Evaluating the effect of plant growth regulators on qualitative characteristics of guava (Psidium guajava L.)

Abstract

The study conducted at HRC, SVPUAT Meerut investigated the influence of various Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) on guava fruit quality across two years (2022-23 and 2023-24). Key parameters assessed included fruit skin color, seediness, pulp texture, pulp weight, seed-pulp ratio, and shelf life. Significant differences were noted between the treated samples and the control (T1). Fruit skin color in treated guavas ranged from yellowish-green, whereas the control remained light green. The treatment T12 (Nitrobenzene 1500 ppm + Triacontanol 200 ppm + Brassinosteroid 150 ppm) resulted in the lowest seediness, contrasting sharply with the higher seediness observed in the control. Pulp texture was softer in treated guavas compared to the harder texture in the control, with T12 producing the softest pulp. Pulp weight was maximized under T12 and minimized in the control, indicating enhanced fruit development with treatment. The seed-pulp ratio was also lowest with T12, while the control had the highest ratio. Furthermore, shelf life was significantly extended in treated fruits, with T12 showing the longest shelf life compared to the control. These improvements are attributed to the modulation of physiological processes by PGRs, which affect ethylene production, nutrient uptake, and enzyme activity. Overall, T12 (Nitrobenzene 1500 ppm + Triacontanol 200 ppm + Brassinosteroid 150 ppm) emerged as the most effective treatment, demonstrating superior results across all parameters.