Natalia Labrin

Orchids are constantly infected with pathogenic agents that decrease their attractiveness and quality. More than 50 virus have been identified on these species, from which the Tobamovirus Odontoglossum ringspot virus (ORSV) and the Potexvirus Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV) are the of most prevalent and economically important in the world. A Cattleya hybrid from the Revenga provinces, Aragua state, Venezuela, was received in the INIA- CENIAP laboratory of plant virology in Maracay, with apparent viral symptoms: clorotic to necrotic ringspots and dark streaks on the foliage. The main objective was to identify the causal agent of the symptomatology, by the use of indicator plants, observation of viral inclusions by light microscopy, observation of viral particles by the transmission electron microscope and serology. Through microscopy and ELISA, using antibodies for ORSV and CymMV, the presence of a mixed infection caused by both viruses was diagnosed. Differential indicator plants all...