The pattern of growth, flowering and fruiting of guava varieties in subtropical Queensland

Abstract

The seasonal pattern of development in seven guava (Psidium guajava) varieties grown in subtropical coastal southern Queensland was investigated to test the hypothesis that the growth pattern of some varieties is more suited to this environment. Leaf initiation commenced 4 weeks after defoliation by spraying with urea dissolved in water (250 g/litre) in September and continued for 22 weeks. Floral bud emergence and fruit set began 4-8 weeks later and continued for most of the period of shoot growth. Fruit took 14 weeks to reach maturity and the last fruit was harvested in mid-June when the trees passed into winter dormancy. Varieties varied in time to maturity, although the patterns and levels of leaf initiation, flowering and fruit set were similar. Yields ranged from 68.8 to 138.7 kg/tree. Differences between the varieties in yield could not be attributed to any characteristic such as the rate, timing or duration of flowering, fruit set or fruit growth. There was no variety with a different growth pattern closely related to high yields under conditions at Nambour. However, some varieties appear more suited to this environment, since they set a heavier crop which ripened before fruit quality declines in winter.