Effect of Planting Density on Tree Growth, Fruit Yield and Quality of ‘Sardar’ Guava (Psidium Guajava L.)

The investigations were carried out in Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 1996–97. Three different spacings, viz. 6x4m, 6x5m and 6x6m, having seven replications each and a unit of three plants in every replication were tested. The tree characters such as stock girth, scion girth, tree height, tree spread (North-South direction) and tree canopy were the maximum at medium spacing (6x5m). The tree spread in East-West direction was recorded the maximum in wider spacing (6x6m). As the spacings increased, the corresponding decrease in fruiting density was observed. Number of fruits, yield per tree and yield efficiency were the maximum in closer spacing followed by medium spacing. The fruit size, fruit weight, pulp weight and pulp thickness were the maximum at wider spacing. The fruits obtained from closer spacing showed greenish appearance. Better colour development was noted with wider spacing and the colour of fruit was noted yellowish green. Palatability rating of fruits was the maximum from widely spaced guave trees. The number of seeds per fruit were the least from 6x6m spacing. The total soluble solids, acidity and total sugars content were estimated to be the maximum in fruits from widely spaced trees. The macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) in the leaves of guava were not influenced significantly by the planting density. On the basis of tree vigour, fruit yield and quality, it is quite apparent from the findings of the present studies that medium spacing (6x5m) has shown better results.