Origin Of Guava
Guava, with the botanical name Psidium guajava, is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the family Myrtaceae. It is a perennial plant that flowers twice a year. The round fruits are 1-3 cm in diameter and 2 to 4 inches long. The height of an average guava tree is 8ft, and its branches spread wide.
The guava fruits have smooth, thin, copper-colored bark that flakes off, showing the greenish layer beneath. They are usually green, hard, and gummy when it is immature and not yet ripe. They bring out a strong, sweet, musky odor and may be round, oval, or pear-shaped when ripe.
At the fruit’s peak are 4 to 5 sepals protruding from it. The number of seeds in guava fruit is between 112 to 535; some guavas have few seeds or are even seedless. The tree trunk has a bony part that may attain a diameter of 10 inches (25 cm). Tender guava trees are downy and quadrangular.
Nutrient Composition Of Guava
Below are the nutrients contained in 100g of guava:
- Calories 68
- Total Fat 1g
- Total Carbohydrate 14g
- Dietary fiber 5g
- Protein 2.6g
- Sugar 9g
Preferred Botanical Name: Psidium Guajava
Preferred Common Name: Guava
Medicinal Properties And Uses Of Guava
Below are the medicinal benefits of guava:
- Guava extract may help improve blood sugar control in people with high diabetes or at risk.
- Guava fruit has a positive effect on heart health by lowering blood pressure.
- Guava leaf extract helps to decrease painful menstruation and cramps.
- Guava helps to prevent constipation and reduce diarrhea.
- It helps in achieving weight loss.
- Its high level of antioxidants helps prevent the development and growth of cancer cells.
- It helps to boost immunity.
- It is suitable for having healthy skin.
How To Grow Guava
Guava is a nutritious fruit, and it is very beneficial to humanity. Below are details regarding how to grow guava.
Yield Information Of Guava
The maturity of guava fruit occurs 90 to 150 days after flowering. Mature guava can produce 50 to 80 pounds of fruit each year. An average crop is about 450 fruits per tree. Depending on the cultivar and cultural treatment, some trees can yield up to 100-300 fruits in the rainy season.
Nursery And Transplant Requirements Of Guava
Below are the requirements for nursing and transplanting guava.
- Prepare a planting site in full sun that is sheltered from a prevailing breeze or wind.
- Mix aged compost or manure with the soil.
- Dig a hole half as deep and twice as wide as the tree’s roots.
- Put a tree stake in place before planting. The stake should be driven at least 2 feet to the side of the hole.
- Place the plant in the hole such that the soil mark from the nursery pot on the stem is at the same level as the surrounding soil. Spread out the roots.
- Re-fill the hole with half native soil and half aged compost or commercial organic planting mix; firm in the soil so no air pockets among the roots.
- Water the soil and create a water-holding basin around the trunk.
- Use tree ties to secure the tree to the stake.
- After planting, water each tree thoroughly.
Soil And Sun Requirements Of Guava
The soil requirements for growing guava are sandy, loamy, and muddy soil with a pH of 4.5 to 7. Guava plants thrive in many soil types, but rich soils high in organic matter are the most suitable. Plant guava in full sun. Plant guavas in compost-rich, well-drained soil.
Watering Requirements
The watering requirement varies with soil, like sandy soil may require watering twice weekly, and high clay content soil may require water once every two weeks. Before each watering, allow the soil to dry a few inches deep. The dryness of the soil will slow growth and may cause the fruit to drop.
Planting And Spacing Requirements
Before spacing guava, consider the size of the tree when it reaches maturity. However, the average planting density is 112 plants per acre of land with a spacing of 6 x 6 m.
Harvesting Time
It will take about 8 years for guava grown from seed to start yielding fruits, and if it were grown from seedling, it would begin to yield fruits in 3 to 5 years. Guava fruit will be ripe and ready for harvest about 20 to 28 weeks after flowering and pollination.
Ripe guavas will develop a mature color and have a sweet aroma. Ripe guava will succumb to slight pressure. Fruits that ripen on the tree have the best flavor. Unripe green-matured guava fruits can get ripened at room temperature; put guava together with banana in a paper bag to fasten ripening.
Storage Method
Ripe guava fruits can stay in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Diseases And Pests Of Guava
Guava is affected by some pests and diseases such as:
Algal Leaf Spot
symptoms include silky orange tufts growing on leaves, and branches may be cracked, fruits are also attacked. It is caused by algae and is controlled by ensuring proper irrigation and proper spacing to enhance air circulation.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease, and symptoms include dark-colored lesions on fruit large necrotic patches on the surface of the fruit. You can control anthracnose by planting resistant varieties.
Fruit Flies
Causes rot in fruits and dark color puncture wounds. The insects are small flies that are black and yellow. Remove and destroy infested fruits.
Guava Weevil
Weevils also affect and cause damage to fruits. Collect and burn damaged fruits.
Conclusion
Guava is a true nutritional powerhouse, offering a plethora of health benefits. Bursting with vitamin C, it strengthens the immune system and aids in preventing illness. What’s more, its high dietary fiber content promotes digestive health and assists in regulating blood sugar levels, making it particularly advantageous for those managing diabetes. And with its low glycemic index, guava is also a great ally for maintaining a healthy weight.
Guava’s powerful antioxidants work to fight off free radicals, effectively lowering the risk of chronic health issues and promoting a radiant complexion. Packed with potassium, this fruit is also a heart-healthy choice, helping to regulate blood pressure. Furthermore, its generous folate levels make it a valuable addition to any prenatal care plan. Overall, with its wide array of nutrients, guava is a delectable and multipurpose fruit that aids in maintaining optimal well-being.