Selling cmv infected orchid plants on Ebay

[Ray]

I am of the opinion that orchids - just like us - carry everything to which they have ever been exposed, and I suspect the vast majority have been exposed to viruses.

However, having the virus and exhibiting the symptoms don't necessarily go hand-in-hand. With proper culture and elimination of stresses, a virused plant can live for years, blooming freely.

It's just like the chicken pox / shingles thing. I carried the virus for over 50 years before my immune system - I suspect weakened by the onset of cancer - allowed the virus to take over. (For anyone concerned, both are gone...)

All that said, I still don't think I'd intentionally bring a known-infected plant into my collection.

[theloyalplum]

Originally Posted by Ray

I am of the opinion that orchids - just like us - carry everything to which they have ever been exposed, and I suspect the vast majority have been exposed to viruses.

However, having the virus and exhibiting the symptoms don't necessarily go hand-in-hand. With proper culture and elimination of stresses, a virused plant can live for years, blooming freely.

It's just like the chicken pox / shingles thing. I carried the virus for over 50 years before my immune system - I suspect weakened by the onset of cancer - allowed the virus to take over. (For anyone concerned, both are gone...)

All that said, I still don't think I'd intentionally bring a known-infected plant into my collection.

My gosh... as a human seedling I cannot imagine how horrible that must've been.

But nevertheless, I agree. I have a few plants that are obviously virused but still grow fine and flower fine. Just gotta outgrow the leaf drops!

[Joseia]

Ray wrote: It's just like the chicken pox / shingles thing. I carried the virus for over 50 years before my immune system - I suspect weakened by the onset of cancer - allowed the virus to take over. (For anyone concerned, both are gone...)

Oh man, when I saw the cancer part, my first thought was - Ray can't die, I want to buy more of his orchids and more of his very well priced orchid supplies! Yeah, selfish I know, but seriously, don't scare me like that again.