how long will a virus live on your tools - Orchid Board

SHag42 · #1 07-05-2013, 10:09 PM

Hey I am new at this and have a question about viruses and tools. I have more than likely spread a virus if any of my orchids have one by not knowing how to do things properly. After researching this topic I have learned a few things. although I have gotten some mixed input on how to clean tools. I decided that the best thing to use is disposable razor blades. one for each plant and to wear new rubber gloves for each. then bleach the heck out of everything. I do have a small set of clippers that I use just to cut off flower spikes. After each use I scrub it down with strong bleach water then soak it in alcohol and light it on fire with a lighter. I don't know if this is enough. But I don't use it very often and it may set for a month or so before I use it again. Can any one tell me that if my cleaning did not destroy the virus will it live on there forever. just curious. I have not bought any expensive plants yet because I wanted to see if I had luck with these things. If I decide I can grow them OK I will test all the ones I got before I buy new ones. Can you please guide me to more info on the subject. I have read some but nothing about how long it lives in the open. A lot of human viruses do not live long after they leave the body I don't believe.

Thank you for all your help. It is truly a blessing to of have found this forum.

tucker85 · #2 07-05-2013, 10:35 PM

It sounds like you're cleaning your tools pretty well. As you probably know, it's the sap from the plant that can carry the virus. Touching the leaves of the plants won't transmit virus. Viruses actually aren't living organisms. They're just some DNA that only resembles a living organism when it gets inside a live cell. So, since they aren't alive, you can't kill them. But viruses can deteriorate when they dry out or are exposed to heat or some chemicals. I have no idea how long they'll last on cutting implements. I don't take any chances because I lost about half my collection to a virus before I started cleaning my tools. I do the same as you, I use single use razor blades for some cutting and I now use a propane torch on my shears. Chlorine is fine but it's hard on your clothing and it can rust your cutters. It's a pain to always clean or sterilize your shears but it's definitely worth the effort.

HighSeas · #3 07-05-2013, 10:45 PM

I think it just depends on the virus as to how long it can survive outside the host. The Tobacco Mosaic Virus can exist for a very long time even in dried sap on a tool. Others, not so long.

Since you can't possibly know what exact virus you may be dealing with, the best possible solution is to be very conscious of cleanliness within the environment. You can have plants tested but that would be costly.

Apparently, the number one way to transmit a virus to a plant....are vectors....bugs. Aphids, mites, etc. This can be a challenge within a greenhouse or outdoor culture. They are however, much more controllable than a virus.

Also...viruses can also be transferred from plant to plant via clothing, tools or even the plants you have growing around your greenhouse/orchid house.

I think the best plan of action would be to wash your hands between plants...the use of virucidal disinfectants...being careful to inspect all plants you plan to purchase and being quick to quarantine those that exhibit symptoms.

You can destroy viruses with heat of 167-212°F (75-100°C), normal cooking temperatures. In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective. High UV light will also kill many viruses.

SHag42 · #4 07-05-2013, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tucker85

It sounds like you're cleaning your tools pretty well. As you probably know, it's the sap from the plant that can carry the virus. Touching the leaves of the plants won't transmit virus. Viruses actually aren't living organisms. They're just some DNA that only resembles a living organism when it gets inside a live cell. So, since they aren't alive, you can't kill them. But viruses can deteriorate when they dry out or are exposed to heat or some chemicals. I have no idea how long they'll last on cutting implements. I don't take any chances because I lost about half my collection to a virus before I started cleaning my tools. I do the same as you, I use single use razor blades for some cutting and I now use a propane torch on my shears. Chlorine is fine but it's hard on your clothing and it can rust your cutters. It's a pain to always clean or sterilize your shears but it's definitely worth the effort.

Sorry to hear about your loss that must of been really sad. I hate for anything to die. I did not realize that orchids were so prone to virus till I started growing them. Had problems with one and found this forum. I tend to be a bit paranoid now about the whole thing. I will more than likely go get a small torch just to make sure. And like I said at some point get all mine tested just to be on the safe side. Thanks again

---------- Post added at 09:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:45 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighSeas

I think it just depends on the virus as to how long it can survive outside the host. The Tobacco Mosaic Virus can exist for a very long time even in dried sap on a tool. Others, not so long.

