Results of ORSV and CymMV testing

[NYCorchidman]

Originally Posted by DavidCampen

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.

Add to that, many vendors (not growers) and most consumers are not even aware of plant viruses. For vendors especially, selling is the main focus. I once visited a local flower shop and found a potted orchid I really liked. A few leaves had some black mark and I expressed my concern. The person at the store cut off the leaves with scissors (I'm pretty sure they had been in use for cutting whatever's in their store) and smiled at me. I was terrified but they thought I was a difficult and neurotic shopper.
How sad!

[bballr4567]

I will say that Normans requires you to send back plants after a certain amount of time in your home if you want your money back.

Still, it's sad that they acted rude. Were the orchids seedlings or meristems?

[DavidCampen]

Of the 5 catasetinae: 1 was stated to be a clone, 2 were described as seed grown and 2 were indeterminate.

[escualida]

The 3 that came back positive for me were all meristems.

[Leafmite]

Were these three lab tested?
I have been wondering how the orchid from Hausermann's fared as I get many of my orchids there. So...anxiously awaiting the news.

[bballr4567]

Originally Posted by escualida

The 3 that came back positive for me were all meristems.

Ahh, it's why I've been steering clear of meristems so far. Interesting.

[escualida]

I used the Agdia kits for all of them, but Hausermann's asked me to send a sample to Critter Creek as well. I got them to do the double well test and it also came back positive for ORSV.

They made a point of letting me know that this is a plant that they were reselling from somewhere else and isn't originally from them. They also said they weren't comfortable replacing it with the same kind in case all of them are infected, but I just looked on their website and they're still selling it so I don't know. The plant is Epicattleya Rene Marques 'Flame Thrower' HCC/AOS in case anyone is curious.

[Leafmite]

I guess I have had too much confidence in them. Is there no vendor that can be trusted?

[bballr4567]

Sickness is out there. You will NOT and NEVER be 100% sure that everything you get is clear unless you get it tested and even then it's still not exact.

It's just best to get plants that are from seed from growers that grew them in the states.

[Leafmite]

You know, its funny, but when I purchase other exotic plants, they are always healthy. I really don't understand why virused plants are allowed to be sold. Viruses could (and do) spread to plants that produce our food. Wow. Look at all the diseases that have been allowed to move into and around our country...Dutch Elm Disease, American Chestnut Blight, Fire Blight (pears), Citrus Greening...just to name a few. When does it end? When do we learn from our mistakes?