virus identification - Orchid Board

Brookpoint · #1 12-16-2009, 09:35 PM

overnight myy BC Maikia started showing signs of a virus. It had 5 blooms, and since then has 6 more. More and more leaves have this yellow/black streaking on them. love that little baby, I am so sad. Any suggestions other than trashing it. It is isolated from all my other chids. Thanks to all. Love the OB

Shirley · #2 12-16-2009, 10:27 PM

If you are certain that it's a virus, there's really nothing for it but tp trash the plant before it can spread through your collection. Very sad! There are virus test kits available (the brand name is Agdia) but I don't have the ordering information -- our local society orders them in quantity and then sells them to our members, but we're having to import them from the US. Someone else on the OB will probably come forward with a helping hand.
Good luck!

cb977 · #3 12-16-2009, 10:37 PM

I'm moving this thread into the Pests & Diseases forum

slipperfreak · #4 12-16-2009, 11:03 PM

I agree with Shirley. Maybe if you post some photos, we might be able to tell if it's a virus.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #5 12-17-2009, 12:12 AM

Viral test kits are the sure fire bet.

I'd do that before I'd write the plant off as having a virus.

Viral infections do occur, but they're rare.

Be sure of it before you make a decision.

Kmy · #6 12-17-2009, 07:37 AM

If it is a virus,I agree with Shirly that you should trash it but if it really mean for you,you can grown in isolation where it can't spread to other plant.I used to have a virus orchid that very important to me and now it still alive But if you should this way you have to careful you must sterilize you tools and always clean your greenhouse.(Maybe it is very risk)

nancy · #7 12-17-2009, 11:58 AM

My maikai has streaks and spots, too - first I roasted it in the sun, then we had 2' of rain a month for 3 months - so I think that is the cause of my streaking.
You can send a sample to Critter Creek Labs - they will e-mail a results file to you within a few days. Very reasonable price. Critter Creek Laboratory
The site also has some general information on viruses. BC Maikai is a fast-growing plant that is divided and swapped a lot in our society, so that is kind of a 'caution' light.
Regards - Nancy