Pollination Tips for Vanilla Plants
Vanilla plants generally only flower once a year. In pollination, vanilla flowers include plants that need human assistance in pollination because the stigma is covered by a flower tongue or labellum formed from the sixth flower leaf.
Pollination of vanilla flowers should be done in the morning between 06.00 - 10.00. Pollination starts from the bottom flower and then gradually moves to the top flower. The flowers that bloom are usually 2 - 3 flowers in a cluster. If pollination is done during the rainy season, the mated flowers should be protected.
Pollination of vanilla flowers can be done in the following steps below:
1. Pollination of flowers in a cluster should be limited to 8-12 flowers
2. Pollination is done when the flowers are in bloom by holding the flower with the left hand so that the back of the pistil and stamen rest on the index finger. The right hand holds a stick which is then used to lift the labellum so that the stigma is torn and exposed
3. The pollen is taken with the tip of the stick and then attached to the stigma with a little pressure so that the pollen can stick to the stigma
The success of pollination can be seen after 2-3 days which is marked by the pollinated flower not falling, the color of the flower changes, the flower leaves wither with the stalk still attached to the cluster. The pollinated flowers then develop into vanilla pods that begin to enlarge but are not yet ripe. Ripe vanilla fruits will be marked by a change in fruit color to a yellow tinge.
Source :
Samadi, B. 2007. Budidaya Vanili. Bandung: Penerbit Angkasa.
