Virus Free Orchid Seeds

[DebsC]

Reading an article on the Pot Plant Grower I encountered this statement.

Nature, in its wonderfully developed survival mechanisms has also evolved to insure orchid seeds are virus free

So is it true if a CMV positive cattleya was selfed, the seeds would be free of the virus?

[Ray]

That's the theory...

I've heard there are differences in that if it is a green pod or dry pod culture, though. (No, I don't know which is supposed to be what.)

[DebsC]

Thanks for your answer, Ray.

[Jerry Delaney]

In theory, the orchid seeds themselves are virus free. However, that is not true of the capsule tissue. As a result, seed to be sown from a plant that is suspected of being virused should be harvested as DRY seed. Seed from virused plants from greed pod culture may well produce virused seedlings.

[DebsC]

Originally Posted by Jerry Delaney

In theory, the orchid seeds themselves are virus free. However, that is not true of the capsule tissue. As a result, seed to be sown from a plant that is suspected of being virused should be harvested as DRY seed. Seed from virused plants from greed pod culture may well produce virused seedlings.

Thanks Jerry, I have read that also. I need to do some more studying. I do find it interesting though. Thanks again.

[Orchid Wise]

Originally Posted by Jerry Delaney

In theory, the orchid seeds themselves are virus free. However, that is not true of the capsule tissue. As a result, seed to be sown from a plant that is suspected of being virused should be harvested as DRY seed. Seed from virused plants from greed pod culture may well produce virused seedlings.

So how long would ORSV survive in the capsule tissue of Cymbidium seeds? Or what can we use to kill it before sowing the dry seed? Thanks.

[Roberta]

Welcome!

Note that the last activity on this thread was in 2007. (Like 17 years ago) You should start a new thread. If you introduce yourself in the "Break the Ice" forum and say a bit about your background and interests, you are more likely to get a response.

[Orchid Wise]

Originally Posted by DebsC

Thanks Jerry, I have read that also. I need to do some more studying. I do find it interesting though. Thanks again.

Originally Posted by Roberta

Welcome!

Note that the last activity on this thread was in 2007. (Like 17 years ago) You should start a new thread. If you introduce yourself in the "Break the Ice" forum and say a bit about your background and interests, you are more likely to get a response.

OK, Thanks.