Impact of Plant Bioregulators on Growth, Yield, Quality and Economic Feasibility of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) in Central Region of Punjab, India

Abstract

Guava holds significant importance in India due to its high nutritional value, affordability, and ability to grow in diverse climatic conditions. It plays a vital role in the economy and is a major source of vitamins, especially vitamin C, for millions. A study conducted from 2022 to 2024 at the Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Farm, Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, evaluated the effects of various plant growth regulators on guava. The experiment involved ten treatments; each replicated three times using a randomized block design. The treatments included: PBR1 (NAA 50 ppm), PBR2 (NAA 75 ppm), PBR3 (NAA 100 ppm), PBR4 (GA3 50 ppm), PBR5 (GA3 100 ppm), PBR6 (GA3 150 ppm), PBR7 (Triacontanol 25 ppm), PBR8 (Triacontanol 50 ppm), PBR9 (Triacontanol 75 ppm), and PBR10 (Control). Among the treatments, PBR3 (NAA 100 ppm) produced the best results in terms of fruit volume (85.72 cm3), minimum firmness (8.05), specific gravity (1.02%), ascorbic acid content (252.85mg/100g), total sugar content (10.73%) and TSS (10.86 0Brix) and minimum found in PBR10 (control). The highest net return of Rs. 454,237 and the best benefit-cost (B:C) ratio were also recorded for PBR3 (NAA 100 ppm). Based on these findings, the use of plant growth regulators, particularly NAA 100 ppm, is recommended to enhance both the yield and quality of guava fruits.