Streaking on Cattleya leaf- Virus? Nutritional?

[plumania]

Would like to know why leaves have this streaking. Plant was in a clay pot until late september and now in basket because of root loss. But it had streaking long before transfer to basket. New roots have come up but no new growth.
First pic is the 'front' and second 'back' side.
It is Cattleya Siam Jade 'Avo' and I bought it in bloom, at the show in Ft. Lauderdale early this year.

Thanks.

[NYCorchidman]

Very likely.
My initial thoughs were virus or fungus.
If you want to know for sure, you should test your plant.

[plumania]

How do I test it? Any kits ?

[DavidCampen]

Originally Posted by plumania

How do I test it? Any kits ?

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...munostrip.html

https://orders.agdia.com/InventoryD....K+13301&loc=IN

[plumania]

Thanks David. I looked at the links you posted.
I do not see any specific test kit for a range of virus in Cattleya.
It seems to be designed to specifically test a particular virus and I do not know which one would apply to mine.
Or should I think about a specific fungus ?
In any case, I will see how the plant grows, will throw it away if it does not behave right.
I have another Siam Jade that I bought from a reputed nursery which is not in great shape either. It is my fault in this case because I bought it due to fragrance on bloom even though I could see plant was not in good shape.
Being a newbie, I was easily persuaded by the nursery into buying it and it was not cheap.
Lesson learned.

[Stray59]

Plumania:
The test kits test for the most prevalent viruses (TMV and CRS, and others) in orchids. That's not to say you would never have a virus the test kit will not pick up, but it is rare.
I looked at your pic, and before I even read the name I thought "Wow - that looks like my Epicat. Siam Jade 'Avo'. Not the streaking, but the odd twisting and bending of the stems is almost exactly like mine - they are not the straight upright psuedos you usually encounter - I think that might be the epidendrum that is coming out in it!
Was this plant damaged around the area of the black streaks? If these are cracks or bruises on the leaf surface, then often a fungus will turn it black. When I get a crack, I dust it with cinnamon to stop it from turning dark. But am I also seeing yellow streaks? Either way, I think I would isolate it and test it before I put it in with my other orchids.
If it is fungal, than there are tons of commercial fungicides to use, but I use Captan on most of mine. It is an old standby, but it works well. It would not hurt to treat for a fungus, even if you don't have one. It will not hurt anyway.
I looked online and it looks like this variety tends to appear somewhat scraggly or anemic in it's growth - that would describe mine well!
Let us know about any damage - that is a sure-fire way to get an infection started!
Steve

[tucker85]

It doesn't look like any virus I know of. The dark line on plant is probably mechanical damage with maybe a little fungus in the break. That's no big deal. There's a little bit of a light colored streak also. I've seen that before and I'm not sure what causes it. Plants with a virus usually grow poorly and look unhealthy. When they bloom they often have 'color break' streaks on the flower petals. I think you orchid looks fine. Once it gets some good roots it should grow well in that basket.

[Leafmite]

We use Captan on our fruit trees (especially the peaches and apricots). Works very well.

[Leafmite]

I wouldn't toss it, yet, certainly. Other things can cause such markings. Certainly keep it isolated and avoid doing anything that could transfer virus, but give it good nutrition and treat as if possible bacteria or fungus. If you can test the plant, that would be a great idea, but the other way is to watch the plant (or, if you know of 'indicator' plants, you can use those to see if the orchid is virused. These are plants that quickly exhibit virus symptoms, the old-fashioned way to know if a plant was virused). Most plants that are virused will continue to show symptoms and a gradual decline.

[plumania]

It was not damaged as far as I know. Plant hangs from a tree outside ,so there is a possibility something rubbed it. There are 2 pseudobulbs affected, each with 2 leaves.
So, I will just care for it and see what happens.
Does not look fungal but I see no harm in trying antifungal.
Thanks.