Speakers -

Title: Organic synergy of biochar, vermicompost, and jaggery improve canopy growth in guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49

Abstract

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is an important tropical fruit crop valued for its nutritional and economic significance; however, low soil organic matter often restricts vegetative growth and canopy development. The present study was conducted for two consecutive years (2022–2023 and 2023–2024) at the Research Farm, Division of Fruit Science, SKUAST-Jammu, India, to evaluate the effect of organic nutrient sources on canopy parameters of guava cv. ‘L-49’. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 16 treatments and three replications. Among the treatments, the combined application of vermicompost, biochar, and jaggery significantly improved canopy growth. Treatment T7 [VC (5 kg/tree) + BC (10 kg/tree) + JG (1.50 kg/tree)] recorded the maximum canopy height (2.69 m) and canopy spread in the north–south (2.95 m) and east–west (2.84 m) directions, while treatment T6 recorded the highest canopy volume (15.22 m³) as compared to control (T16). The study demonstrated that integrated organic nutrient management enhanced vegetative growth, improved canopy architecture, and promoted sustainable guava orchard management.

 Audience Takeaways

• Role of biochar, vermicompost and jaggery in guava growth.
• Sustainable nutrient management strategies.
• Improvement of canopy architecture and orchard productivity.
• Eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilizers.