Guava farming – Latest varieties under cultivation

Latest varieties under cultivation

• Arka Kiran: This variety is known for its deep red flesh, rich in lycopene. The fruits are medium in size, weighing around 230 grams, and have a medium soft seed hardness. It is a good source of vitamin C and has a total soluble solids (TSS) content of 12-13%.
• Arka Mridula: This variety has white flesh with soft seeds and is rich in pectin. The fruits are medium in size, weighing 180 to 200 grams, and have a good TSS content of 12 to 13%. It is also a good source of vitamin C.
• Punjab Apple Guava: This variety is a high yielder and is well-adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions. The trees are semi-vigorous with round crowns and drooping branches. The fruits are medium to large in size, weighing around 250 grams, and have a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Punjab Safeda: This variety is known for its large, white fruits with a smooth, creamy skin. The flesh is firm and flavorful, with a TSS content of 13.4%. The trees are vigorous with spreading branches.
• Lalit: This variety is a selection from the Apple Guava variety. It is a high yielder and is well-suited for high-density planting. The fruits are medium in size, weighing around 150 grams, and have a sweet and slightly acidic flavor.

Ways to improve yield

• Choose the right location: Select a well-drained, sunny location with fertile soil. Guava trees need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
• Soil pH: The ideal soil pH for guava is between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH.
• Organic matter: Amend the soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or manure, before planting. This will improve drainage, aeration, and nutrient retention.

Planting and Pruning:

• Planting: Plant guava trees at the proper spacing. The spacing will vary depending on the variety of guava, but it is generally between 15-20 feet apart.
• Pruning: Prune guava trees regularly to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Pruning also helps to open up the canopy and allow more light to reach the fruit.

Watering and Fertilization:

• Watering: Water guava trees deeply and regularly, especially during the dry season. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
• Fertilization: Fertilize guava trees with a balanced fertilizer three times a year. Once in early spring, again in mid-summer, and finally in early fall.

Pest and Disease Control:

• Pests: Guava trees are relatively pest-resistant, but they can be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, and scales. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Diseases: Guava trees are also susceptible to a few diseases, such as anthracnose and scab. These diseases can be controlled with fungicides.

Additional Tips:

• Mulch around the base of the trees to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Harvest guava fruits when they are ripe and have a sweet aroma.
• Guava trees can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or grafting.

How to properly cultivate this 

Planting:

• Season: Ideally, plant guavas in the early rainy season (June-August) for optimal growth.
• Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Guavas need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
• Spacing: For in-ground planting, space trees 6.5 meters apart to allow for proper growth and airflow. In containers, use a pot at least 14 inches wide.

Soil:

• Guavas thrive in fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0-7.0).
• Amend soil with compost or manure before planting to improve drainage and nutrient content.
• Avoid planting in heavy clay or overly wet areas.

Watering:

• Water young guava trees regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Established trees can tolerate slightly drier conditions, but water deeply during fruit development to prevent fruit drop.

Pruning:

• Regular pruning is essential for maintaining manageable tree size, encouraging fruit production, and improving air circulation.
• Prune lightly in the first year, then more heavily after the first harvest to remove dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches.
• Aim to maintain a vase-shaped tree with a central open canopy.

Pest/Disease Control:

• Guavas are relatively pest- and disease-resistant, but they can be susceptible to insects like fruit flies and fungal diseases like anthracnose.
• Monitor your trees regularly and use organic methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
• Practice good sanitation by removing fallen leaves and fruits to prevent disease spread.

Here are some additional tips for successful guava cultivation:

• Choose a variety suitable for your climate and desired fruit characteristics.
• Mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer during the rainy season.
• Harvest guavas when they are fully ripe and turn from green to yellow or pink, depending on the variety.

Common Pests/Eradication methods

Guava trees, though resilient, can be susceptible to various pests that can damage their leaves, fruits, and overall health. Here are some common guava pests and methods for their eradication:

1. Fruit Flies:

• Appearance: Small flies with brown or yellow bodies and black markings.
• Damage: Lay eggs inside developing fruits, causing them to rot and fall prematurely.
• Eradication methods:
  • Pheromone traps: Attract and trap male flies, reducing their mating and egg-laying.
  • Bait traps: Use a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and yeast to attract and drown flies.
  • Bagging: Individually enclose developing fruits in mesh bags to prevent fly access.
  • Biological control: Release parasitic wasps that target fruit fly larvae.

