Origin
Vanilla nigerica Rendle, also known as the Nigerian vanilla, is a species of orchids that are native to Nigeria. It is commonly found in the southern and eastern parts of the country, particularly in the rainforests of Okomu and Oban Hills.
Common Names
Vanilla nigerica Rendle is known by several common names in Nigeria such as Essao, Ubeje, Reudu, and Iyeke.
Uses
The plant is well known for its use in the production of vanilla. The pods of the plant are rich in a sweet and aromatic substance that is widely used in the food and cosmetics industry. In Nigerian traditional medicine, the plant has also been used to treat various ailments such as headaches, fever, and toothache.
General Appearance
Vanilla nigerica Rendle is a climbing vine that can grow up to 15 meters in length. It has thick stems that are green in color and can wrap around trees and other plants for support. The leaves are typically oblong-shaped, smooth, and shiny, measuring around 6 to 12 cm long and 2.5 to 5 cm wide. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are around 2cm in diameter. The fruit of the plant is a long, narrow pod that can grow up to 22 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The pod contains many small black seeds embedded in a sticky and fragrant pulp.
Light Requirements
The Vanilla nigerica Rendle plant requires bright but indirect light for optimal growth. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight, as it will cause damage to the leaves and roots. Placing the plant near a window that receives filtered light or using artificial grow lights are recommended.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Vanilla nigerica Rendle to grow is between 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 81°F). The plant is sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations, and temperatures below 13°C (55°F) can damage or kill the plant. It is crucial to keep the plant away from drafts, air conditioners, and heating vents.
Soil Requirements
The Vanilla nigerica Rendle plant requires well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is suitable for the plant's growth. The soil pH level should be slightly acidic, ranging between 5.5 to 6.5. Avoid using heavy or compact soil that can retain too much moisture and cause root rot.
Cultivation methods
The Vanilla nigerica Rendle is a tropical orchid that grows best in temperatures between 20°C to 35°C. It requires a humid environment with bright light but not direct sunlight. The plant should be grown in well-draining soil with good air circulation. It can be grown in a pot or planted in the ground with support provided for the vines to climb.
Watering needs
The Vanilla nigerica Rendle requires frequent watering to maintain a moist but not waterlogged soil. The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, typically between March to September, and sparingly during the dormant season. Watering should be adjusted according to the level of humidity and temperature.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Fertilization should be done monthly during the growing season at half of the recommended dose. The fertilization schedule should be adjusted according to the plant's growth rate and health.
Pruning
The Vanilla nigerica Rendle requires minimal pruning. Dead or damaged leaves should be removed, as well as any vines that have stopped growing or have become tangled. Pruning should be done after the dormant season when the plant is beginning to grow again.
Propagation of Vanilla nigerica Rendle
Vanilla nigerica Rendle is a climbing orchid native to Africa that produces aromatic vanilla beans. It can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The following are some of the most common methods of propagation used for Vanilla nigerica Rendle.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Vanilla nigerica Rendle can be used for propagation. However, this method is not commonly used since the seeds have a very low germination rate. The seeds require a special germination medium, which requires specific soil, moisture, and temperature conditions. Seed propagation is generally only used to increase genetic diversity in the crop or to produce new cultivars.
Vegetative propagation
The most commonly used method of propagation for Vanilla nigerica Rendle is vegetative propagation. This method involves using plant parts other than seeds to produce new plants. The following are some of the most commonly used vegetative propagation methods:
Cuttings:
Stem cuttings of Vanilla nigerica Rendle are easy to propagate, and they can be rooted in a variety of materials including sand, soil, vermiculite, or perlite. Cuttings should be taken from mature vines that are at least one year old and should be at least 6 inches long. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then placed in the rooting medium. The medium should be kept moist and warm, with high humidity, to prevent the cuttings from drying out until they develop roots.
Air layering:
Air layering is a method of propagating tropical plants that are difficult to root, such as Vanilla nigerica Rendle. In this method, a ring of bark is removed from a stem, and a small amount of rooting hormone is applied to the area. A sterile, moist medium such as sphagnum moss is then wrapped around the wound and sealed with plastic wrap. Roots will form in the moist medium, and the new plant can be cut from the parent plant when it has established roots.
Tissue culture:
Tissue culture is a method of asexual propagation that involves growing plant cells on a nutrient-rich agar medium. This method produces plantlets with identical characteristics, making it an effective way to propagate Vanilla nigerica Rendle for commercial production. However, tissue culture requires special equipment, expertise, and facilities, making it a more expensive method than the others.
Overall, vegetative propagation is the most commonly used method for propagating Vanilla nigerica Rendle. Stem cuttings and air layering are the most practical methods for small-scale propagation, while tissue culture is best for large-scale production.
Disease and Pest Management for Vanilla nigerica Rendle
Vanilla nigerica Rendle is an orchid species that is primarily cultivated for its vanilla flavoring which comes from the plant's beans. Like any other plant species, Vanilla nigerica Rendle is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can negatively affect its growth, yield, and flavor. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect Vanilla nigerica Rendle, together with some management strategies:
Diseases
1. Fusarium wilt
Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves of the plant to wilt and turn yellow. The fungus can reside in the soil for many years, and it easily spreads through water or soil contaminated with the fungus. To manage Fusarium wilt, remove and destroy any infected plants and maintain proper sanitation practices to prevent the fungus from spreading.
2. Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot. The fungus thrives in warm and humid conditions. To manage anthracnose, maintain good airflow, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides when necessary.
Pests
1. Scale insects
Scale insects are tiny, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the stems of the plant and suck its sap. They often appear in clusters, and they can cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. To manage scale insects, prune off infested branches, apply insecticides, and encourage the presence of natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
2. Thrips
Thrips are slender, winged insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. They cause discoloration, deformation, and premature wilting of the leaves and flowers. To manage thrips, apply insecticides, maintain good sanitation practices, and encourage the presence of natural predators like predatory mites.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in Vanilla nigerica Rendle requires a combination of good cultural practices, early detection, and proper application of control measures. By keeping the plant healthy, monitoring it regularly, and responding promptly to the first signs of disease or pest infestation, you can ensure a healthy and productive Vanilla nigerica Rendle plantation.
