fusarium=death - Orchid Board

Coolbabe · #1 05-25-2021, 02:36 AM

I have read and heard that fusarium can be cured and prevented
I have not had one survive yet. I have had them get sick even with preventative spraying. But I have never had one person prove it to me. They ignore me after I challange them. It is a bunch of lies that anything can be done about it. I wish I was wrong.

estación seca · #2 05-25-2021, 03:20 AM

Fusarium is an uncommon orchid disease. What leads you to think your plants have Fusarium?

Ray · #3 05-25-2021, 08:28 AM

One should never use a preventive pesticide treatment regimen, whether insecticides, miticides, or fungicides, as that is an excellent way to develop resistant strains.

That said, the one regular, routine application I do recommend is probiotics.

It appear that plants’ rhizosphere microbiome plays a more significant role than it does in humans, aiding in nutrient acquisition, growth, seed germination, pathogen suppression and a number of other aspects of the plants’ overall health.

I don’t know that there is a specific “this one kills that one” microbial match identified for all diseases, but I have personally cured erwinia in a phal by an overnight soak in a probiotic dispersion. I suspect that they are better used as preventive treatments than curative. I apply them routinely to keep the microbe population strong, as a means of avoiding diseases, and avoid disinfectants, bactericides and fungicides that can kill them. I even installed a large carbon filter to extract the chlorine from all of my irrigation water.

camille1585 · #4 05-25-2021, 09:14 AM

Many diseases can be 'prevented' or their occurance greatly limited, by using good prophylactic measures in your culture. These are measures such as not sharing/reusing water, not buying sickly plants, keeping the growing area clean, disinfecting tools... Having plants adapted to your conditions helps as well, as plants which struggle with your temp/humidity/other are weaker and more susceptible to disease.

I agree with ES's comment on fusarium not being a very common disease. What sort of symptoms were/are you seeing on your plants?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

It appear that plants’ rhizosphere microbiome plays a more significant role than it does in humans, aiding in nutrient acquisition, growth, seed germination, pathogen suppression and a number of other aspects of the plants’ overall health.

Actually, scientists are discovering the human gut microbiome plays a far more important role than ever realized. Aside from their role in illness (or prevention of), metabolism, and general health, there is also evidence that the gut microbiome affect the brain and influence behavioral traits (sociability, neuroticism, memory...).

Ray · #5 05-25-2021, 10:27 AM

Quote:

I agree with ES's comment on fusarium not being a very common disease. What sort of symptoms were/are you seeing on your plants?

missorchidgirlitis, perhaps

---------- Post added at 10:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:06 AM ----------

This is mighty technical, but seems to be a pretty good reference to this subject.

https://academic.oup.com/femsre/article/37/5/634/540803

Coolbabe · #6 05-25-2021, 11:31 AM

Okay. First thing. Fusarium is a major problem in ornamental plants from the mass production of orchids in Hawaii and the Far East. Google it. All orchid vendors I have purchased from have had fusarium except for two. I check every new orchid I have purchased to make sure the disease was not present. I sterilize my working area. Torch my cutting tools. Throw away any media and pots and hangers, everything. I only use non-organic media. Ray, I have used your product monthly for over a couple of years.

I wasn't having any problems for about two years. My orchids w were blooming and it was wonderful. Alas, my Vandas were looking a little sad and I thought it was phytophera. But when I checked, the purple ring of death was on my best Vanda. Never had fusarium on a Vanda before so I didn't know the signs. They all were wonderful blooming twice a year fir me and were my forte. Now that I have lost them I am totally heartbroken.

But I know people grow perfectly healthy and blooming orchids with the disease. I have bought them. I don't understand why mine die.

This is the second time I have attempted to grow. It killed every irchid I had until I started again. I hate failing at anything I do but especially something I have spent so much time and money on. Oh yes, I put in a water treatment system and have had my water tested. I have had excellent results. The testers said it is ideal.

---------- Post added at 10:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:18 AM ----------

Thought of a couple more things. I always wear gloves. I spray Physan 20 and seal every cut I make.

Leafmite · #7 05-25-2021, 11:56 AM

I am so sorry to hear what you have experienced. I lost most of my orchid collection many years ago due to Calcium deficiency (the 'black plague'), more when growing orchids under lights for the first time, and, a couple of years ago, my treasured miniatures due to bush snails so I know how very frustrated you must feel. I only grow around forty orchids now.

First of all, if you are not adding extra Calcium for your orchids when they are actively growing, try adding a good, steady supply. Calcium builds stronger cell walls which help the orchid resist fungus and bacterial infections. I go overboard with the Calcium but the orchids do not seem to mind. I haven't had any issues with fungus or bacteria even in cooler temperatures with plenty of rain.

You need to use a systemic fungicide to eradicate Fusarium...something that is taken in by the orchid internally. Clearys 3336F Fungicide is one such product that should work for Fusarium.

Try bleaching the growing area more than once before bringing any new orchids there. That way if any spores settle during the first cleaning, you will get them. Lingering spores can reinfect plants.

Some orchids do have purple markings that look like the disease but are just markings. I know people who mangled their orchids and made that discovery.

Always buy orchids from reputable vendors who have been in the business for a while. I have been very fortunate never to have bought an orchid with this disease but I am careful from whom I buy.

Good luck!

estación seca · #8 05-25-2021, 11:56 AM

What symptoms are your plants showing?

What are your growing conditions? Temperatures day/night? Humidity? Light? How are you watering?

Coolbabe · #9 05-25-2021, 01:38 PM

Thank you. I appreciate what you said. I don't feel so lost and stupid. I am nit buying anymore orchids right now. I have relocated some that have never bloomed. And I think I need to leave them alone more. It's my personality to "love" too much.

Leafmite · #10 05-25-2021, 02:25 PM

Yes, I have been through it so I understand the distress that you feel. I did really great with the orchids for many years before the Calcium deficiency 'Black Plague' (around 2005/2006?) but after my own string of orchid tragedies, I just grow some mini-Cattleyas and a few favorites... currently, a total of around thirty-five orchids. I find some orchids are really worth growing so I will probably always have those but never the large collection that I once had.

I have other tropical plants that I find very rewarding so I have been focusing on those more lately. Orchids are nice but they do not produce delicious fruit and they are not nearly as wonderful as Jasmine sambac.