Tropical and subtropical fruits (2+1)

Harvesting and Yield

Harvesting

• Guava, being a climacteric fruit, it ripens after harvesting; the fruits are harvested throughout the year (except during May and June) in one or the other region of the country.
• However, peak harvesting periods in north India are August for rainy season crop, November-December for winter season crop and March April for spring season crop.
• In the mid climatic conditions of other parts of the country, the peak harvesting periods are not so distinct.
• Change in colour of fruits from dark green to pale green is the indication of maturity, the fruits are harvested at their full yellow but firm for local market, whereas half yellow fruits should be picked for distant markets.
• The fruits are harvested selectively by hand along with the stalk and leaves.
Yield

• The tree reaches its peak bearing stage with in fifteen to sixteen years after planting a mature tree yields about 90-150kg fruits or 10-15t/ha.
• Sardar variety gives about 25t/hectare.