Easy ways to protect guava crop in heat and rain

Guava is a nutritious fruit with medicinal benefits, and its demand remains high throughout the year. However, during summer and monsoon seasons, its quality may be affected. The fruit may develop cracks and dry spots. With proper care and preventive measures, these problems can be reduced, ensuring good-quality guava production.

Why Does Guava Quality Get Affected?

1. Water Shortage and Irregular Irrigation – If guava plants do not receive enough water or experience sudden heavy rainfall or excessive irrigation, the fruits grow rapidly, causing their skin to crack.
2. Lack of Nutrients – Deficiency of calcium and boron makes the fruit’s skin weak and hard, leading to cracks and spots.
3. Excessive Heat and Sunlight – High temperatures can cause dry and hard patches on the fruit’s skin.
4. Pests and Diseases – Guava fruit flies, thrips, mites, anthracnose, scab, and bacterial canker can damage the fruit’s quality.

How to Take Care of Guava Plants in Summer and Monsoon?

1. Protection from Heat:

1. Use shade nets to protect the fruits from direct sunlight.
2. Water the plants regularly in a balanced way to maintain soil moisture.
3. Avoid sudden heavy watering after a dry period, as it can cause fruit cracking.
4. Apply mulching to keep the soil moist and prevent water fluctuations.

2. Precautions During Monsoon:

1. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging in the field.
2. If heavy rainfall is expected, harvest ripe fruits on time.

3. Providing Essential Nutrients:

1. Spray 0.5-1% calcium nitrate or calcium chloride solution on leaves to strengthen fruit skin.
2. Apply 0.2% borax solution to prevent boron deficiency and avoid cracks in the fruit.
3. Test the soil and use fertilizers in the right quantity for balanced nutrition.

4. Protection from Pests and Diseases:

1. Install traps in the field and cover fruits with bags to prevent pest attacks.
2. Spray neem oil or organic pesticides.
3. If the infection is severe, use appropriate chemical pesticides.
4. Apply copper-based fungicides and remove infected fruits immediately.

Additional Important Steps:

1. Prune the trees regularly to maintain healthy growth.
2. Choose guava varieties that are resistant to cracking.
3. If a particular variety frequently faces problems, consider switching to another variety.

By following these measures, farmers can produce high-quality guavas even during summer and monsoon, ensuring better profits.