Guava Crop Management

Crop Production

Guava (Psidium guajava): Guava grows on small trees with spreading branches, may grow to a height and spread of 6-9 m. The trees often begin to bear fruit within a year of planting. Guava trees grow well in tropical conditions, though it can tolerate drought better than many tropical fruits. In spite of substantial increase in area and production, there is an ample scope for area expansion; due to its precocious and prolific bearing habit, which in turn ensures high returns to the guava growers. True to the type planting material is the most vital component of area expansion.

Propagation

Propogation: Though guava is sometimes propagated through seeds, it is not desirable as seedlings are not true to types. However, seed propagation may be employed to raise rootstocks. Freshly extracted mature seeds from ripe fruits are sown in polythene bags or nursery beds. Individual seedlings can be transplanted to pots when 10 cm high. These seedlings will be ready in the 8 to 12 months for budding or grafting when they attain pencil thickness. Forkert followed by patch budding is found best for guava. Veneer grafting and inarching are also successful. It is also propagated through layering, cuttings and budding.

Guava general information.

Guava (Psidium guajava L) of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), is the fifth most widely grown fruit crop in India after banana, mango, citrus and papaya. The fruit has gained considerable prominence in India due to its high nutritive value, moderate prices, pleasant aroma and good flavour. Guava is a rich source of vitamin C and pectin and moderate source of B vitamins, calcium, iron and phosphorus. It is one of the commonest fresh fruits liked by the rich and the poor alike and is popularly known as the ‘apple of tropics’ or `poor man’s apple’. Only a small quantity of the production is utilized for processing in the form of jelly, canned cups, juice and nectar, cheese, toffee bar, powder, flakes and strained baby foods have also been prepared besides commercial pectin.