Guava - Research achievements at IIHR, Bangalore

The total germplasm collection stands at 60 in guava including three wild species and two new additions from Udaipur during 2016-17.

In the evaluation trial of guava hybrids, H-1314 (Purple local x Allahabad safeda) having big sized fruits (250 g), firm and thick white pulp (1.5 to 1.6 cm), medium seed softness (10.0-11.0 kg/cm2) with a TSS of 10.0- 11.0 o B was identified for table purpose.

In red pulped guava type, H-5337 (Purple local x Allahabad Safeda) has been identified for dark red pulp and medium sized fruits (200 g) with medium soft seeds (9.5 kg/ cm2). Another hybrid H-724 (Apple Colour x Purple Local) produced medium sized fruits with red pulp, good TSS (10.85 o B) and medium seed hardiness (9.2 kg/ cm2).  

In rainfed guava, application of enriched coir pith recorded overall yield advantage of 38.4% in terms of higher number of fruits/ plant in first year.

A spacing of 2.5m x 1.25m was optimum for high density planting system in guava and regulation of crop canopy was good at 70% pruning intensity in winter.

In eastern coast humid tropics, branch bending in guava during January resulted in highest fruit yield during rainy season whereas bending in May recorded highest fruit yield in winter.

Arka Kiran, a guava hybrid released by IIHR with deep pink coloured firm pulp, high TSS and good fruit weight, suitable for both table and processing purposes, is gaining popularity in Vijayawada region of Andhra Pradesh through Ms. Bloom Irrigation Systems, a progressive nursery since 2014.

 



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.

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