Yield, nutrient exportation and mineral status of two guava genotype fruits

Abstract

Yield and macro and micro nutrients exportation due to harvest as well as fruit mineral composition were evaluated. Crioula (Native) and Paluma guava genotypes (Psidium guajava L.) were evaluated in four areas located in an orchard in Remígio county, Paraíba state, Brazil. Eight five year old plants of the Native genotype were studied in area ; 54 three year old plants of Paluma in area 2; 40 two year old plants of Paluma in area 3, irrigated and fertilized with N and K through irrigation water; 20 two year old plants of Paluma in area 4. Crioula seedlings were obtained by seed germination, directly in soil whereas the Paluma ones, genetically improved, by rooting cuttings. Paluma presented higher values of fruit mass, yield per plant and per area than Crioula. K and Fe were the most exported nutrients with fruit harvest. The fruit levels of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were found to be sufficient for daily human requirements, whereas Ca, P, Mn, and Na contents were found to be low. Additional keywords: Psidium guajava; human nutrition.