Viruses are everywhere. It's just a matter of what kind of virus can do harm to certain organisms under certain specific sets of situations or conditions.
One type of virus that commonly afflicts orchids is the Cymbidium Mosaic Virus (CMV) which was probably derived from mutated Tobacco Mosaic Viruses (TMV). Although I've also been reading about an Oncidium Mosaic Virus (OMV), not quite sure about this one. If OMV does exist, then it probably derived from a mutated CMV.
If you're a smoker, this is probably a good reason to quit. Apparently, (not sure how), according to what I've been reading, TMV can still be on the tobacco in cigarettes.
Insects can be carriers for the different Mosaic Viruses as well. When they pierce the tissue of the infected plant for food, then they pierce the tissue of another un-infected plant for food, they could leave behind some viral particles.
Cutting tools that have not been properly sterilized also spreads viral infections very rapidly.
There are no known cures for viral infections of any kind, (including those for humans). If your plant is infected, it's sad to say...you must destroy it.
For viral test strips, you can go on-line and look them up. I've never bought one, but I've looked them up once, just out of curiosity. And they are pricey.
Last edited by King_of_orchid_growing:); 08-26-2009 at 02:07 PM..
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