2. Guava Fruit Borers:

• Appearance: Cream-colored caterpillars with brown heads, burrowing into fruits.
• Damage: Tunnel inside fruits, causing them to rot and fall.
• Eradication methods:
  • Handpicking: Remove infested fruits and destroy them to prevent further spread.
  • Insecticidal sprays: Use targeted sprays containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad to kill caterpillars.
  • Bird feeders: Attract birds that prey on caterpillars.

3. Mealybugs:

• Appearance: Soft-bodied, cottony insects that suck sap from leaves and stems.
• Damage: Cause leaves to wilt, yellow, and drop; can also transmit diseases.
• Eradication methods:
  • Natural predators: Encourage ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects that feed on mealybugs.
  • Neem oil spray: Apply a diluted neem oil solution to affected areas to kill mealybugs.
  • Insecticidal soap: Use insecticidal soap spray to control mealybug populations.

4. Aphids:

• Appearance: Tiny, soft-bodied insects that gather on leaves and stems, sucking sap.
• Damage: Cause leaves to curl and distort, stunt plant growth, and transmit viruses.
• Eradication methods:
  • Strong water spray: Blast aphids off leaves and stems with a strong stream of water.
  • Neem oil spray: Apply a diluted neem oil solution to control aphid populations.
  • Insecticidal soap: Use insecticidal soap spray to kill aphids on contact.

5. Scale:

• Appearance: Hard-shelled insects that attach themselves to leaves and stems, sucking sap.
• Damage: Cause leaves to yellow and drop, and can stunt plant growth.
• Eradication methods:
  • Manual removal: Scrape or pick off scales with your fingers or a brush.
  • Horticultural oil spray: Apply a horticultural oil spray to smother and kill scales.
  • Insecticidal soap: Use insecticidal soap spray to control scale populations.

General Pest Control Tips:

• Practice good sanitation: Remove fallen leaves and debris around your guava trees to eliminate breeding grounds for pests.
• Interplant with beneficial crops: Companion planting with herbs like basil or marigolds can deter some pests.
• Monitor your trees regularly: Early detection of pest infestations is crucial for successful control.
• Use integrated pest management (IPM): Combine different control methods to create a more sustainable and effective approach to pest management.

Latest Research 

1. The fruit Psidium guajava L.:

• Health benefits:

  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: Recent studies have confirmed the presence of various bioactive phytochemicals in guava, particularly in leaves, exhibiting strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This suggests potential benefits against various chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
  • Antimicrobial activity: Extracts from guava leaves have shown promising antibacterial and antiviral activity, including against antibiotic-resistant strains and influenza viruses. This opens up possibilities for natural antimicrobial agents.
  • Cancer prevention and therapy: Emerging research highlights the antitumorigenic properties of guava against various cancers. Specific bioactive compounds in the fruit and leaves are being investigated for their potential as therapeutic agents.

• Cultivation and valorization:

  • Improved varieties and agronomic practices: Research is ongoing to develop more productive, disease-resistant guava varieties and optimize farming techniques to increase yield and quality.
  • Valorization of industrial by-products: Guava processing generates waste products like peels and seeds. Studies are exploring ways to utilize these by-products for food products, animal feed, or biomaterials, minimizing waste and adding economic value.

2. The Java library Guava:

• Focus on performance and efficiency: Recent updates to Guava prioritize performance optimizations and resource efficiency, particularly in areas like collections and concurrency.
• Integration with other Java libraries: Guava continues to evolve its compatibility and interoperability with other popular Java libraries and frameworks like Spring and Jetpack.
• New features and functionalities: While less frequent than with the fruit, Guava occasionally introduces new features based on community needs and technological advancements. These features typically focus on improving developer experience and addressing specific pain points.

Typical yield

• Variety: Different guava varieties have different inherent yield potentials. Some high-yielding varieties can produce up to 200 kg (440 lbs) of fruit per tree per year, while others may only produce 20-40 kg (44-88 lbs).
• Age of the tree: Guava trees typically reach their peak yield around the age of 5-7 years, and then continue to produce for many years after that. However, yields may decline as the tree ages.
• Climate: Guava trees thrive in tropical and subtropical climates with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. Yields can be lower in areas with extreme temperatures or drought.
• Soil: Guava trees prefer well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Yields can be lower in soils that are too acidic, too alkaline, or poorly drained.
• Orchard management practices: Proper orchard management practices, such as irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and pest control, can significantly impact the yield of guava trees.

