THE VALUE OF UTILIZING EXISTING SHADE IN THE GROWING OF VANILLA

Abstract

When vanilla was grown on bucare supports under existing shade it produced more root germination, less seed-piece rotting, and more vegetative growth than when grown on the same kind of support trees on cleared land. The differences between the two groups of vines were considerable. The vines under existing shade were of a dark-green color characteristic of healthy normal plants as compared to the yellowish color of the vines grown on cleared land. Because of the nature of dwarf bucare to shed its leaves during the dry season, at the time when the vanilla plant needs shade, it would be preferable to use this support, where needed, only under natural or existing shade.