A significant attempt is being made to establish a new vanilla industry in Hawaii. This industry will generate a new product for Hawaii and also employ displaced sugarcane employees. At present, several potential plant pathogens have been found at the new vanilla nursery. These fungi and bacteria need to be tested immediately as pathogenic species are major threats to vanilla vines. Disease-free plants need to be grown to test these fungi and bacteria. But more importantly, disease-free plants are needed to build a solid foundation for this new industry. New growers are already very interested in beginning their nurseries, but clean plants are an absolute requirement. In Phase I, the production of disease-free plants will be started and potential pathogens will be tested. In Phase II, a large stock of disease-free plants will be grown to supply new growers and to replace the present stock of contaminated plants at our nursery. Strong marketing arrangements are already in place and the demand for vanilla beans is very high.
Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research: The disease-free plants needed for the vanilla industry will be a major goal of this project. Using these plants, our nursery, as well as new growers, can expect many years of vanilla bean production. Without it, the crop will need to be replanted every 4 or 5 years and the financial burden of this process will impact the success of the business. Value added businesses such as coffee and ice cream companies are already purchasing every bean being produced. Demand is very strong for Hawaii grown vanilla beans.
