Does my Bulbophyllum frostii look infected with a virus? - Orchid Board

Orchidaceae33_36 · #1 01-21-2021, 04:04 PM

Hello everyone,
I have been reading into viruses in orchids and I really don't know if this plant has any symptoms of one. Does it look infected?
Thanks,

Henry

aliceinwl · #2 01-21-2021, 05:59 PM

The only way to tell for sure is to test. That said, this looks like mesophyll collapse due to prior exposure to cold or the result of some past physical damage.

Orchidaceae33_36 · #3 01-21-2021, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aliceinwl

The only way to tell for sure is to test. That said, this looks like mesophyll collapse due to prior exposure to cold or the result of some past physical damage.

Thanks, I really hope it's not a virus but If I see anything else I'll get a test.

wisdomseeker · #4 01-21-2021, 06:16 PM

I am not going to be much help at answering your question, especially with any certainty. The overall plant in your second photo looks good to me. The first photo showing the single leaf with a spot... maybe (or maybe not) a sign of a possible virus... I really don't know.

Is this just on one leaf, and is that spot on the underside of the leaf too? Is the spot hard, soft, and/or spreading? The leaf also looks a bit wrinkled... possibly an older leaf? That spot might be a scar (or some type of blemish) caused by something in the past. Might be good to keep an eye on the overall plant for awhile to make sure nothing is appearing on your other leaves/bulbs. I just recently remounted two younger clones of B. frostii onto one mount. Looking forward to them flowering (hopefully the wait will not be years).

Orchidaceae33_36 · #5 01-21-2021, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wisdomseeker

I am not going to be much help at answering your question, especially with any certainty. The overall plant in your second photo looks good to me. The first photo showing the single leaf with a spot... maybe (or maybe not) a sign of a possible virus... I really don't know.

Is this just on one leaf, and is that spot on the underside of the leaf too? Is the spot hard, soft, and/or spreading? The leaf also looks a bit wrinkled... possibly an older leaf? That spot might be a scar (or some type of blemish) caused by something in the past. Might be good to keep an eye on the overall plant for awhile to make sure nothing is appearing on your other leaves/bulbs. I just recently remounted two younger clones of B. frostii onto one mount. Looking forward to them flowering (hopefully the wait will not be years).

Thanks for that answer! The big spot on that leaf goes through to the other side and that leaf has a few tiny (cm across) blemishes on the other side. So far, I dont think there are any on the other leaves although some bulls have a few strange dots. I'll keep an eye on it and maybe I'll get a test. The only problem is I wouldn't know which tests to buy, what if isnt Cymbidium Mosaic Virus or Odontoglossum Ringspot Virus?

Those are some very cool Frostii's too.

wisdomseeker · #6 01-21-2021, 07:55 PM

Just noticed your other post and did not realize your bulbo was recently acquired. If I had to venture a good guess, I would strongly agree with aliceinwl about physical damage in the past. But, the words of "testing is the only sure way to know" ring true.

Don't know about others who are growing Bulbophyllum ~ the various species I grow (and have grown throughout the years) seem to be pretty 'bulletproof' in regards to viruses.

Me (?) personally (FWIW)... I would not test. Reason: I have become a tight-wad within (the uncertainty) of our present economy. Virus tests can get somewhat expensive. Even though I'm fortunate, because I know someone who works in a lab that can test for various plant viruses (and for free), it requires a round trip car ride of 2.5 hours from my end. The cost of my time along with my gasoline doesn't really justify it (unless the plant is truly valuable to me, and in more ways than just monetary).

I would just observe for awhile before testing. Then you can always make a decision to test, and what to test for. Again... personally & just an opinion... I don't think bulbos are really that prone to viruses (but never say never). If you are really-really-really concerned, I would make sure your plant is isolated from other plants while keeping an eye on it (looking for any other visible signs that may start appearing).

Orchidaceae33_36 · #7 01-21-2021, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wisdomseeker

Just noticed your other post and did not realize your bulbo was recently acquired. If I had to venture a good guess, I would strongly agree with aliceinwl about physical damage in the past. But, the words of "testing is the only sure way to know" ring true.

Don't know about others who are growing Bulbophyllum ~ the various species I grow (and have grown throughout the years) seem to be pretty 'bulletproof' in regards to viruses.

Me (?) personally (FWIW)... I would not test. Reason: I have become a tight-wad within (the uncertainty) of our present economy. Virus tests can get somewhat expensive. Even though I'm fortunate, because I know someone who works in a lab that can test for various plant viruses (and for free), it requires a round trip car ride of 2.5 hours from my end. The cost of my time along with my gasoline doesn't really justify it (unless the plant is truly valuable to me, and in more ways than just monetary).

I would just observe for awhile before testing. Then you can always make a decision to test, and what to test for. Again... personally & just an opinion... I don't think bulbos are really that prone to viruses (but never say never). If you are really-really-really concerned, I would make sure your plant is isolated from other plants while keeping an eye on it (looking for any other visible signs that may start appearing).

Thank you so much, I would be pretty disappointed if this has viruses as I have been looking for a frostii for a long time. Thank you for all the help.

Roberta · #8 01-21-2021, 08:14 PM

I very much doubt virus. Cold damage is a lot more likely. The leaf also looks somewhat dehydrated though the other leaves look fine. Bulbos need to be kept on the damp side.

Orchidaceae33_36 · #9 01-22-2021, 11:40 AM

Thank you everyone, do you think I should disinfect the place where it is as a precaution?

Roberta · #10 01-22-2021, 12:21 PM

The damage on the leaf looks dry, so there is nothing to spread. If that leaf drops, no harm, there is plenty of good growth. (Bulbo leaves eventually drop at any rate) I don't see anything that indicates a need to treat anything.