FEASIBILITY OF GROWING GUAVA IN MIDDLE GEORGIA

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Seeds of a pink flesh test line of guava (Psidium guajava L.) from India, were germinated in a greenhouse. In April 1988, 6-month-old guava seedlings were set 3 m apart in a field row while an equal number of plants in 15 liter containers, were held in the greenhouse. The field plants were more vigorous than those held in the greenhouse. However, the field plants could not survive severe winter conditions outdoors and were totally destroyed by winter freezes of 1989-90. In spring 1990, the plants held in greenhouse were transplanted in the field under a 6-mil polyethylene protective cover where they flowered during February-April 1991. Trees were productive with 52 fruits per tree, most of which reached maturity without a drop or pest problems. Fruit ripening on trees began in late August 1991. Values for such parameters as fruit weight, height from blossom end to stem end, circumference and volume were 269.3 g (±10.6), 7.3 cm (±0.1), (25.6 cm (±0.3), and 279.7 ml (±11.4), respectively. Actual values ranged from 117 to 597 g, 5.5 to 10.1 cm, 19.3 to 33.2 cm, and 131 to 639 ml, respectively. Tree-ripe fruits had pink tinge on yellow-green skin and pink colored thick flesh had mild aroma and good flavor. Guava can be successful in Middle Georgia with proper care for cold protection.