Information on orchid 'flec' virus

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Hi

I was wondering whether anyone has had issues with 'orchid flec virus'. I have had an issue which at first I thought was a fungus, but after fungicides failed to fix the problem, was told that it may be viral. Out of all my plants, only miltoniopsis, and paphiopedilums do not show symptoms; all of the other plants form 'pitts' on their leaves, as well as yellow discoloration. Some plants die, while others just have severly damaged leaves. Any new plants introduced to the collection develop symptoms after 2-3 months. However, I have three plants at the opposite section of my house, which have remained unaffected.

Has anyone had a similar experience?

Thanks,
Cam

[Hedge]

Do you have photos please? I have a similar thing going on with some of the Odontoglossum hybrids I've bought especially the ones that were going past their best (i.e. were reduced)

[Ray]

I do not believe you are necessarily dealing with a virus. Some mites can cause the type of "pitting" you described, and they certainly would not be affected by a fungicide. If the leaves get a gray or silvery appearance, I'd lean in that direction.

Additionally, there have been descriptions over the last several years of a resistant "microfungus", but that - as far as I recall - seems to be limited to phals.

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Hi Ray. I do not believe that it is mite problem- I have had issues with pests in the past ( spider mites, false spider mites, scale, mealy bugs) while dealing with this issue, and while thew bugs went away, the symptoms did not.

It is funny you mention the microfungus-- I lost all my phals due to 'pitting (except one, which I believe must be resistant).

My symptoms appear to closely resemble the flec virus shown on this website:
Orchid Virus.

In my case, the young growths remain uneffected until they become more mature. Often however, they are less discolored/ pitted than the leaves which were initially affected.

I will post pictures, but I have to recharge my camera batteries

Thanks!
Cam

Originally Posted by Ray

I do not believe you are necessarily dealing with a virus. Some mites can cause the type of "pitting" you described, and they certainly would not be affected by a fungicide. If the leaves get a gray or silvery appearance, I'd lean in that direction.

Additionally, there have been descriptions over the last several years of a resistant "microfungus", but that - as far as I recall - seems to be limited to phals.