The two most common orchid viruses, Cymbidium mosaic virus and Odontoglossum ringspot virus, are spread by humans, when propagating plants or cutting flowers. Both viruses are very stable and can survive for a long time on hands, cutting tools and other surfaces. Aphids and thrips can spread other viruses that frequently infect orchids.
Viral symptoms in orchids vary greatly from cultivar to cultivar, and even from plant to plant. Some typical symptoms on leaves include brown, black or yellow spots or streaks; ringspots and mosaic patterns. Some symptoms that may be evident on flowers are distorted shapes, brown streaks and color break.
| Orchid Screen (9 tests): | ||
| Pathogen | Symbol | |
|---|---|---|
| Carnation mottle virus | CarMV | Submit Test Sample |
| Cucumber mosaic virus | CMV | Submit Test Sample |
| Cymbidium mosaic virus | CymMV | Submit Test Sample |
| Cymbidium ringspot virus | CymRSV | Submit Test Sample |
| Impatiens necrotic spot virus | INSV | Submit Test Sample |
| Odontoglossum ringspot virus | ORSV | Submit Test Sample |
| Potyvirus group test | POTY | Submit Test Sample |
| Tomato ringspot virus | ToRSV | Submit Test Sample |
| Tomato spotted wilt virus | TSWV | Submit Test Sample |
| Other tests available for orchid are: | ||
| Pathogen | Symbol | |
|---|---|---|
| Carlavirus group test | Carla | Submit Test Sample |
| Nepovirus group test | Nepo | Submit Test Sample |
| Potyvirus group test | Poty | Submit Test Sample |
| Tobamovirus group test | Tobamo | Submit Test Sample |
| Tospovirus group test | Tospo | Submit Test Sample |