Vol. 12, Issue 3 (2023)

Author(s):
Himanshu Chawla, Naresh Kumar Arora, Karandeep Kaur and Akanksha Marwah

Abstract:
Effect of tree spacing on fruit quality attributes of guava cv. Shweta was carried out to standardize the planting density with respect to fruit qualities. The present investigation reveals that with an increase in plant density from 333 (6x5 m) to 833 (4x3 m) plants per hectare, the acidity in the fruits increased during both the rainy and winter crop seasons while, the total soluble solid, total sugars, vitamin C and pectin decreased. In the winter season crop (September to February), the total soluble solid, acidity, total sugars, vitamin C and pectin were found to be higher as compared to the rainy season crop (March to August). The quality based on the acidity of guava was found to be negatively correlated with fruit weight, pulp weight, TSS, total sugars, vitamin C and pectin content in both season crops (rainy and winter) whereas, other parameters positively correlated with each other. The total soluble solid, acidity, total sugars, vitamin C and pectin were highest in the orchard with 333 plants/ha (6x5 m) and least in 833 plants/ha (4x3 m). It may be concluded that guava planted at 5x5 m (400 trees/ ha) had a significantly improved fruit quality as compared to trees planted at recommended spacing i.e., 6x5 m.