Physiological Analysis of Orchid Chlorophyll against Odontoglossum ringspot virus Infection

Abstract

Orchids (Orchidaceae) are one of the most popular ornamental plants having diverse flower shapes and colors. They are vastly applied as cut flowers, potted plants, and garden elements. Infectious diseases are still a major obstacle in the cultivation of orchids in Indonesia. Odontoglossum ringspot virus (ORSV) is one of the most widely reported viruses that infect orchids worldwide, including Indonesia. This research was done by mechanically injecting the virus on Phalaenopsis amabilis and Dendrobium Salaya Fancy. This study aimed to determine the symptoms of the disease, plant resistance, and chlorophyll content. The results showed that each orchid had severe disease symptoms, the incidence of both orchids was 80%, and Phalaenopsis amabilis reaction was more susceptible than Dendrobium Salaya Fancy that showed tolerant response to ORSV. Physiological response analysis also showed that the content of chlorophyll A,B, and total Dendrobium Salaya Fancy was higher (0.35 ± 0.02; 0.29 ± 0.05; 0.63 ± 0.05) than Phalaenopsis amabilis (0, 18 ± 0.0; 0.31 ± 0.06; 0.48 ± 0.04) respectively, after viral infection. This proves that Phalaenopsis is the most susceptible type of orchid virus compared to Dendrobium.