>The recent discussion about virus infection raises an issue I have >long wondered about. If I find some infected plants in my >greenhouse I can move those plants out of the greenhouse, but isn't >there some danger of the bench surfaces retaining some latent virus >that could then infect new plants? Orchid roots have a habit of >growing through the bottom of pots and adhering to bench surface, >and then being torn open when the pot is moved. If that plant was >infected, could the infection spread from that bit of root on the >bench to a new plant sitting on that same spot? And how does one >sterilize the surface of a bench, especially one made of wood? Any >comments or suggestions would be much appreciated. > >Giles Smith >Santa Monica, Ca. >
Hello Giles, There are many sterilants that could be used, but one that can foam and get into holes in benches is either hydrogen peroxide or one of the products that is very much like it; they will soak in and foam into the crevices. After a while they will evaporate and you will have a clean bench, no chemical residue unless you want a product that will remain behind and deter more growth of bad things. regards, charles -- charles ufford oriskany, ny usa _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
