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.

[orchidsarefun]

thank you, I appreciate this.

Was Dtps Confetti Burst one of the culprits ? I have one and I have my doubts about it....

[escualida]

Yes, actually it is one of the culprits... sorry

[Wild Orchid]

While on the subject, does anyone know where testing for viruses can be done in Canada?

Thanks!
WO

[bballr4567]

Again, buy seedlings as it greatly limits the chance of exposure. Clones are almost a certain positive to get disease.

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by bballr4567

Again, buy seedlings as it greatly limits the chance of exposure. Clones are almost a certain positive to get disease.

I am not sure why you think a seedling would be any different to a mature plant ? A lot of viruses are passed on through poor cultural practices. Further, speaking for myself, I am too old to have to wait another couple of years to get a blooming plant, let alone find a seedling of the hybrid I want

[bballr4567]

While true that a lot of transmission is through unsanitary practices a seedling generally isn't around a greenhouse long enough to be cut for anything. Also, a seedling hasn't been cloned so that is another way to cut down transmission. You knock out those two avenues for spreading and you have a great chance to get a healthy orchid.

[escualida]

Originally Posted by rlilia

While on the subject, does anyone know where testing for viruses can be done in Canada?

Thanks!
Lilia

I'm pretty sure you can send your samples to Critter Creek unless there is some kind of restriction. Each test only costs about $5 and shipping should be minimal, a padded envelope is probably fine.

[Wild Orchid]

Thanks a lot, Adriana.
I appreciate your advice.

[Ray]

You can do your own testing with Agdia Imunostrips.

I would wager that we all have virused plants and aren't aware of it.