Virus in Pleiones and contaminated material - Orchid Board

rbarata · #1 08-19-2018, 08:33 AM

Hello, my friends

I suspect I'm dealing a virus outbreak.
My pleiones leaves look like this (not my plant) and one of them already lost its leaves.

Not sure what to do...I would put it outside but these plants, although hardy, probably won't coe with the temps and low HR we have here.

Also, I have some material (in particular a clay pot I would like to use) stored in the affected area. If I put the pot outside, under full sun, for how long do you think the virus (if it's a virus) stay alive?

Nexogen · #2 08-19-2018, 09:09 AM

I hope I do not mislead, but this picture shows a leaf destroyed by spider mites.
However, it might be a mix; spider mites carry various bacteria and viruses collected from other "adventures" to other plants.

rbarata · #3 08-19-2018, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexogen

I hope I do not mislead, but this picture shows a leaf destroyed by spider mites.
However, it might be a mix; spider mites carry various bacteria and viruses collected from other "adventures" to other plants.

Right!
Here's the link from where I copied the photo.

Nexogen · #4 08-19-2018, 09:52 AM

After this scenario, I hope you do not have him. However this site may be useful.

http://extension.msstate.edu/sites/d...005/bw0905.pdf

estación seca · #5 08-19-2018, 10:31 AM

I agree; you should look for spider mites. They are most active during hot dry seasons. They preferentially attack thin-leafed plants.

rbarata · #6 08-19-2018, 11:29 AM

When I got them I checked for mites (cotton and alcohol) and it came clean. Just in case I sprayed the leaves with water and they are in a more or less humid place (above 50%).
I've found a video by MissOrchidGirl with the exact same issues ans symptoms (that include leaves dying too early) but as she didn't post anymore videos updating the first one I sent her an email asking how it ended.
In the meanwhile I'll spray the leaves again.

Nexogen · #7 08-19-2018, 11:58 AM

See that I sent you a site, read carefully what it says there. Spider mites have become a big problem. The image is typical of a serious spider mites infestation. Forget the cotton method. AVID Miticide/Insecticide is called the solution.

rbarata · #8 08-19-2018, 01:46 PM

Thanks for the document, Nexogen.
Here it is extremely difficult to get miticides because its use and buying is restricted to certified people.
I've been trying to find it in the past but couldn't find it in the usual agricultural hardware stores.

Leafmite · #9 08-19-2018, 02:56 PM

That is definitely mite damage. There are many different types of mites and not all of them are easy to find. Not all do the webbing and not all of them are red or even large enough to easily see.

While many use pesticides that are developed specifically for mites, this is not the only option. Suffocating spider mites with oil is also a good option. Neem oil is my current method but the entire collection must be treated, it must be done twice a week for two or three weeks, and the plants must be thoroughly covered with the spray. Sometimes, a month later, I will need to repeat the treatment. I have passiflora which are quite large, have many leaves, and are especially beloved by mites so mites are to be expected.

Here are some more ideas:
How To Get Rid Of Spider Mites: TOP-8 Killers

rbarata · #10 08-19-2018, 05:02 PM

I think I'll use the water stream together with a spray of dish soap+alcohol once/week.
The affected plants, especially the Pleiones are watered everyday and are in small pots so they are easely manageable for a daily treatment.
I've decided this way because once one have mites then erradication is something impossible so population control is the key.
Also all the solutions are short term effective so, in the end, the result will be probably the same.