Effect of cultivar, radial distance and depth on root distribution in guava (Pisidium guajava L.)

The root distribution studies of sixteen-year-old guava cultivars viz Allahabad Safeda and Sardar were conducted in the Department of Horticulture, Allahabad Agricultural Deemed University, Allahabad during the year 2001–02. The experiment was carried out in three factor randomized block design with two cultivar (Allahabad Safeda and Sardar), three radial distances (0–60, 60–120, 120–180 cm) and three depths (0–20, 20–40, 40–60 cm). Cultivar Allahabad Safeda had the extensive root system than Sardar. Among the interactions cultivar x radial distance; cultivar x depth; radial distance x depth and cultivar x radial distance x depth, Allahabad Safeda x 0–60 cm radial distance, Allahabad Safeda x 0–20 cm depth, 0–60 cm radial distance x 0–20 cm depth, Allahabad Safeda x 0–60 cm radial distance x 0–20 cm depth gave significantly higher dry weight of all categories of roots, respectively. Most of the feeder roots were present at 0–60 cm radial distance and 0–20 cm depth. Thus, fertilizers and irrigation water may be applied in this zone irrespective of cultivars for better utilization of these inputs by the tree roots.