Oncidium with ORSV

[Sharry]

Attached are images from a recently acquired Oncidium. with viral lesions. There are chlorotic spots with dark centers and fine black necrotic streaks on the leaves. Bummer cuz it's a cute little orchid. At least some educational value is to be had.

[Lilac]

Is there no cure for this? Perhaps the plant can fight the virus off on it's own?

[Sharry]

It is incurable. All the leaves are affected in this case. No color break in the flowers though. Using it as a patio decoration until frost then to the landfill it will go.

[kindrag23]

Oh sad day what does ORSV stand for exactly?

[Sharry]

It stands for Odontoglossum Ringspot Virus

[kindrag23]

Thank you!!

[Island Girl]

The only way you will know for sure, (even with tale-tell signs) is if you get it tested. That said, I don't think this looks like virus, it just looks like bad culture/fungus/bacteria... But it's a little hard to tell from the pics, and I am by no means an expert.

Send off a sample to Critter Creek Labs, then you will know for sure (you can't diagnose by pictures alone)

Where did you get this one? It sounds like it was recently acquired?

[Orchid Whisperer]

I have been educated by many more experienced growers; what looks like virus is not necessarily virus, and plants that look virus-free may not be so. Some fungal problems can look like ORSV.

If you would keep the plant if it was non-virused, have Critter Creek test it, as Island Girl suggests.

[james mickelso]

This doesn't look like ORSV. The only way to tewll if it is a virus is to have it tested. There are a few other diseases that could be afflicting this plant. I would try and help it fight off this attack and nurse it back to health. Unless you have a nice collection which is disease free. I'd change the potting medium to start. Keep it on the dry side too especially if this is fungal which is what it looks like from the picture.

[Sharry]

It is positive via Agdia test strip. Unfortunately just recently acquired at a show. I saw the spotting but sometimes Oncidiums, like Sharry Baby have spotty leaves and it was so cute that I took a chance. I was wrong. Live and learn.

Attached is another image that shows the spotting better.