Evaluation of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Cultivars Based on Morphological Traits and Yield Performance in Tarai Region of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Guava (Psidium guajava L.), is a major tropical and sub-tropical fruit crop, valued for its high nutritional value, economic significance and industrial applications. Despite its prevalent cultivation in India and global tropical and sub-tropical regions, morphological characterization of guava cultivars is still limited, especially for local and wild types. Such characterization is indispensable for effective germplasm identification, conservation and targeted breeding programme to improve yield, quality of fruits and adaptability. The present study aimed to characterize 14 guava cultivars morphologically, planted at the Horticulture Research Centre, G. B. pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, during 2022 and 2023. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Morphological traits evaluated comprised tree growth, foliage, flower, fruit and seed parameters, following the ‘Guava Descriptor’ (2011) guidelines. Significant genetic variability was examined among cultivars for all morphological traits. Tree height varied from 2.75 m (VNR Bihi) to 5.18 m (Barafkhana), and tree spread ranged from 8.15 m² (Allahabad Safeda) to 53.52 m² (L-49). Foliage traits like leaf length (9.22–12.84 cm) and leaf area (46.03–76.62 cm²) also differed noticeably. Flowering time, flower size and petal characteristics exposed significant variation, with flowering initiation from April 12 (Sangareddy) to April 24 (Hisar Surkha). VNR Bihi recorded higher fruit weight (347.03 g), fruit length (92.50 mm) and fruit width (90.07 mm). The hardness of the seeds ranged from 7.35 kg/cm² in Allahabad Safeda to 16.81 kg/cm² in Black Guava.