Evaluation of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Genotypes Based on Fruit Morphology, Physico-chemical Properties .and Yield under Eastern Plateau Condition

Abstract

Thirty-two guava germplasm were evaluated on the basis of fruit morpholology, physico-chemical properties and yield at ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Research Center, Ranchi during 2007-08. High yielding cul ti vars were CHG- I, Allahabad Safeda, Mild Flesh, Sardar and White Flesh. The fruit of CHG-I cultivar was round shaped with pink flesh and having smooth surface. On the other hand, the fruit of Allahabad Safeda cultivar was round shaped and had creamy pulp and smooth surface. The fruit ·of Sardar and White F lesh cultivars were oval shaped and had white pulp and rough surface. The characteristics of Mild Flesh cultivar was round fruited with white pulp and smooth surface. With regard to physico-chemical properties of the genotypes, the cultivar Spear Acid accounted for the maximum fruit weight (179.4 g) and ascorbic acid content (265.83 mg/100 gm pulp) whereas the cultivar CHG-5 had higher T.S.S. content of l0.26"B during rainy season. As winter crop, the cultivar Mild Flesh recorded the maximum fruit weight of 199.1 g whereas the cultivars Seed Drop and Kairnla Seedling exhibited highest T.S.S .content of l 2.86"B but later had the maximum ascorbic acid content of 358.33 mg/JOO gm pulp. The only cultivar Barbadose Superior did not produce fruit during winter. During summer season, six cultivars, viz. Mild Flesh, Seed Drop, Surkh Gudi, CHG- I, CHG-2 and Eskwala brought forth fruit. The cultivar Eskwala recorded the highest fruit weight of 139.8 g and the cultivar Seed Drop exhibited the maximum TSS content of 14.36°B and ascorbic ac id content of 337 .5 mg/ IOOgm pulp. Hence, based on fruit morphology, quality and total yield CHG- I, Allahabad Safeda, Mild Flesh, Sardar, White Flesh, Spear Acid and Seed Drop were found promising for cultivation in the plateau region of Jharkhand.