MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF PROMISING GUAVA (PSIDIUM GUAJAVA L.) VARIETIES UNDER SUB-TROPICAL HUMID CONDITIONS OF NORTH INDIA

Abstract

The morphological studies on the performance of different guava varieties revealed that the tree height was
medium (2 to 4 m) in Pant Prabhat, Arka Amulya, Shweta and Thailand.Red coloured young shoots (Anthocyanin
colouration) were observed in Allahabad Safeda, Punjab Pink, L-49, Lalit, Shweta, Pear Shaped.A significant
variation in leaf length was observed among different guava varieties ranging from 101.89 mm in Lalit to 151.27
mm in Punjab Pink,while, maximum leaf blade width was recorded in the variety L-49 (65.54 mm). Leaf
chlorophyll index values ranged from 38.60 to 51.70 with an overall mean value of 42.84 with the maximum
chlorophyll index in variety Pear Shaped. First sign of flower bud for winter season crop was noted from 21st to
25th June. In winter season crop, variety Punjab Pink was first to have open flower on 5th July. Maximum mean
flower size (47.01 mm) for winter season crop was recorded in L-49. Varieties Hisar Safeda (42 days), 17-16,
Lalit, G.Bilas and Pear Shaped (41 days) were found to bear flowers for longer duration.