Bulb. falcatum - aphid damage or virus?

[tombolo]

All my new growth on this Bulb. falcatum had a fairly severe aphid infestation. Since developing, all the new leaves from this year are mottled yellow on both top and bottom. It seems to be restricted to the new leaves.

Is this something that an aphid infestation could cause? or Could it be a virus transmitted from aphids?

[camille1585]

Welcome to Orchidboard!
If you still had an aphid problem while the leaves were growing, then its very likely that the yellowing is from the aphids, and it's quite common for damage/discoloration to be apparent on the new leaves rather than old. Aphids also prefer to feed on younger leaves because the sugar and nitrogen content is higher.

As to virus, no one here can give you any answer other than 'possibly virus'. Only a virus test will tell you that for sure.

[tombolo]

Good to have some confirmation on my suspicion, I was thinking that the aphids likely caused the yellowing. I will keep the plant isolated for the next year and continue to monitor it to be on the safe side.

[camille1585]

This would be my best guess, since I don't know much about aphid related issues on orchids. I'm an entomologist by training, but was rearing and studying several aphid species on various Brassica species, and it was not uncommon to see yellow spotting as well as leaf deformation on young leaves. But that amount of yellowing was usually at somewhat high infestation levels

[tombolo]

Yes, it was a severe infestation that was not caught and treated promptly. I was away during the peak. I think this answers my concerns.

Thanks.