Since you can't possibly know what exact virus you may be dealing with, the best possible solution is to be very conscious of cleanliness within the environment. You can have plants tested but that would be costly.

Apparently, the number one way to transmit a virus to a plant....are vectors....bugs. Aphids, mites, etc. This can be a challenge within a greenhouse or outdoor culture. They are however, much more controllable than a virus.

Also...viruses can also be transferred from plant to plant via clothing, tools or even the plants you have growing around your greenhouse/orchid house.

I think the best plan of action would be to wash your hands between plants...the use of virucidal disinfectants...being careful to inspect all plants you plan to purchase and being quick to quarantine those that exhibit symptoms.

You can destroy viruses with heat of 167-212°F (75-100°C), normal cooking temperatures. In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective. High UV light will also kill many viruses.

you have brought to my attention some very important factors. I am somewhat familiar with the Tobacco Mosaic Virus. We use to grow tobacco when I was a kid we did not have much problem with it but I remember hearing of people that would loose whole crops. I have started using the disposable gloves between each orchid if I am cutting on it. And also wash my hands if I have handled one before I touch another one. I didn't think about clothes though. That's kinda scary but it makes sense. I will do some more research on this. It looks like I am into orchids now for the long haul. I have just fell in love with them and want to know all I can on how to give them the best growing conditions. Thanks again

HighSeas · #5 07-05-2013, 11:18 PM

Good luck! There is in fact a great deal of research involved in being "owned" by these orchids!

Wanted to mention too, that I recently bought a surgical stainless steel scalpel with 100 #10 blades (sterile) for $12.00. I had one already....but misplaced it. Ebay is a great resource for things like that. You can also purchase surgical stainless scissors (of various sizes) which can be used and then dropped right into a virucidal detergent.

I'm sure that when the new one arrives, I'll likely find the other one that very day!

Welcome!

SHag42 · #6 07-05-2013, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighSeas

Good luck! There is in fact a great deal of research involved in being "owned" by these orchids!

Wanted to mention too, that I recently bought a surgical stainless steel scalpel with 100 #10 blades (sterile) for $12.00. I had one already....but misplaced it. Ebay is a great resource for things like that. You can also purchase surgical stainless scissors (of various sizes) which can be used and then dropped right into a virucidal detergent.

I'm sure that when the new one arrives, I'll likely find the other one that very day!

Welcome!

Cool that sounds like a bargain and a great idea too. I will have to check out ebay and see what they have. And I feel sure that you will find the other one. that "Murphy" sure is a hoot ain't he. Thanks again for all the great info. Sounds like you been at this a while. I feel blessed getting all this info. I intend to do a lot of research so my orchids can own me better.

orchidsarefun · #7 07-06-2013, 01:00 AM

what about a few times through a dishwashing cycle ?....and used for food etc in the between times...

SHag42 · #8 07-06-2013, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

what about a few times through a dishwashing cycle ?....and used for food etc in the between times...

yes I guess that might work but I don't have a dishwasher and don't cook much since it is just me and the dog. Not sure that I would use clippers on my food anyhow unless it was to clip herbs.

cbuchman · #9 07-06-2013, 11:07 AM

I keep a jar of 10% bleach solution to dip instruments and have stainless steel clippers; so rust isn't a problem. Hand washing is also very effective - just as it is for human-to-human virus transmission!.

I scrub clay pots like crazy with soap and then bake them in the oven at 250F for about an hour. So far so good. Is this enough?

SHag42 · #10 07-06-2013, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbuchman

I keep a jar of 10% bleach solution to dip instruments and have stainless steel clippers; so rust isn't a problem. Hand washing is also very effective - just as it is for human-to-human virus transmission!.

I scrub clay pots like crazy with soap and then bake them in the oven at 250F for about an hour. So far so good. Is this enough?

Thanks for the reply. I think I will invest in some stainless steel clippers. they would have to hold up better to the abuse. I had not thought about baking the clay pots. That is also a good idea. So far I have not reused my clay pots. Most of them come in the plastic pots set inside a clay pot. I just make sure to put the same orchid back into that pot after a good soak and scrubbing in bleach. From now on I will try baking them even if it is the same plant. Thanks a bunch for the idea.