STUDIES OF THE SHADE REQUIREMENTS OF VANILLA

Abstract

The work here reported showed that the vanilla plant requires considerable shade for its best development. When vanilla was grown under four exposures to light it was found that the best vine growth from the standpoint of root germination, seed-piece rotting, and vegetative growth was accomplished under shade conditions which admitted from one-third to one-half the normal sunlight when the sun was directly overhead. The most vigorous and greatest weight of vines and the greatest number of eight-node cuttings were also obtained under those conditions.