Assessment of Floral Phenology and Pollen Quality in Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Genotypes

Abstract

Understanding floral biology and pollen behavior is fundamental to improving fruit set and reproductive efficiency in guava, yet genotype-specific variations in these traits remain poorly explored. The study aimed to assess floral behavior, pollen characteristics, and reproductive traits among six guava genotypes namely, Lucknow-49, Arka Mridula, Dharwad Local, Kohir Local, Arka Kiran, and Purple Guava grown under uniform conditions. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The duration of floral bud development varied from 37 to 45 days, being longest in Dharwad Local (45 days) and shortest in Kohir Local and Purple Guava (37 days each). Peak anthesis occurred between 5:30–6:30 AM, while maximum anther dehiscence was observed between 7:30–8:30 AM. Arka Kiran exhibited the longest flowering duration (54 days) and full bloom period (32.33 days). Pollen viability ranged from 92.89% (Kohir Local) to 98.45% (Arka Kiran), while pollen germination varied from 81.20% (Kohir Local) to 91.48% (Arka Kiran). Significant genotypic variation was also noted in pollen size, which ranged from 15.77 µm in Dharwad Local to 18.93 µm in Purple Guava. The study revealed distinct inter-genotypic differences in floral and pollen traits, suggesting their influence on reproductive efficiency and potential use in breeding programs aimed at improving fruit set and yield in guava.