Results of ORSV and CymMV testing

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by DavidCampen

.......
......When I buy more plants I think I will ask the vendors if I can send them some test strips so that they can check the plants before they send them to me.

I think that it is come as a shock to the breeders/growers to realize how many virused plants that they have.

One misconception is to consider all vendors/growers/hybridizers and sellers the same. Just NOT true. Vendors and sellers are the same; hybridizers and true growers may be similar but the hybridizer is the most reputable in my opinion.

Most vendor/sellers just do not care whether the plants they distribute are virused or not. If you are dealing with true hybridizers and growers, they should care. The vendors/sellers, who usually buy plants in spike and then bloom them out for sale, are simply moving a product and they are only worried about the dollar.

The best line of defense is to learn who the hybridizers and true growers are and deal only with them. But, I will admit, not always easy to do, as you have found.


CL

[escualida]

Is Norman's not both? They seem to have some unique crosses. They should definitely care if their plants are virused but seem not to.

[DavidCampen]

Darn, I just tested another of my catasetinae and my Cycnoches warzewiczii tests positive for CymMV. It really pains me to have to throw this plant out but I will. I has 5 buds on it now, I will let it flower before I trash it. So out of 15 catasetinae that I have tested, 5 have been positive - 2 for ORSV and 3 for CymMV. These positive plants have come from 3 well known and reputable growers.

[DavidCampen]

Originally Posted by Cym Ladye

...
The best line of defense is to learn who the hybridizers and true growers are and deal only with them. But, I will admit, not always easy to do, as you have found.


CL

What vendors does anyone know of that make a statement on their website about virused plants?

[Leafmite]

If these orchids don't show signs and are nice, I would send samples in to a lab to get them tested before throwing them out. Unless, of course, they were cheap or you weren't terribly fond of them, it is worth getting that second opinion.

[DavidCampen]

If I sent a sample to Critter Creek they would use the Agdia ELISA test that employs the same antibodies as the Agdia Immunostrip so it seems unlikely that the result would be any different.

[NYCorchidman]

I don't think there are any vendors that specifically mention virus. I think some honest and nice business owner might take case by case approach if you make any issues with plants purchased from them.
It's just not possible to guaruntee 100% virus free when there are hundreds to thousands plants growing in the greenhouse. Most plants may be virus free, but some will almost always have virus. just a reality.

[DavidCampen]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

Most plants may be virus free, but some will almost always have virus. just a reality.

Yes, given that the definition of "most" is something greater than 50%. I have found that 10% of my orchid plants and 33% of my catasetinae are infected with 1 or more pathogenic viruses. But as long as most people don't care neither will the growers - what orchid vendor would want to throw out 10% or 30% or more of their plants because they are infected with pathogenic viruses when there are plenty of people who will buy them and not complain.

[Bayard]

H&R certifies their plants to be virus free.

I have never gotten a virused plant from either Carter and Holmes or Hausermann's.

Stick with the winners!

[Leafmite]

Found this cool article for anyone thinking of testing plants: Ch15

I would probably prefer a lab to do my testing but I really enjoyed reading of the procedure.