Effect of Conjoint Application of Paclobutrazol, Benzyl adenine, and Ethrel on Yield and Quality Improvement of Pre-Winter (Mrig-Bahar) Guava Crop (Psidium guajava L.)
摘要
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is an important fruit crop in India, particularly the mrig-bahar (pre-winter) crop, which is preferred for its higher market value and reduced fruit fly infestation. However, challenges such as excessive vegetative growth during the rainy season, competition for assimilates between vegetative and fruit growth, and delayed ripening due to low fall temperatures adversely affect yield and quality. This study investigated the effect of conjoint application of Paclobutrazol (PBZ), Benzyladenine (BA), and Ethrel on the yield and quality of mrig-bahar guava grown in the subtropical conditions of the North-West Himalayas. The experiment conducted in 2022-2023, involved a factorial design with three factors (PBZ, BA, and Ethrel) each at two levels (presence or absence of treatment). Results showed that PBZ significantly reduced vegetative growth, while BA improved fruit size. Ethrel application accelerated fruit ripening, reducing the time from fruit set to harvest. The combination of PBZ, BA, and Ethrel (B1P1E1) resulted in the highest fruit yield (4.7 kg/plant), enhanced total soluble solids (13.6°B), and reduced acidity (0.35%), compared to untreated controls. Economic analysis indicated that BA and Ethrel treatments resulted in a higher benefit–cost (B:C) ratio. These findings demonstrate that the application of these growth regulators improved fruit retention, accelerated ripening, and enhanced fruit quality, making their application an effective practice for improving the yield and quality of the mrig-bahar guava crop in subtropical regions.