Variability pattern for fruit yield and quality in seedling population of guava

Seedling population of guava was assessed for the pattern of variability with respect to various fruit characters. There was medium to high level of variability for different physico-chemical fruit characters. The existence of high level of variability with respect to fruit yield, seed content, fruit weight, pulp thickness and vitamin C content indicates better chances for improvement in these characters in the existing cultivars through seedling selection. The heterozygous nature of the seedling population further suggests that the orchards raised through seedlings are likely to be inferior than those raised through grafted plants.