Re: Nicotine

Carl Gustafson (carl.gustafson@cbis.ECE.Drexel.EDU)
Sat, 10 Feb 1996 11:49:44 -0500

> Any worries you have about latent "bugs" in a nicotine infusion may be
> settled by mixing a tsp of chlorine bleach to a liter of the infusion. Let
> it stand in an open container for 24 hours, at least, before using. After
> immediate use, throw it out. Nicotine biodegrades quickly, especially in
> sunlight. Pure nicotine is toxic. One drop is enough to kill a large
> elephant. I would not be overly concerned about a pandemic virus latent in
> the described concoction.
>

And, of course, the chlorine bleach would most likely oxidize the nicotine
at the same time is is destroying the virus particles.

---


On the topic of virus transmitted from one plant group to another, Bean
Yellow Virus is a particularly nasty problem in one subtribe of orchids,
and is transmitted by aphids. There are Tobacco Mosaic Virus strains that
are known to attack orchids.


Further, Cassia occidentalis, Datura stramonium, Chenopodium amaranticolor,
C. quinoa, and Tegragonia expansa will show symptoms when incoulated with
extracts containing Cymbidium Mosaic Virus.


Indicators for TMV include Cassia occidentalis, Gomphrena globosa,
Chenopodium amaranticolor, Nicotiana sp., Tetragonia expansa, and Beta
vulgaris.


Ref: Lawson, Roger H. and Margaret Brannigan, Virus Diseases of Orchids, in
American Orchid Society Handbook on Orchid Pests and Diseases. p 2-49, 1986


Carl Gustafson