Virus positive plants, Agdia Immunostrip.

[DavidCampen]

My understanding is that infection occurs when sap from an infected plant enters an open wound on another plant. This could be from a cutting instrument or from sap on your hands or work surface or possibly from commingling of roots or possibly via sucking insects.

Of the 6 infected plants that I have found so far, 2 of them I selected for testing specifically because they looked unhealthy and lacking in vigor. None of the 6 plants had the classic chlorotic rings or mossaic patterns.

I don't understand your comment that
"I must admit to being apprehensive about testing, ... . Buying from vendors consequently becomes a huge issue."
If you don't want to confront the vendors then just trash the plants and if too many plants from a vendor arrive virused then stop buying from that vendor.

[orchidsarefun]

well - how would you suggest you increase your collection/breeding stock ? Its a bit of hit/miss if you have to purchase first and then toss, not to mention the potential considerable $ waste.
I am apprehensive because it could be that I have a lot of virused plants !

[DavidCampen]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

well - how would you suggest you increase your collection/breeding stock ? Its a bit of hit/miss if you have to purchase first and then toss, not to mention the potential considerable $ waste.
I am apprehensive because it could be that I have a lot of virused plants !

Yes, it seems that a lot of breeders and vendors feel the same way.

As for me, I will establish a virus free collection. This will mean testing each plant twice, once when it is first purchased and if it survives that test then again a few months later.

[Wfuavenger]

Originally Posted by DavidCampen

Yes, it seems that a lot of breeders and vendors feel the same way.

As for me, I will establish a virus free collection. This will mean testing each plant twice, once when it is first purchased and if it survives that test then again a few months later.

That first test and then second test is a great idea. For The second test, I would wait at least 8 months and test a different area.

I have had some vendors replace or refund when virus positive plants get tossed. I have also had one that I have spent over $1,000 with this year and he refunded one then told me he wouldn't do anymore refunds. I am no longer giving him any more money.

[Tardie]

Originally Posted by DavidCampen

My understanding is that infection occurs when sap from an infected plant enters an open wound on another plant. This could be from a cutting instrument or from sap on your hands or work surface or possibly from commingling of roots or possibly via sucking insects.

Of the 6 infected plants that I have found so far, 2 of them I selected for testing specifically because they looked unhealthy and lacking in vigor. None of the 6 plants had the classic chlorotic rings or mossaic patterns.

I don't understand your comment that
"I must admit to being apprehensive about testing, ... . Buying from vendors consequently becomes a huge issue."
If you don't want to confront the vendors then just trash the plants and if too many plants from a vendor arrive virused then stop buying from that vendor.

Can I ask what was about Phal. schilleriana that made you test it? only the lack of vigor, or other signs?

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Tardie

Can I ask what was about Phal. schilleriana that made you test it? only the lack of vigor, or other signs?

You’ve jumped into an 8-year old thread. David hasn’t posted here in a long time.

[Tardie]

Yes, I've seen it, thank you. Just wanted to try because I have possible virus trouble .

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Tardie

Yes, I've seen it, thank you. Just wanted to try because I have possible virus trouble.

The trouble is that there are no real tell tale signs of virus and symptoms or severity of symptoms can vary quite a bit. And liekwise not all virus like symptoms are due to (the common) viruses. I had several suspicious plant tested for 7 viruses and all came back negative for everything. If you have doubts about a plant then your best course of action would be to test it.

[Tardie]

Originally Posted by camille1585

The trouble is that there are no real tell tale signs of virus and symptoms or severity of symptoms can vary quite a bit. And liekwise not all virus like symptoms are due to (the common) viruses. I had several suspicious plant tested for 7 viruses and all came back negative for everything. If you have doubts about a plant then your best course of action would be to test it.

Thank you Camille. Unfortunately I am from Hungary, Europe and tests are very expensive, especially if I order from US... But I am thinking about it.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Tardie

Thank you Camille. Unfortunately I am from Hungary, Europe and tests are very expensive, especially if I order from US... But I am thinking about it.

My local university where I studied at (Netherlands) used to sell the immunostrip test at what seemed an affordable price. Unfortunately they've renewed the website so I'll have to see if that info is still there.

---------- Post added at 04:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:11 PM ----------

Update, looks like the university is no longer an official Agdia distributor...