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Once the province of high society, orchids have found their way into households worldwide, but so has a plant-killing batch of viruses plaguing nurseries
May 5, 2010 | 6
For centuries, orchids were only grown by specialists and the rich. But in recent decades, they have become the second most popular houseplant in the U.S....[More]
Though they initially leave no obvious signs, the most prevalent diseases weaken plants until finally they succumb. This cattleya shows mottling on its petals, a symptom of Cymbidium mosaic virus....[More]
In the past 20 years scientists have found startling infection rates among orchids. In one 2005 study, virus infected 65 percent of the cut orchids in Thailand, the world's largest exporter....[More]
The other way of spreading virus is through cloning. To properly clone an orchid, a producer must cut a grain-sized bit at the shoot, called a meristem....[More]
When the protocorm-like body is large enough, it's diced and set back in a petri dish. The process can be repeated to create thousands of young plants....[More]
Anthony Silva and his brother Joseph inherited their father's orchid nursery in 1977. Three years later, because of virus, they abandoned the entire stock, including plants their father had grown since 1939....[More]
Joseph Silva is careful to heat his clippers in fire to sterilize them between each cutting. The viruses are "a nightmare," he says. But other growers "act like it's a joke....[More]
"The vast majority of people who grow orchids have no idea that orchid viruses even exist," says Judy White, author of Taylor's Guide to Orchids ....[More]
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6 Comments
Add CommentThose who do not know history are apt t repeat it. In the middle of the 17th century a crisis erupted in the Dutch fields that caused a panic on a global (for that time) scale. As far a flowers is concerned, it was the rule of the Tulip and the economies of many were tied to the production, sell and distribution of the Dutch Tulip. The once vibrant and flourishing market of the Dutch Tulip crashed like the Rock of Gibraltar. Although it is safe to say that the Orchid is not the Dutch Tulip, it is sad to say that there are many whose live and finances are tied to the Orchid. Maybe the love of the Orchid may help it survive this financial crisis to once again grace the windows of so many that love beautiful things.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisBeauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and it is a joy to behold.
very interesting...over the last 10 years, the wife had collected a very beautiful array of orchids, but over the last couple of years all of them have died...no matter how hard she tried to save them...
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisAn excellent article. Will pass it on to our UMN Master Gardeners: http://blog.lib.umn.edu/efans/mgdirector/
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThe slideshow was excellent as well!
Its nice to see such a very informative contents. I have noted down a error that Cymbidium mild mosaic is written as CMV. CMV means something else and it means cucumber mosaic virus. For symbidium mosaic virus the accepted abbreviation is CymMV. Every viruses and its own abbreviation and it shouldn't be confused with other. Hope the auther will make the necessary changes.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisDr. A. R. Sherpa ang2001@rediffmail.com
I am growing kids favorite plant. It is called the TickleMe Plant.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThe leaves instantly close and even the branches droop when you Tickle It. Just search TickleMe Plant. Now it can easily be grown indoors year round. You can see the video of the TickleMe Plant in action at www.ticklemeplant.com
This is tragic! I'm so sorry for your loss. It's so important to clean your cutting tools. I have written an article about the biggest mistakes people make with orchids, but I think I should make a note about sterilizing cutting tools also. Thank you for this article. http://www.orchidcarezone.com/orchid-care-biggest-mistakes/
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