Effect of pruning techniques and fertilizer application on yield and quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Sardar under Chatrapti Sambhajinagar condition of Maharashtra

The investigation was conducted to investigate impact of pruning techniques and fertilizer application on the quality and yield of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Sardar under the climatic conditions of Chatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra. Guava, valued for its high nutritional content, is an important tropical fruit grown globally. The experiment involved four levels of pruning (no pruning, 30 cm, 60 cm, 90 cm) and different fertilizer combinations to four-year-old guava plants, with a focus on quality attributes viz. acidity, vitamin C, pectin, and total soluble solids along with yield parameters. Results showed that, pruning at 90 cm with highest level of 1000:400:400 NPK/ g/plant) significantly improved quality and yield, yielding highest fruit quality metrics such as ascorbic acid, pectin content, and soluble solids. The highest yield per plant and hectare were recorded under this treatment, suggesting that on whoa basis the optimal combination of pruning and fertilization enhances both fruit production and quality. The study supports the use of specific pruning and fertilization practices for increasing guava yield and improving fruit quality contributing to better management practices for guava cultivation.