Mosaic Virus on Catt?? - Orchid Board

isurus79 · #1 11-08-2007, 08:31 PM

I have this large seedling Blc Robert Mem Straight that is growing very well and all of a sudden these black, indented spots surrounded by a purple ring shows up on the newest leaf

. Is this mosaic virus?? Does anyone have any experience with this and what should I do with the plant if it is infected?? For space reasons I have a Stan. jenishiana below it and Im afraid that it might catch the bug as well. Can this happen???

Any answers would be very much appreciated!!

Rosim_in_BR · #2 11-08-2007, 08:53 PM

I have seen some of the diseases caused by TMV and especially CMV in Cattleyas, but nothing like this. Anyway, take a look at this, maybe it can help you Virus Diseases

isurus79 · #3 11-09-2007, 01:48 AM

Thanks Mauro for that article. I think that if my suspicions are confirmed, I will have to destroy that plant, just like your article says to do. I hope its something else though.

Gin · #4 11-09-2007, 09:54 AM

Good info.
I would isolate the plant and see if it shows up on more of the growth , It looks to me like something chewed on it, a borer of some type . Gin

isurus79 · #5 11-09-2007, 03:32 PM

If it were a borer (which Im really pulling for!), would there be purple rings around the cuts or chew marks? Thats the part that really bothers me, is the purple rings. The plant does get full midday Hawaiian sun, however, and Im wondering if the purple is from that? Any thoughts?? Im really on the fence with this one!!

Ross · #6 11-09-2007, 04:01 PM

Could be. The real question is (I have no answer, BTW.) would a virus leave such holes or voids? Something to ponder. I'm not professing to have answer, but borer really sounds like best bet right now.

Lagoon · #7 11-09-2007, 04:17 PM

Thats what I'm thinking too .. insect damage, the reddening areas could be from the damage, possible bruising? I see funky holes with that color on my roses.

This is just me .. but I would keep this catt around and see what else might develope.

isurus79 · #8 11-09-2007, 04:37 PM

I hope you guys are right! Ive never had to euthanize one of my 'chids before and really dont want to start!! Thanks for all the input.

camille1585 · #9 11-09-2007, 05:11 PM

Viruses are the most difficult diseases to identify. Some have no symptoms, others cause secondary bacterial/fungal infections. I personally don't know of any virus that would cause pitting like on your catt. I found a website with pictures on the most common orchid viruses:Orchid viruses

I agree that it may be some sort of borer.The purple color could be the plant tissue's reaction to the lesion. Maybe you could incise the area to see if you see anything? To be on the safe side, isolate the plant so that you don't risk infecting other orchids.

tuvoc · #10 11-09-2007, 05:24 PM

It sure looks like some sort of mechanical damage as opposed to disease. My thinking is that some sort of infection could result though. I would get myself a sharp, sterile blade, and cut the leaf off below the injury.
Treat the wound with a fungicide, ground cinnamon, or such, and then isolate the plant, and hope for the best. What do the rest of you think?

Kim