Variability and correlation studies for pomological characteristics in guava clones

The present study was carried out to select superior clone of guava cv. L-49 to be used directly for cultivation or to be employed as a source in crop improvement programme. Wide variability in pomological characters among the clones was observed. Large sized fruits with higher content of pulp, thicker flesh (pulp), low seed content, higher pulp to seed ratio, more soft seededness along with high ascorbic acid content are desirable characters in guava. The existence of high level of variability in seed, number of seeds per fruit, pulp to seed ratio, flesh thickness and vitamin ‘C’ content indicates better chances for improvement in these characters. Most of the characters were favourably associated with each other and that indicates usefulness of these characters to pursue clonal selection programme in L-49 cultivar of guava. Genetic variability of 13 fruit characters in 15 guava genotypes were studied. Significant differences were observed for almost all the traits under study viz., fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, acidity and ascorbic acid with high value of coefficient of variation and correlation which, makes them prime traits for direct selection. Seed Number, seed hardiness, TSS, total sugars, reducing and non-reducing sugars with high vitamin C are other important characters which have to be considered for selection. The fruit yield/tree was positively and significantly correlated with fruit weight and fruit length.