Originating in South America, the guava has spread to most countries with tropical and sub-tropical climates.
Guava trees naturally grows from 2 to 8m tall. In commercial farm, their size is pruned back to about 2 to 3 m. When they are pruned, the period of full bloom is 10 to 12 weeks after pruning. Full bloom will occur 10 to 12 weeks after pruning.
Planting density may range from 667 (5x3m) to 1000 (5x2m) trees per hectare.
RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS
FAN RETIEF
In South Africa, only the Fan Retief cultivar was being grown successfully on a commercial scale. However, Guava Wilting Disease (GWD) had a devastating effect on plantings and with no suitable control measures available an alternative more tolerant cultivar was sought. GWD is caused by an Acromonium sp. and is present in most of the guava-producing areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. As a result, the total hectarage of guavas in the southern Lowveld of Mpumalanga has decreased by 80% from 1982 to 1994. Restrictions have been placed on the transport of guava planting material in terms of plant quarantine legislation, and plant material may not be taken out of the affected areas. As no chemical control measures have been registered against GWD, eradication and replacement with GWD tolerant cultivars is the only alternative.
TSG 2 SELECTION
The TSG2 selection has been identified by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) as being the most tolerant to GWD and is recommended as both a rootstock and cultivar. The fruit is larger than that of Fan Retief with a similar fruit flesh to fruit breadth ratio. TSS (Total Soluble Solids) are slightly higher than Fan Retief. The fruit flesh colour is darker and pinker than the Fan Retief.
LUCKNOW SELECTION
Alternatively, the Indian LUCKNOW selection has shown full resistance to the GWD pathogen. This white-fleshed guava is to date the best alternative cultivar for any infected areas. The LUCKNOW produces sweet fruits which are ideal for the fresh market due to its extended shelf-life.
TREE AVAILABILITY
Du Roi Multiplant produces trees of TSG2, FAN RETIEF and LUCKNOW for commercial orchard establishment. Our TSG2 motherblock is inspected annually by the ARC-ITSC to certify quality and true-to-type plants.
Plants are produced throughout the year, and trees can be delivered as a rooted plugs or field-ready bags.
RESOURCES
For further technical information, we recommend the following book published by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).
The Cultivation of Guava
Author: Mr E.A. de Villiers
Contact: ARC – Mrs Estelle Nieuwenhuis
Tel No: + 27 (0)13 753 7000 | E-mail: infoitsc@arc.agric.za