ABSTRACT
The main constraints in the vanilla industry in Indonesia are low productivity and the relatively low bean quality (Hadipoentyanti et al., 2007). According to the Diratpagar (Directorate General of Estate Crops, 1995), vanilla production ranged from 125 to 876 kg/ha, and the quality had still to be improved. Production is affected, among others, by environmental conditions, types of vanilla grown, cultural practices, and occurrence of pests and diseases. Vanilla quality (vanillin content of bean) is commonly in uenced by time of harvest, length of beans, and postharvest processes. This chapter attempts to provide some information on the low productivity and quality of vanilla beans in Indonesia, and on the results of research conducted to improve the situation.
