Variability in floral morphology, flowering behaviour and fruit set among guava (Psidium guajava L.) genotypes
1Department of Fruit Science, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India. 2Director of Research and Dean Post Graduate Studies, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India. 3Department of Vegetable Science, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. 4Department of Basic Science, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. 5Parul University, Vadodara, 391760. Corresponding e-mail: shivkoti36@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i02.47
A study was conducted to assess the variability in floral morphology, flowering behaviour, fruit set and retention among five guava (Psidium guajava L.) genotypes: Jarvi Red, Exotica, Sanjari, Yogi and VNR Bihi. Significant genotypic differences were recorded for floral traits. Yogi produced larger-sized flowers (2.29 cm in length; 4.23 cm in width), whereas Sanjari exhibited the maximum petal number (9) and VNR Bihi recorded the maximum stamens (576). Flower buds took between 29 and 45 days to develop in Exotica and VNR Bihi, respectively. Flowering duration extended from 37 days in Exotica to 51 days in VNR Bihi. The duration from anthesis to petal drop was similar across genotypes, while the flowering-to-fruiting period varied from 122 days (Yogi) to 138 days (VNR Bihi). Fruit set was maximum in Yogi (73.87%) and VNR Bihi (73.07%), accompanied by higher fruit retention and lower fruit drop, whereas Exotica showed the lowest values. There were also differences in the time of anthesis and anther dehiscence between the genotypes. VNR Bihi had a longer period of anthesis and dehiscence, which meant that pollen was available for a longer time. On the other hand, Sanjari and Yogi had early anthesis. VNR Bihi produced the fruits in both the terminal and the lateral flowers. Comparing all the studied genotypes, Yogi showed larger flowers, early maturity and superior fruit set and retention. VNR Bihi displayed prolonged flowering and late maturity. These results offer important information for breeding programs, crop management and varietal selection that aim to increase guava productivity.
