i heard they are about 10 bucks per strip ...

if that is the case .... most hosta are under ten bucks ... why bother ...

if it is positive.. you are out the 10 buck test.. and the replacement cost ...

if you just guess .. you are just out the replacement cost ... its not really all that mystical to just look at them.. or ask us ...

i will be more excited if and when the cost drops ..

my estimate aside.... what is the actual price per strip

ken

Below is a link for strips-

Here is a link that might be useful: source for HVX test strips

ok.. 5 bucks [maybe plus shipping] ... hmmmmmmm

i have to mull over whether it is worthwhile....

ken

the real question is do they work

and it seems from what i have heard they are not very accurate

I would skip the strips and buy from trusted vendors like chris at hallsons, josh that posts here, naylorcreeek, solberg, etc.

spend a couple of extra bucks on the plant (sometimes they are even cheaper) and skip the strips jmo

I have a HUGE leaved division of S&S, that came from and old clump I've had for probably 6 yrs. that is looking more
rugose than I expected! No ink bleeding or yellow leaching from the veins but really heavy dimples in one area
of one of the massive leaves! This leaf is larger than any leaf on any S&S I have!!! I sure will hate it, if it's infected!!!

{{gwi:1056278}}

You know, on second look--in these pics.--I do see a slight yellow streaking from those veins!! Hmmmm--I'll go out and look up closer.

The ones I've seen, that are clearly infected have the dark green blotches and veins bleeding out! I didn't realize it could also
present itself with the consistent yellow slash marks from the veins--I thought that was more likely a nutritional problem!!

I might invest in that kit to know for sure on this one--because if it's infected, then all of my S&S probably are!!!

I saw the above linked test demonstrated at First Look last weekend. The demonstrator collected a bunch of hosta leaves from one of the Big Box stores notorious for diseased hosta. They were willing to donate the leaves; however they did not want a report of the results.

The leaves were tested and those that looked like HVX showed positive in a short period of time. The test works like a pregnancy test. Leaf submersed in liquid, crushed to mix the fluids and a test strip added to record the results.

I took one test home because like Hey J, I have a Sum and Substance that has been in question for three years. None of the typical bleed in the veins, however the plant is not performing - small leave, somewhat crinkled (though better this year) and the leaves look a little malnourished. I have a test and will test this evening and report back.