FARMER'S NOTEBOOK
Vanilla intercropping in coconut gardens
M.J. Prabu
|
The ideal time for pollinating is between 6 and 11 in the morning M.J. Prabu
|
— PHOTO: CPCRI
IDEAL MULCH MATERIAL: Vanilla vines are supported on Glyricidia plants and the field bed is covered with dry coconut fronds and husk.
VANILLA (VANILLA planifolia) is a climbing orchid, valued for its flavouring beans and pods.
Vanilla crop is currently being cultivated in about 5000 hectares in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The plant is found to grow well in sandy loam or laterite soils having good drainage facility. It is mostly cultivated as an intercrop in coconut groves as the crop requires shade and support.
Though monsoon is ideal for planting vanilla, the plant can be cultivated any time where enough water is available for irrigation. During summer drip or sprinkler irrigation may be done on alternate days.
Ideal support
Being a climber, vanilla needs support for growing. "Glyricidia is an ideal support for cultivating vanilla.
Glyricidia must be planted at a distance of about 2 metres away from the base of the coconut palms with a distance of 1.5-2 metres between them," said V. Krishnakumar, Senior Agronomy Scientist, Regional Station, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kayamkulam, Kerala.
About 1200 vanilla cuttings can be planted in one hectare of coconut plantation. It takes about 3-4 weeks for the cuttings to establish roots and grow, he said.
Receptive to mulching
"Vanilla plant responds well to vermicompost and mulching. The area where vanilla is planted should be mulched with dry/green leaves 3-4 times a year. Vermicompost may be applied at the rate of 5kg at the base of the vanilla plant along with the mulching," Krishnakumar said.
"Research conducted at the CPCRI regional station has found that coconut husk is an ideal mulch material for vanilla. The husk conserves soil moisture and provides potash required for formation of beans," Krishnakumar said.
The crop is found to be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot, stem rot and bean rot.
Spraying one per cent bordeaux mixture or 3-5 ml of liquid pseudomonas diluted in one litre of water may help to control the pests, according to him. The crop comes to flowering in 12-18 months after planting. "Nipping the terminal growing part of the crop and stopping irrigation for about 3-4 weeks before expected flowering season enhances flower production," he said.
Krishnakumar said, it was advisable to allow the vines to bear flowers after 24 months of planting for yielding more beans.
It usually takes 45 days from formation of inflorescence to opening of the first flower.
Artificial pollination
The flowers have to be artificially pollinated. It takes only a few seconds to complete the pollination. "The ideal time for pollinating the flowers is between 6 and 11 in the morning. The flower must be pollinated on the day of opening."
"Care should be taken to see that the entire pollen mass falls on the stigma to produce beans of more length and girth," he said. The beans will be ready for harvest in 9-11 months after pollination.
A light yellow colour on the tip of the bean indicates that it is ready for harvest.
For more information readers may contact CPRI, Regional Station, Kayamkulam, Allepey district, Kerala-690-533, phone: 0479-2442160 or 2442104, email: cpcrirskgm@yahoo.com
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Sci Tech
