What is the advantage of having a virused plant, if any?

[Bulbofett]

I was browsing through Ebay recently and came across Waldor orchids selling plants that tested positive for virus. First of all, kudos to them for being honest and testing the plant before selling it. Although, something tells me they tested it for breeding, and now that they can't use it as a stud plant they need to recoup costs. Just a theory mind you.

So, what's the point? Why sell a virused plant? You can't do anything with it that I know of. I guess if you really wanted an old hybrid you could suck it up for a virused one, but even then it seems kinda silly.

Mark Reinke did a talk at my local society about how he wishes more of the old crosses would be made again because so many old hybrids are virused. I agree completely with him as there are several orchids I would like to have, but most have been lost due to viruses.

What are your thoughts on selling virused plants?

[silken]

I myself am rather shocked to hear that they are. I guess if it is one you always wanted and it is kept isolated, then you could enjoy it and I assume the price is right. But depending on which virus, it may not show signs now, but if it doesn't get ideal conditions it could go downhill with the plant failing to bloom or with colour break in the flowers, so what good is that even if it was cheap. I bought a division of a Catt I just loved but when it bloomed it had colour break and it tested positive for virus. So a lot of good that did me.

[Bulbofett]

Originally Posted by silken

I myself am rather shocked to hear that they are. I guess if it is one you always wanted and it is kept isolated, then you could enjoy it and I assume the price is right. But depending on which virus, it may not show signs now, but if it doesn't get ideal conditions it could go downhill with the plant failing to bloom or with colour break in the flowers, so what good is that even if it was cheap. I bought a division of a Catt I just loved but when it bloomed it had colour break and it tested positive for virus. So a lot of good that did me.

Yeah, if it was given to me that is the only price I could "pay" to take on a virused Catt. Because, otherwise, like you said, you run the risk of having it go downhill and looking ugly. Sorry you purchased a a virused Catt. I don't even know how many nurseries virus test their plants before sale?

[silken]

I'm not even sure I would accept a known virused plant. I have been spending money on virus tests and tossing any of my own that turn up virused so as not to spread it thru the rest of mine. So I don't want more coming in the door. I don't have a place that I can grow it away from my other orchids.

[AnonYMouse]

I might be completely wrong, don't remember where I heard it and never researched it further...

My current understanding is the pollen is not infected if handled properly (possibly selflings as well). So for those that seed propagate, a virus may not be a big issue for a very special plant.

[Bulbofett]

Originally Posted by silken

I'm not even sure I would accept a known virused plant. I have been spending money on virus tests and tossing any of my own that turn up virused so as not to spread it thru the rest of mine. So I don't want more coming in the door. I don't have a place that I can grow it away from my other orchids.

I guess I was poorly trying to say I would never pay for a virused plant no matter how rare or beautiful. Not worth risking healthy plants. Haha

[Leafmite]

I don't think diseased plants of any type should be allowed sold as it places not only other orchids and houseplants at risk but perhaps even agriculture and native flora at risk. Citrus greening, Fire Blight, Chestnut blight, Dutch Elm disease, etc. ...when does it stop? Viruses are lowering productivity of some crops already and we just need to look at what is happening now with Chocolate and vanilla production to see what disease can do. Many, many virus/fungus/bacterial/insect infestations that cause devastation are introduced by the movement of plants.

I would definitely pay extra for orchids that have been tested for virus and given a clean bill of health.

*Note: Most of the diseases I have mentioned are not caused by virus but it does show the folly of moving diseased plants from one place to another and how very easy it is to spread the disease from one area to another this way.

[katrina]

I know of a couple of people who do not worry about virus in their orchids. As long as the orchid is showing healthy...they simply don't worry or care to test. They are very honest about their collection and if they are doing trades. They do their best to practice good hygiene so as not to spread anything that might be around...but it's of little importance to them as long as plants are growing and blooming well and appear to be healthy. If something looks or acts funky they pitch it and move on. They certainly have no interest in testing any of their plants. I don't know how many people feel the same as these individuals but I'm sure they aren't the only ones.

My guess is Waldor knows many people who feel the same as the above and they are simply being honest about the plants. They don't want to sell to someone who is concerned about the virus but they know they will likely still sell...virus or not.

[My Green Pets]

I went through the 'testing everything' phase and found some plants infected with virus growing and blooming better than others that were not infected. For example, my Sharry Baby has disgusting, yellow spotted leaves and browning growths, has been tested twice and no virus detected. Meanwhile one of my Vandas tested positive for CymMV last year but continues to grow quickly and bloom beautifully.

To answer the OP's question, the only advantage to buying an infected plant is the reduced price (they should be free!). Other than that, you're just asking for trouble.