Freesia mosaic virus and methods for controlling orchid pests and diseases

[Plant pests and diseases] Methods for controlling freesia mosaic virus [Expert answer] Symptoms of freesia mosaic virus: brown streaks appear on freesia leaves, chlorotic markings appear on the petals, and when the leaves are held up to the light, many small transparent spots are visible, which soon turn into purple spots, and the plant withers from the lower leaves upward. In severe cases the leaves become distorted and growth and development are inhibited.

Image: Freesia Methods for controlling freesia mosaic virus: 1. Promptly spray 46% dimethoate or omethoate emulsifiable concentrate at 1000 times to 2000 times dilution, 80% dichlorvos emulsifiable concentrate at 1500 times dilution, 90% trichlorfon crystal at 1000 times dilution, 50% malathion at 1500 times dilution, or other pesticides, or promptly spray 40% omethoate at 1500 times dilution or 2.5% cypermethrin at 3000 times dilution, to kill virus-transmitting insects such as aphids and prevent the virus from spreading to healthy plants. 2. Diseased plants should be promptly pulled up and destroyed. 3. Buy healthy virus-free bulbs again for planting, or take care to select daughter bulbs produced by plants not infected with disease spots for seed stock, and replace with fresh virus-free potting soil for planting. 4. Seeds generally do not carry the virus; the seeds they produce can be disinfected and used for sowing and propagation, and for growing bulbs that will flower. 5. Disinfect tools, including scissors, shovels, and the operator's hands, with 3%-5% trisodium phosphate or hot soapy water. 6. In the early stages of the disease, spray with 0.5% antiviral agent No. 1 aqueous solution at 300 times dilution, 5% juntoxqing aqueous solution at 400-500 times dilution, 1.5% zhiwuling emulsifiable concentrate at 700 times dilution, 0.2% potassium permanganate solution, etc., once every 7 to 10 days, for 2-3 consecutive times, which also has a certain effect. [Editor's summary] Freesia is also called Xiangxuehai, and is a common indoor ornamental flower. Freesia mosaic virus is a common disease in freesia cultivation, and it is mainly spread along with aphids, so when aphids are found, freesia mosaic virus must be prevented and controlled.