Dataset explaining the comparative seasonal crop load and harvest quality of guava upon pruning strategies

Abstract

The dataset explained the details on how pruning techniques significantly affected the seasonal variations on fruit availability and edible quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.) under fluctuating sub-tropical weather conditions. The present pruning data also directed a way of enhancing lean season (off-season) harvest without sacrificing the main season yield and fruit quality. In detail, the pruning strategies included branch removal of 0 cm, 15 cm, 30 cm and 45 cm from shoot-tip once a year during spring (early March), monsoon (early June) and autumn (early September) starting with spring pruning. Over two consecutive years (2019–2020 and 2020–2021), the pruning treatments were assigned in triplicates following a randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) where the same plants received the same treatments during observation period. Data on crop load like number of fruits and fruit yield per plant and fruit biochemical traits namely total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total sugars, vitamin C and fruit specific gravity were recorded. To assess the seasonal variations, data collection was performed continuously and grouped at quarter intervals i.e., March-May, June-August, September-November and December-February of the year. Plants under pruning produced greater number of flowers and fruits for superior yield and quality compared to non-pruned plants. Irrespective of pruning techniques, June-August and September-November quarters had superior yield over others, whereas March-May harvests retained utmost fruit quality. Considering pruning time, plants reserved maximum harvestable fruits in June-August quarter under spring pruning followed by March-May quarter for autumn pruning compared to other combinations. Moreover, fruit biochemical attributes were examined the best at March-May harvests under autumn pruning. Alongside, June-August and September-November periods exhibited superiority for yield over others when plants were pruned at 30 cm level, but 45 cm pruning had best yield at March-May quarter. Whether, fruits had notable TSS, sugars, vitamin C and specific gravity obtained during March-May period from 45 cm pruning treatment. June-August was noted to produce inferior quality fruits in guava.