How Organica’s Magic Gro Plus Can Boost Vanilla Plantation

Aromatic, full of flavour, and a favourite for many, Vanilla is one of the most loved and popular flavours in the world. It is well known for flavouring ice creams and soft drinks.

Along with food types like coffee, chocolate chip cookies, custard, and yogurt, it is found in cosmetics, scents, soaps, and a wide range of perfumes as well.

Vanilla is ubiquitous and an indispensable part of our lives.

Originally native to Mexico, the top countries known for Vanilla production are Madagascar, Indonesia, Mexico, China, and islands in the West Indies.

It was only in the year 1835 that India savoured the taste of vanilla for the first time. Today, it is cultivated in Wayanad, Kerala, and the Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu.

Demand for Vanilla has grown exponentially in recent times. It is estimated that the world production of vanilla beans is approximately 3000 tonnes per year.

Out of which, 50% of world supply is provided by Madagascar. Therefore, it is known as the hub of vanilla production.

One of the interesting facts about vanilla plantations is that they grow only 10 to 20 degrees north and south of the equator.

Also, it is the second most expensive spice in the world after Saffron. Planting and processing vanilla involves a lot of risks and, therefore, a high price.

Vanilla beans are produced in the orchid by the name Vanilla planifolia, the only orchid that produces fruit. Cultivation of vanilla beans is not an easy task.

It is a climbing plant that reaches up to a hundred feet. Therefore, the aerial roots require a host plant to attach to.

It takes almost 4 – 5 years for the plant to mature. It requires a specific tropical climate where it is warm and moist.

A sufficient rainfall followed by a dry spell is necessary. The penetration of sunlight to ground level should be enough to leave a rich humus layer and organic matter content in the soil for better yield.

Many such factors are at play to make vanilla plantations successful.

See Also: Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture

Pollination is possible only for a day when the flower remains open. In case pollination doesn’t occur, the flower dies.

Therefore, hand pollination is usually followed. When pollinated, the fruit develops into the form of a long pod filled with minuscule black seeds.

During the harvest time, a multi-staged curing process of blanching, sweating, and gradual drying in the sun is followed.

This leaves the black pods with seeds, which are packed up for use. It is a long and labour-intensive process.

Challenges Faced by Vanilla Growers

Since vanilla belongs to the orchid family, high use of water is necessary. Sometimes, it can lead to over-watering, which causes harm to the growth of vanilla.

Several kinds of pests are found to affect vanilla plantations. This includes vanilla bugs, caterpillars, white grubs, and beetles.

They feed on roots, shoots, leaves and suck the sap from the buds leading to damage and leave them withered.

Fungal diseases are generally found in Vanilla, which causes Root rot, shot tip rot, and stem and bean rot.

Poor nutrient availability, water stagnation, and excessive moisture are the reasons for this. Also, due to excessive use of chemical inputs, plant life is deeply affected.

While there is a steady increase in the demand for vanilla across the globe, sufficient solutions to tackle the menace of pests and diseases remain a concern.

There are natural and eco-friendly solutions that can help boost the production capability of vanilla and improve its quality.

Organica Biotech’s Magic Gro Plus is an easy-to-use plant growth vitaliser. It enhances plant-microbe interaction and helps in the following ways:-

• It acts as a flowering stimulant, which improves nutrient uptake and plant productivity.
• It is highly capable of improving soil structure, and thereby, water retaining capacity is improved, conserving water in the process.
• Enhances plant immunity by providing resistance power to pests and diseases.

Many farming experts have used Magic Gro Plus to improve the quality and health of the plants. You, too, can use it to improve and increase vanilla production.