To test or not to test?

[camille1585]

Thanks! How much did you pay for them?

I modified the email addresses in your post so that they don't get spammed by bots....

[Pat'sCatt's]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Thanks! How much did you pay for them?

I modified the email addresses in your post so that they don't get spammed by bots....

Your welcome, i copied the prices from my email:

We provide them per 5 or 25 units, prices are as follow :

Per 5 units : 40.00€
Per 25 units : 125.00€

We work with the carrier UPS for a delivery in 24/48h when we have product in stock. Shipping fees cost 25.00€


Thnks for adjusting the emailadresses, i didn't know they could be funarable to spam that way, i wouldn't want that to happen. I will be more carefull next time!

[tucker85]

Originally Posted by camille1585

I think I may do the same, I have a few orchids that I'm suspicious about.
How exactly did you get strips from Agdia? I had tried some years ago but they were only supplying businesses. I then ordered somewhere else, but that company now no longer does the orchid tests.

Here's a link to the test kit that I used. It tests for the two most common orchid viruses although there are others. The default order is for 25 tests but I recommend you buy the one with 5 tests. The kits need to be kept in the refrigerator and they have a limited shelf life but I don't know how long it is. Shipping might be expensive. They do have a distributor in Europe. The test isn't too difficult but I recommend reading the instructions a couple of times before making the test. https://orders.agdia.com/InventoryD....K+13301&loc=IN

[Pat'sCatt's]

Originally Posted by tucker85

Here's a link to the test kit that I used. It tests for the two most common orchid viruses although there are others. The default order is for 25 tests but I recommend you buy the one with 5 tests. The kits need to be kept in the refrigerator and they have a limited shelf life but I don't know how long it is. Shipping might be expensive. They do have a distributor in Europe. The test isn't too difficult but I recommend reading the instructions a couple of times before making the test. https://orders.agdia.com/InventoryD....K+13301&loc=IN

These are the same as i used, and Tucker is right they are very easy to use, you can keep them for about a year, mine last untill 2016. The shippingcosts will be the same as mine €25,00.

[LovePhals]

Originally Posted by Pat'sCatt's

Thnks! I only have two Vanda orchids, bud i did test them because they are both hanging above my other orchids and sometimes they drip water on the leafs from the orchids below. So i wanted to be sure that they were okay. And they were. So they can drip now safely!

Yes, I actually have a lot of Vanda but only 5 drip on my others, and i have wondered that too. They all look super healthy though, so I am not too concerned. I have just not really heard of people testing Vanda maybe they are a safer genre b/c less people keep them b/c of the conditions they need.

[Pat'sCatt's]

Originally Posted by LovePhals

Yes, I actually have a lot of Vanda but only 5 drip on my others, and i have wondered that too. They all look super healthy though, so I am not too concerned. I have just not really heard of people testing Vanda maybe they are a safer genre b/c less people keep them b/c of the conditions they need.

I think you're right, Vanda's are not mentioned often when it comes to testing for viruses. Catt's, Oncidiums, Cymbidiums etc. are mentioned much much more. So maybe they are less funarable in catching a virus. If yours look super healthy i wouldn't worry too! 👍

[eddyezekiel]

Orchids could be infected by more than 15 different viruses.

Be carrefull, Orsv & Cymv free don't seems totally free of viruses...

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by eddyezekiel

Orchids could be infected by more than 15 different viruses.

Be carrefull, Orsv & Cymv free don't seems totally free of viruses...

True, but OSRV and CymV are by far the most common viruses....

[Sharry]

If I only had a couple of phals, I would not bother. When I had less commonly available species, I tested everything to keep them as clean as possible. If I was a breeder, I would pay Agdia to even test breeding stock for uncommon viruses, and then keep those separated from everything else.

[Pat'sCatt's]

You can never be 100% sure that everything you grow is totally clean and healthy, wether you grow cucumbers, roses or orchids. Especially when you grow plants in a monoculture, the more of the same species you grow, the more it becomes a buffet for creepy crawlers, fungus or viruses. C'est la vie! But you can make sure that the amount of risk you take is at a minimum. For me that means keeping everything need and tidy, make sure plant's don't touch each other, kill everything that tries to attack my plants, keeping them healthy by creating good growing conditions, and testing them for the most common viruses.

And i must admit, sometimes i talk to them, and no i'm not cuckoo....