MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ELITE GENOTYPES OF GUAVA (PSIDIUM GUAJAVA L.) SEEDLINGS

Abstract

High variability in tree growth and shape and horticultural performance is very common in guava (Psidium guajava L.) orchards in Zulia state, Venezuela. In consequence, morphological characterization of elite genotypes of guava seedlings was completed. Guava variants with white or red mesocarp and endocarp were chosen. The research was performed at the Centro Fruticola de Zulia, Mara County (10°48'00 LN, 71°48'00 LW), and at RFA and La Rosaida orchards, Baralt county (09°36'02 LN, 70°58'33 LW), Zulia State, Venezuela. The recorded quantitative and qualitative variables were: stem surface (SS), perimeter (PS), internode length (LI) and phyllotaxy (F), leaf shape (LS), leaf margin (ML), foliar area (AF), apex (FA) and leaf base (FB) shapes, and flowers (flower diameter (DF). Frequency tables and analysis of variance were utilized to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative variables, respectively. Multivariate analysis through principal components analysis (PCA) was accomplished to determine the typical traits of each guava variant. Regarding the qualitative variables, the acute FB, sinuate ML, opposite F and smooth with few flaky SS predominated in white and red guavas. The oblong LS and obtuse FA was present in white guavas, while elliptical LS and acute FA dominated in red guavas. The quantitative variables AF, LI and PS were significantly different (P 0.05) were determined for DF. The first three PCAs expressed 78% of the variability among guava variants. The variables that allowed differentiating guava variants were: AF, LI, FB, SS and PS.