This is a pretty interesting subject. I agree with a lot of Ray's views - keeping your plants in a healthy condition works to head off a lot of problems. After awhile, I think you develop certain habits as second nature: disposable latex gloves, sterile blades for every plant, sterilized pots, new clips and medium for every plant.
Every 5-6 years, I have a dozen or so plants tested. I do not test plants that I think are "on their way out" - it seems like a waste of money. I usually get any that are 'suspicious' tested (change in growth or blooming habit, weird growing habit, etc.). If flowers show color break, I'd rather trash them than test them. And I usually choose a few at random. Test oldest plants first, too.
I do not test plants lacking vigor, sickly plants, or BU (buttugly) plants.
I don't know where Marilyn gets her testing done, but it usually runs about $4-4.50 per sample for me.
There are some pretty common plants that can be used for a home test indicator; I haven't tried this, but would like to, just to 'see'. From what I understand, results are visible very quickly this way, and positive results are unmistakable.
Regards - Nancy
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