That speaker person saying how 90% of orchids coming from Hawaii is virused is complete BS!
Has he done the examinations and statistical analysis himself?
I find it highly offensive and irresponsible to make such a statement and deliver it as "fact" to a group of people at a meeting.
Is he a grower himself?
Some local growers here always talk bad about plants from Hawaii as well, and guess what, they are all wrong! They talk to me and treat me as if they would a child in persuading buying locally.
Another thing, just like you pointed out, his anology of comparing virused orchids with child with a cold is stupid. and the strong expression of "killing a child".
very inappropriate.
While many virused plants can grow symptomless, they will still transfer the virus to other "not yet virused" plants via bugs and handling.
Many growers get very uncomfortable when the topic of virus comes up. My local guys all avoid the topic by saying theirs is virus free. some obvious signs when pointed out, they say it is fungus or mite or blah blah blah as if everyone is stupid and just buy what they say.
Big part of prevention is education and good cultural practice.
Everytime I hear something like that, it just gets so sad. That is why viruses will always be a big problem in the horticulture industry.
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