Assessment of yield loss in Vanilla, Vanilla Planifolia Andrews (Orchidaceae) caused by the Giant African Snail, Lissachatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822)

Abstract

The impact of Giant African Snail, Lissachatina (Achatina) fulica (Bowdich, 1822) damage on quantitative and qualitative loss of Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) beans produced in different cropping systems was assessed. Snails were active during night, crawled on the vanilla vines and fed on the column (united stamen and pistil) of pollinated flowers. During day time, snails hid under leaf mulch and in the irrigation channels. Feeding damage to the floral parts resulted in production of inferior quality beans with lower market marketable properties. An economic loss of Rs. 765 to Rs.1020 was recorded per inflorescence. However, the density of snails on plant surface did not indicate the corresponding level of pest damage.