Vanilla Intensified Cultivation Program in French Polynesia: Diseases Management Strategy and Breeding Program

Sandra Lepers-Andrzejewski

Etablissement Vanille de Tahiti, Département Recherche et Développement, Uturoa,          Polynésie française

sandra.andrzejewski@labo-vanilledetahiti.pf 

In French Polynesia vanilla production has been re-stimulate by promoting intensive cultivation under shade houses. As many pathogens (viruses, fungi and insects) were found to threat vanilla production, a diseases management strategy has been developed. The Etablissement Vanille de Tahiti provides shade houses covered with insect proof netting, supplies virus free-cuttings and encourages growers to apply good cultural and agronomic practices. This permitted the development in French Polynesia of virus free vanilla plantations but fungal diseases remain difficult to control. Moreover sustainable vanilla cultivation has become a priority and new cultural practices have to be devised, limiting pesticide use. So a vanilla breeding program for lower sensibility to fungal disease has been initiated. The Vanilla tahitensis genetic map and perspectives for marker assisted selection will be presented. 
 

Sandra Lepers – Andrzejewski is researcher at the Etablissement Vanille de Tahiti located in French Polynesia. After been involved in coffee genetic diversity, potato genomic and mouse gene identification studies, she joined the Etablissement Vanille de Tahiti in 2004. Her research interest focuses on the Tahitian vanilla characterization and genetic improvement. She is currently preparing a PhD dealing with the Tahitian vanilla genome characterization.