Effect of coconut water on physical characteristics and yield of Vanilla planifolia fruit

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the effect of coconut water spray on the physical characteristics and yield of vanilla fruit and to identify the relationship between environmental variables and yield components in Gutiérrez Zamora, Veracruz, Mexico.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted in a 3- to 4-year-old vanilla plantation under shade mesh with bamboo stakes as support. The variables measured were fruit and plant dimensions, weight, yield components, and environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity, and photosynthetically active radiation, PAR). Beginning at flowering, the plants were sprayed every two weeks for three months with one of four treatments (T1: 100% water; T2: 50% coconut water; T3: 100% coconut water; and T4: Megafol solution) at two sites within the same vanilla plantation. Statistical analysis consisted of ANOVA, comparison of means, and canonical correlation analysis.

Results: The highest averages of fruit dimensions and weight were obtained from Site 1. T2 and T3 fruits were heavier than T1 and T4 fruits. The canonical correlation analysis showed that PAR and relative humidity were related in different ways to yield component variables in function of the vanilla plantation site.

Study Limitations/Implications: Using coconut water as an organic alternative for fertilization can decrease application of chemical substances and reduce production costs, among other advantages. 

Findings/Conclusion: Coconut water applied at the beginning of the vanilla flowering stage has a significant effect on fruit dimensions and on the accumulation of fruit dry matter and may be an organic option for supplying nutrients and increasing vanilla yield.