Since viateur brought up the subject of Vanilla, I will point out my recent observations re:virus and Vanilla. The last 4 Vanilla plants I bought tested positive for virus, even one I thought was from seed, but maybe it wasn't. I think Vanilla suffers the same high incidence of virus and for the same reason as reedstemmed Epidendrums. The preponderance of propagation by cuttings means that plants are passed from person to person and sooner or later, someone is careless, or just does not think that using sterile tools is really important. Hence, all cutting passed on from that point are virused. I had a collection of about 20 reedstemmed Epis, and only one did not test positive for virus. All my Vanillas tested positive. I now only buy recent seedlings of the Epis, and one of these tested positive. Haven't found any seedling Vanillas yet, but considering the room they can consume, I will wait until I get my permanent greenhouses in.
Cynthia, Prescott, AZ _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
