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

ABSTRACTNutritional 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/p...