'commercial freesias': Freesias in 2nd year and beyond

Roy M. Sachs rmsachs@ucdavis.edu
Sun, 28 Sep 2003 09:55:34 PDT
Judy:  I've grown 'commercial' freesias for 12 years, sometimes with 
little trouble, but all seem to pick up viruses eventually, sometimes 
even after the first year.

We have significant aphid and white fly attacks, particularly in 
greenhouses, and I've assumed that that's the source of viruses.

It's a good idea to get rid of any freesia, brand new or in those 
carried over, that show the characteristic virus-induced leaf 
variegation.

All of the Dutch bred freesia that I've grown became virus-infected 
and I presume that that's the reason for the admonition.

The only freesias that seems to remain virus-free for years and years 
are F. alba (I've had them growing since 1990).

Roy


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