Effect of dose and type of fertilizer on flowering and fruiting of vanilla plants

ABSTRACT

Nutritional status affects the processes of flowering and fruiting of plants. This study was conducted to determine the effects of fertilizer application on flowering, fruiting, and leaf nutrient content of Vanilla planifolia (Jacks. ex Andr). Treatments consisted of the application of grade 10-20-20 nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer to the substratum in annual doses of 20, 50, and 100 g/plant plus a monthly application of foliar fertilizer. Two more treatments were foliar fertilization and no fertilization (control). Treatments increased the number of inflorescences and flower buds per plant, as well as the number and weight of fruits per plant, and decreased the abortion of flowers and immature fruits. These effects depended on the type of fertilizer, the amount applied, and the time of evaluation. The best results were obtained with the 100 g/plant/year treatment with an annual production of 1.5 kg of fruits per plant in the second year. Unfertilized plants produced 0.55 kg/plant/year. Differences were also found in foliar content of N, P, K, and copper (Cu) between vegetative and reproductive branches. Application of fertilizer to the substratum appears to improve reproductive parameters of vanilla plants and the production of beans, while foliar fertilization alone was ineffective in increasing crop productivity. Nutrients also seem to translocate from mature leaves to fruit racemes.

KEYWORDS:

• Foliar fertilizer
• plant nutrition
• orchids
• tropical crops
• Vanilla planifolia

Additional information

Funding

This study was performed as part of the project “Integrated management of vanilla crop nutrition” (contract 082-2008V6151-3701), financed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Colombia, the National University of Colombia, Bioandes C.I., and the Regional Environmental Corporation of Central Antioquia (CORANTIOQUIA).