Guava, Influence of Defoliation and Deblossoming

Trees subjected to the different defoliation and deblossoming levels had a positive effect on vegetative physiology, reproductive growth, and yield and fruit quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Gola. Most of the characteristics gave best results by the application of 50% deblossoming for tree vigour and fruit quality of guava. Trees subjected to 50% deblossoming exhibited higher fruit length, diameter and size in the winter than other treatments. Deblossoming alone improves fruit quality in a better way than with defoliation. 50% deblossoming level resulted in increased fruit set (53% higher), fruit growth & Yield (24.7% more in terms of weight) in winter crop as compared to summer crop. Firmness, Organoleptic characteristics, TSS and reducing sugars were reflected maximum results for winter crop as compared to summer crop. In conclusion, defoliation and deblossoming had a significant impact on the vegetative and reproductive growth of guava cv. 'Gola'. The results suggested that the defoliation has negative impact on the reproductive growth of guava and deblossoming can be used effectively without defoliation to encourage the winter crop.