Characterization of guava (Psidium guajava']java) germplasm based on leaf and fruit parameters

Guava (Psidium guajava L) is one of the most commercially cultivated fruit crops in India. A large number of diverse genotypes are available in India but their characterization is still lacking which needs to be focused to target a planned guava improvement programme in India. The present study was conducted to estimate the genetic relationship between 20 genotypes of Psidium guajava and two species, P. friedrichsthalianum and P. pumilum, by means of morphological characterization. Twenty-four parameters of leaf and fruit were included in the study. Guava genotypes showed significant variations for different leaf characters. Internodal length among the genotypes showed significant variation and it ranged between 1.36 to 4.76 cm. The size of leaf was found to have positive relationship with the plant vigour. Maximum fruit weight was observed in Thai guava (228.26 g) followed by Lucknow-49 (216.53g) and the minimum was in P. pumilum (13.0 g). The variation in these characters generated useful information for selection of parents for further guava breeding programme.