Effect of foliar application of biofertilizers on productivity and quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.)

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of foliar biofertilizer applications on the yield and quality parameters of guava (Psidium guajava L.) variety L-49 conducted at the Fruit Research Station, Imaliya, under the Department of Horticulture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, the experiment utilized a Randomized Block Design with seven treatments, including Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas, and Biofertisol at varying concentrations. Results demonstrated that a 10% Trichoderma viride foliar application significantly enhanced yield attributes, such as fruit number (96.50 fruits/plant), yield (21.95 kg/plant), fruit weight (226.99 g), and pulp percentage (96.29%). Additionally, it improved quality parameters, including total soluble solids (12.80 °Brix) and ascorbic acid content (234.60 mg/100g). A 10% Pseudomonas application minimized fruit acidity (0.278%) while maximizing the TSS acid ratio (33.25%). These findings underscore the potential of biofertilizers, particularly Trichoderma viride, as sustainable alternatives to chemical inputs in guava cultivation, promoting both productivity and fruit quality.