Its never too late to start checkin for Virus

[DavidCampen]

I ordered a set of 25 of the Agdia CymMV+ORSV test strip kits directly from Agdia, $120 for the set of 25 kits plus about $10 shipping so about $5.20 per test.

While $5 per plant is not cheap, I spent many times that amount to purchase each plant. I have about 80 plants, soon to be about 100. I will try to test them all in the next several months and then continue testing as I acquire additional plants.

[Leafmite]

There are also certain plants that are 'indicator plants'. I forget the popular one but I have heard that people sow the seed for them, then scrape/cut them and introduce sap from a different plant. Very quickly, these plants will show clear signs of the virus. For a large amount of orchids, this could be a cost effective method.
I am sorry, RJ, that you have to have this worry. I truly believe that the AOS should have some sort of approval for vendors that test and sell virus-free plants. I really think it is wrong that anyone should sell plants that are not healthy. I have an orchid I really like that has been in isolation for nearly a year because of something with the leaves. Another, well, I am quite certain it must have been virused (lack of vigor, leaf markings, etc.) and had to toss it. I was quite anxious most of the winter that I would start seeing more cases and only now do I begin to breathe easier. I have less than sixty but this would still be a pain to test.

[RJSquirrel]

checked 20 plants in some sort of odd fashion and not a single one has a virus that the CymV or the ORSv strips detected. Doesnt count out TMV from me being a smoker but Im going to let that rest for now. I can buy a few TMV strips later when I figger out what Im going to do. But thats settled for the time being that I have no virus just bad habits watering and my plants not having enough room to breathe.

I got too much odd one over here, one off over there orchids. Its needs to be fine tuned. This is a chance to make the break and settle myself down to do what it is I bought these things to do. Im deciding on how I should proceed to make my life easier with the plants. Basically starts by trimming down the genera. Ya, whats inside stays inside paphs and masdys, thats fine. Whats outside needs some serious re thought.

I have to really very seriously think about specializing in one type and species. Motley collections are nice when they are all blooming. Rest of the time they are just a motley collection. Thats not to say what I might gravitate too wont be motley but the few I have are doing very well...The Cattleya walkeriana's do very well for me and I like the variations of them. All of them. I can have a nice collection of walkers to replace the ones that just dont fit my space or my ideas.

Thinking time.....I can have a pile up of odds and ends or I can have a set..what would you do?

I read a nice little story somewhere about a man who grew all kinds of orchids..The story started to sound painfully familiar. I'm sure it would sound that way to most of you. He had a mess of orchids, one of almost everything. 2 of the ones he really liked and 3 of the ones he really liked to kill more often. He stated that after years of fighting the problems endemic to having some of everything he decided he needed a change. He wanted a collection not a pile up of mish mashed genera all dripping on each other and getting each other sick. He traded his plants off and started collecting. walkeriana.

I am about to make a drastic change....I still love all them orchids, but its time to love one more than the others..My vote today is to become a walkeriana specialist..

[Wynn Dee13]

I'm glad you don't have any viruses! This proves that just because an orchid shows symptoms of virus dosn't mean it has a virus. It could be many other things like culture issues!

I love walkerianas too! But my favorite is nobilior. I could totally collect those two. How do you grow your walkerianas? I have a hard time blooming them. I don't think I give them the winter rest they require. I also grow under lights and I heard from another member that I need to keep the lights on for less hours in the fall and winter. I would love it if you had any tips or shared your growing method! Thanks and congrats on all your negative results!

[Leafmite]

I love having a variety of plants, including a variety of orchids. I would quickly miss the fun of watching their unique growth and blooming unfurl. Most of my plants have scented blooms, fragrant leaves, or produce fruit (with a few exceptions) and I really have enjoyed how this pursuit has led me to discover the wonders of the Plant Kingdom. And, I really like most of my plants and orchids far too much to discard them if they remain healthy. : )

If your orchids show virus symptoms, they may have a virus not detected by the tests kits available. In that case, an electron microscope must be used. There are always new plant viruses, unfortunately. Or, sometimes, a plant can suffer from nutrient imbalances, bacterial/fungal infections, or environmental issues. Good luck! Here is an interesting virus article:

http://www.icogo.org/images/Dr._Chin...id_Viruses.pdf

[DavidCampen]

I got my set of 25 AgDia CymMV/ORSV immunotest strip kits the other day and have tested 7 plants, all negative.

Each test kit's buffer/extraction pouch has enough buffer that I think I will be able to pool my tests and test 2 plants with each kit. I will try that soon.