Pine Ridge phals and viruses

[escualida]

Hi all,

I don't want to spark another ugly debate on orchid viruses but I do think it is my duty as a member of this board to keep everyone informed about this so:

I recently bought 6 plants directly from Pine Ridge Orchids, and one of their clones through another seller. They are all beautiful and I believe most of them are 7 years old or more. From what I've gathered through conversations with them it looks like due to the economy they are getting out of the "game" anyway and are just selling off what they have left.

Anyway, out of 7 plants 6 of them have come back positive for both ORSV and CymMV. So if you have a clone from Pine Ridge and haven't gotten it tested I would just be extra careful with it or get it tested, whatever you would prefer, so that it doesn't spread to the rest of your collection.

I know some people here think that viruses should be ignored and they're just something that we should live with but I still believe it's an issue that needs to be addressed so that it doesn't get worse.

I understand that it is expensive to test every plant, etc, but again, it's something we should all be aware of and do whatever is in our power to control and maybe someday in the distant future the problem won't be as prevalent as it is now.

Again, I'm not trying to start a debate on this, I just thought some of you would want to know about this.