HVX test strips are worth it

18 years ago

I ordered HVX test strips from Agdia last week and got them Wednesday. They are about $5.50 each, but I think they are really worth it. I tested my Summer Music, which was planted in late 2006 and showed no signs of HVX until this year, and it was positive. My Niagara Falls, which had shown some leaf distortion, was just fine. What a relief. The tests are simple to perform and easy to read. They have a shelf life of only one year, so don't stock up. I didn't realize that, and I bought two 5-packs. Hopefully, I won't be needing to test 8 more plants within the next year. The folks at Adgia are friendly, extremely knowledgable and helpful. They seem to have a really good product.

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Comments (3)

Janice
18 years ago
That is so good to know 'loisf'! Thank you for sharing your experience!! I may get some myself to make sure on my S&S!!!
ljrmiller
18 years ago
As a 9-year veteran of a research laboratory (not plant research, but a biological science laboratory nonetheless, and nearly all the techniques are used regardless of the biological kingdom being studied), I'd like to add some tips for the use of these strips.

1. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. READ ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS. READ ALL OF THE OTHER STUFF IN THE INSTRUCTION BOOKLET.

2. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AGAIN. Be sure you understand exactly what you will be doing and how to do it.

3. Make a list of everything you will need except for the plant samples. If you will need scissors, put them on the list. If you will need a box for the plant samples, put it on the list. If you will need a Sharpie, put it on the list. Don't forget to put the kit components on the list.

4. Take a few moments to think about how you will do the tests. If you will be doing multiple samples, how will you keep track of which is which? Take the time NOW to use the Sharpie and label everything. (e.g. #1. Sum and Substance; #2 Guacamole; #3 Spinach from the refrigerator; #4 no sample). So that you are protected against your samples smearing and becoming illegible, write out a key for everything on paper. Use pencil on the paper, NOT INK, so that if it gets wet, it won't run. It's nearly impossible to tell the difference between "Sum and Substance" and "Striptease" after your neighbor's brat zaps you with rubbing alcohol as you exit the house, causing the sharpie writing to run and blur.

5. Gather up everything on your list. Make sure everything is labeled. Clear an area to do your tests. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AGAIN. Lay out everything you will need to do the test in an order that makes sense.

6. Collect your samples ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS. Cut your samples from the areas showing the most virus mottling.

7. Do the tests EXACTLY ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS. Use a kitchen timer or stopwatch. Take notes on anything you think should be in the instructions but isn't--write it down! If anything looks strange, make a note of it.

Your test results will be a lot more reliable if you do things this way.
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User
18 years ago
IMPORTANT - Wash you hands between samples and when done so you don't contaminate samples or your healthy plants!!!