Here are some general estimates of typical guava yields:

• Per tree: 50-80 pounds (23-36 kg) per year for mature trees (5 years or older)
• Per acre: 8,000-12,000 pounds (3,629-5,443 kg) per year for a well-managed orchard

Seeding/Planting 

Seed Preparation:

1. Choose ripe guavas: Select fruits that are fully ripe and have fallen from the tree naturally. Avoid guavas with blemishes or bruises.
2. Extract the seeds: Cut the guava in half and carefully remove the seeds with a spoon. Be gentle, as the seeds can be damaged easily.
3. Clean and dry the seeds: Remove any pulp clinging to the seeds and rinse them with clean water. Spread the seeds on a paper towel and let them dry completely in a warm, well-ventilated area for 2-3 days.

Seeding:

1. Choose a container: Select a pot or container with drainage holes. A container that is 6-8 inches deep and wide is a good size for starting guava seeds.
2. Fill the container with potting mix: Use a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. You can also add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
3. Sow the seeds: Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the potting mix. Space the seeds about 2 inches apart.
4. Water the seeds: Gently water the potting mix until it is moist but not soggy.
5. Cover the container: Cover the container with a plastic bag or clear wrap to create a humid environment. This will help the seeds germinate faster.

Germination and Care:

• Place the container in a warm, sunny location. The ideal temperature for germination is between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
• Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water the potting mix whenever it feels dry to the touch.
• The seeds should germinate within 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have germinated, remove the plastic bag or wrap.
• Thin the seedlings if they are overcrowded. Leave the strongest and healthiest seedlings in the pot.
• Once the seedlings have grown 4-6 true leaves, they can be transplanted to individual pots or into the ground.

Additional Tips:

• Scarification: Some gardeners recommend scarifying the seeds before planting. This involves lightly scratching the seed coat with sandpaper or a nail file. This can help the seeds germinate faster.
• Soil pH: Guava trees prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. You can test the pH of your soil and adjust it accordingly if needed.
• Fertilizer: Once the seedlings are established, you can fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

How to prepare a crop bed/Types of 

1. Choosing the Right Location:

• Soil: Guava prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained soil.
• Sunlight: Full sun exposure is ideal for optimal fruit production.
• Temperature: Guava thrives in warm temperatures (21-32°C) but can tolerate mild frost.

2. Site Preparation:

• Clear the area: Remove any existing vegetation, debris, or rocks.
• Test the soil: Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels.
• Amend the soil: Based on the test results, add organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility. Adjust pH if necessary.

3. Bed Construction:

• Size and spacing: Raised beds are preferred, typically 2m wide and 1m high for efficient drainage and weed control. Adjust spacing between beds based on guava variety.
• Digging and leveling: Dig the bed to about 60cm depth and break up any hard soil. Level the surface for uniform planting.

4. Drainage:

• Drainage is crucial: Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can damage roots. Create raised beds or consider adding drainage channels if needed.

5. Adding Nutrients:

• Nutrient-rich soil: Mix in well-aged compost or manure at the time of bed preparation. You can also use organic fertilizers like bonemeal or blood meal for additional phosphorus and potassium.
• Targeted fertilization: Consider using specific fertilizers based on your soil test results and chosen guava variety.

6. Pre-Planting Preparations:

• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch like straw or wood chips around the base of the bed to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Irrigation: Ensure proper irrigation infrastructure is in place before planting. Drip irrigation can be a water-efficient option.

Additional Tips:

• Rotate crops: Planting different crops in the same bed can help prevent diseases and pests.
• Intercropping: Consider planting compatible crops like beans or legumes between guava rows to improve soil fertility and utilize space.
• Monitor soil moisture: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering.
• Weed control: Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
• The fruit guava: If you’re interested in the different varieties of guava fruit, there are many! Some popular types include:
  • Common guava: This variety is the most widely grown and has white or pink flesh.
  • Red Malaysian guava: This variety has bright red skin and sweet, pink flesh.
  • Strawberry guava: This variety has small, round fruits with red skin and white flesh that tastes like strawberries.
  • Pineapple guava: This variety has yellow skin and white flesh that tastes like pineapple.
• The Java programming library Guava: If you’re interested in the different types of collections, utilities, and other features in the Guava library, there are also many! Some of the most popular include:
  • Collections: Guava provides a wide variety of collection implementations that are more efficient and feature-rich than the standard Java collections, such as ImmutableMap and Multimap.
  • Utilities: Guava provides a wealth of utility classes and methods that make Java programming easier and more concise, such as Optional and Preconditions.
  • Concurrency: Guava provides a number of concurrency-related classes and methods, such as EventBus and RateLimiter.