Vanilla Diseases

This chapter describes the main diseases of vanilla in Mexico and presents guidelines for prevention and control. Damage begins in the apical part of the plant and extends to the stem, leaves, aerial roots, and the rest of the plant. Stem rot disease begins with a dark lesion that extends longitudinally, eventually covering the stem, and the plant dries out. The black rot is distinguished by watery injuries of greenish to blackish color and causes general rotting of the infected tissue. An excess of shade and high density of plants favors anthracnose development, as well as root rot and stem rot. After a hurricane, the main activity is to repair the mesh used for shade to protect the plants from sunburn, to raise the plants and to apply fungicides as preventive measures against fungal diseases.