Here is a link with plants that are virus indicators. They are easy to use. Just remember to remove them if they show any signs of infection, because it can then be given back to healthy plants. They are also indicators for thrips in the green house. http://www.hort.uconn.edu/ipm/greenhs/htms/tospov.htm
I guess the next step if you have a poxitive reaction is to figure out which plants have the virus.
virus indicators
Hyperlink isn't working, Susie. Was ready to learn something new here like in all the other posts.
S.
It worked for me just now, try it again. Here is the address to type in your browser. www.hort.uconn.edu/ipm/greenhs/htms/tospov.htm
Okay, tried them both and can't get in. Will give it a shot again tomorrow.
Thanks for your help.
I've been hanging around here too much. I was just thinking: what if I wanted to test one specific plant. Could I put it inside a bubble like structure with the indicator plant in there with it and wait and see? I think I will try that.
The TSWV and INSV need thrips as vectors for the virus to spread, so if one doesn't have thrips, one should be safe right? Although thrips live outside most everywhere except in extrememly cold regions, so one would have to screen in the plants with thrip impermeable screening, i.e. very tiny openings in the screen since the thrips are almost microscopic in size.
OH my, I've GOT to get a life, lol.
To use the heat sterilizing method, one must grow for at least 4 weeks at 100F (38C) and then take less than 1mm meristem and grow invitro to a new plant. It then needs to be retested to see if this was successful.