The Effect of Rhizoctonia Induction on Leaf Thickness of Orchids Infected by Odontoglossum ringspot virus (ORSV)

Orchids have high economic value so that they are potential to be cultivated. The species most popular with people are Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis. However, there are major obstacles that can affect orchid growth, namely viral infections. The type of virus reported to infect the most is ORSV. This viral infection can inhibit plant growth, reduce flower quality and marketability. There are also symptoms of viral infection in the form of mosaic, chlorotic, streak, and necrosis. One of the efforts to overcome viral infection is by utilizing mycorrhizae. Mycorrhizae that can be used are Rhizoctonia sp. Mycorrhizal associations in orchids can have a positive effect on nutrient absorption and host growth, so they are expected to protect orchids from viral infections. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Rhizoctonia induction on leaf thickness of Phalaenopsis amabilis and Dendrobium discolor infected with ORSV. The study was conducted using a factorial completely randomized design. The result of this study is that there is a difference in leaf thickness between leaves inoculated with the virus and leaves treated with mycorrhizae. Orchid leaves treated with mycorrhizae had the highest thickness, while those infected with viruses had the lowest thickness.