Virus diseases of orchids

Orchids are known for their exquisite beauty, novelty and long vase life. Availability and affordability have made the orchid sector one of the most economically important for the indoor plant market. Orchids are susceptible to a large number of abiotic and biotic agents that can affect their development and decrease the quality of their flowers and leaves. Viruses are one of the most important biotic agents and more than 58 viruses are known to infect orchids with Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV) and Odontoglossum ringspot virus (ORSV) are the most prevalent and economically important viruses worldwide. In India, so far 10 viruses have been reported to infect different orchids viz: Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV), Odontoglossum ringspot virus (ORSV), Calanthe mild mosaic virus (CalMMV), Ground nut bud necrosis virus (GBNV), Orchid fleck virus (OFV), Vanilla necrosis virus, (VNV), Cymbidium ringspot virus, (CyRSV), Cucumber mosaic virus, (CMV), Bean yellow mosaic virus, (BYMV) and Vanilla mosaic virus.