Occurrence of Colombian datura virus in the terrestrial orchid, Spiranthes cernua

Abstract

Colombian datura virus was detected in the terrestrial orchid Spiranthes cernua using a combination of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR strategy that we used to detect and confirm the identity of this virus has subsequently been used as a generalized procedure to confirm the identity of other potyviruses in ornamental species. This is the first report of this virus in an orchid and only the second report of a virus in this species.