Re: [Aroid-l] viruses in Amorphophallus

From: "W. George Schmid" <hostahill at bellsouth.net> on 2004.10.22 at 15:11:53(12299) Bryan, There are no known cures available for virus-infected plants. Much has been talked about virus in hosta plants and we have been advised to destroy all plants diagnosed to have the disease. If the plants are in a greenhouse that has a controlled, insect-free environment, the infection may only occur in a plant that has been purchased with the virus infection already under way. The virus is spread by contact of the sap of infected plants with healthy plants. This will occur when cutting the infected plants - not just rhizome division but also cutting leaves and other plant parts, or just accidental contact that may result in sap exchange. Another vector are sucking and chewing insects that move from plant to plant. Pieces of roots or offsets left behind from digging the tubers may also harbor the virus. All parts of a plant diagnosed to be infected should be regarded as carrying the contagious virus and must handled with this in mind. Any tools used on these plants should be sterilized (chlorine solution/bleach) before contacting any healthy plants. Use disposable plastic gloves and use a new pair every time you move to a new plant. The virus will not be present in the soil, so new plants may be planted where a virused plant was dug as long as there are no still-living roots/offsets remaining there. The only way to determine if other plants are infected is to have them tested or if they show symptoms. If the plants are rare and/or irreplaceable, isolate them and avoid plant-to-plant contact. Better still, take small samples of tubers and or offsets and have them tested. Sterilize the tools after each use. Get a pack of plastic gloves and use a new pair when you take samples of the next plant. Avoid contact between samples and pack each in separate, sealable plastic bags. HTH, George W. George Schmid +More Hosta Hill - Tucker, Georgia USA USDA Zone 7a - 1188 ft (362 m) AMSL 84-12'-30" West 33-51' North All mail virus checked by NAV _______________________________________________ Aroid-l mailing list Aroid-l@gizmoworks.com http://www.gizmoworks.com/mailman/listinfo/aroid-l

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