is this virus

[stumac]

Hi can somone tell me if this i Virus to it looks highly suspect It is Cymbidium ensifolium Iron Bone sue

[nikkik]

It could be especially if the new grows look like that, but there are several other aliments that cause that kind of spotting. The only way to ever be sure if you're dealing with a virused plant is to have it tested.

[stumac]

Where can I get it tested in the uk a vius test kit here cost more than the plant value so would be cheaper to get it replaced

[nikkik]

Originally Posted by stumac

Where can I get it tested in the uk a vius test kit here cost more than the plant value so would be cheaper to get it replaced

I'm not in the UK, but I remember seeing this exact question on another forum. Here is the lab info that was given:

Central Science Laboratory
Sand Hutton
York YO41 1LZ
TEL. 01904 462000 or 462147

I hope this helps! Good luck with your plant.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I would encourage the testing nikkik suggested, but I will offer an alternative diagnosis.

It may be fungal. Guignardia (Phyllosticta) would be my guess. Have a look at: Orchid Diseases A chart of possible cures for bacterial and fungal ailments is given at http://www.staugorchidsociety.org/PD...idDiseases.pdf

Note that the cures for the fungal problems can be somewhat disease-specific, not every fungicide listed will work. If you prefer a more organic approach, note that neem is listed as a treatment option for Guignardia.

[tucker85]

That's not a virus. It's leaf spotting fungus. That kind of fungus won't harm the plant but it doesn't look nice. You can treat it with a fungicide if you want to. If you use a fertilizer that contains calcium it will strengthen new growth and make it less susceptible to that type of fungus. Good air movement and making sure the leaves are dry by nightfall will help also.

---------- Post added at 11:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:44 AM ----------

Here's a link to the AOS page on that fungus.

https://www.aos.org/Default.aspx?id=135

[stumac]

Originally Posted by nikkik

I'm not in the UK, but I remember seeing this exact question on another forum. Here is the lab info that was given:

Central Science Laboratory
Sand Hutton
York YO41 1LZ
TEL. 01904 462000 or 462147

I hope this helps! Good luck with your plant.

Thanks I have conytacted them awaiting a reply

---------- Post added at 05:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:12 PM ----------

Thak you all very helpful I shall keep the plant isolated form my others until i can cure it

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by tucker85

That's not a virus. It's leaf spotting fungus. That kind of fungus won't harm the plant but it doesn't look nice. You can treat it with a fungicide if you want to. If you use a fertilizer that contains calcium it will strengthen new growth and make it less susceptible to that type of fungus. Good air movement and making sure the leaves are dry by nightfall will help also.

---------- Post added at 11:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:44 AM ----------

Here's a link to the AOS page on that fungus.

https://www.aos.org/Default.aspx?id=135

Yes- that's the one. The characteristic that I saw was that many of the small black lesions are elongated, parallel to the leaf veins. There are some lesions that are in rings around a central black dot- that sometimes happens with this fungus.

I have had this in a Cymbidium, treated it & so far it has not returned in the new growth. I also am seeing it in a Bletia, treated it, and there are fewer lesions in the new growth. I have not tried a systemic fungicde on this yet; that might be my next step with the Bletia.

Tucker's advice on calcium and dry leaves by nightfall is good - I would do that, too.

[Cym Ladye]

In my experience, if it goes through the leaves, it is virus; if it does not, it is fungal or something else.

[Bud]

Its cold spots. The water droplets have reacted to the light. There is no fungi infestation since the leaf is not fighting any....there are no yellow rings around the spots.
Virus can only be determined by testing. Contact that lab nikkik gave you and make arrangements how you can send samples....or, an orchid virus kit can be purchased cheap at Ebay for $10 a piece. I am sure they can mail it to you in UK with no customs hassles....