Morpho-physiological studies associated with flowering in high-density planted guava (Psidium guajava)

Abstract

The study was carried out to know the mechanism of less or no flowering in well maintained high-density planted (CHDP) guava (Psidium guajava L.) orchard (2 m × 2 m) during 2014 and 2015. Biochemical parameters determine flowering and fruiting in high-density planted guava orchard of 15 years old. Maximum length (17.48 cm), diameter (3.68 mm) of shoot and number of leaves pair (5.49) per shoot were found in flowering plants; highest leaf area (32.20 cm2) was observed in non-flowering plants. With respect to biochemical parameters, total chlorophyll (5.05 mg/g), chlorophyll a (3.02 mg/g), chlorophyll a (2.03 mg/g), total sugars (15949.57 μg/g dry wt.), starch in leaves (2361.50 μg/g dry wt.) and roots (2024.45 μg/g dry wt.) were highest in matured leaves of flowering plants. Whereas, mature leaves of flowering plants of guava showed lowest Chlorophyll a: b ratio (1.58 mg/g). Anthocyanin content was highest (0.052 mg/g) in the immature leaves of flowering plants. Similarly, Chlorophyll b content in leaf was found less (0.72 mg/g) in the non-flowering plant compared to a flowering plant. Allahabad Safeda and L-49 cultivars are better among the four cultivars in such phenomenon of in bearing level of old guava orchard. Relevant information got in the study of Chlorophyll b, which indirectly plays important role in flowering and fruiting. Chlorophyll b increases the range of light, which is used by the plant for producing energy.