mind.

---------- Post added at 08:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:04 PM ----------

I heard that they did a bunch of testing and burning of orchids to try to eradicate virus. A longtime grower and vendor of orchids (died many years ago) said that Hausermann's did the same when they first heard of orchid viruses...tested all their orchids and spent days burning the ones that tested positive.

Unfortunately, plant viruses are everywhere and it is really difficult to ensure that plants never get infected. I grow a variety of plants and, now, the orchids are just a part of the collection. I do not test the orchids as I am not selling orchids or other plants to others. If a properly tended plant/orchid does not thrive, I toss it.

I thought about snipping off the root, but I really did not have too many good roots on this division I bought. I think they could be counted on one hand maybe even. I was a bit worried that doing so would be doing more harm than good. At this point, I am not even sure I know which one it is anymore.

Ray · #12 12-24-2022, 10:14 AM

In my opinion, most-, if not all orchids carry viruses to which they were exposed. You and I do, as well. That does not mean they (or we) are infectious or that the virus is detectable.

However, once undue stresses are applied, it is possible for the plant/pathogen relationship to shift.

Leafmite · #13 12-25-2022, 12:47 AM

Many plants have become resistant to viruses either through purposeful breeding programs or survival of the fittest. When I first learned of plant viruses, there were certain plants that one could use as sort of a test strip as they would quickly show symptoms but most of them are now resistant to viruses and can no longer be used.