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.