VANILLA

Plant protection

Vanilla plants are, in general, free from any major pests and disease incidence. Among insect pests, a few small Lamellicorn beetles and ash gray weevil bite holes in the flowers and often destroys the column. In addition, caterpillars, earwigs, snails and slugs lives on tender parts of the plant such as shoot, flower buds, immature beans etc. Grasshoppers and crab are also found to cut growing tip of plants during the establishment stage of the plantation. Regular surveillance and removal of pests can reduce their damage to a great extent.

Root rot, shoot tip rot, stem and bean rot as well as immature bean dropping are the fungal diseases noticed. Phytosanitation measures are to be adopted in the plantation for controlling the diseases. Application of organic manure in excess and heavy mulching in plant base are to be avoided. Fungicides such as 1 % Bordeaux mixture and 0.2% copper oxychloride may be applied as prophylactic measure. Application of Pseudomonas @10-15 gms. per litre of water will also control spread of disease.

Conditions such as poor nutrient availability, excessive shade or the lack of it, damage to roots and stems, over crowding of vines, excessive use of manures, excessive moisture, water stagnation and poor drainage very often lead to pest and disease problems.

Last updated: 27-05-2008