Effect of Seaweed Extract and Humic Acid Treatment on the Phenological and Yield Characteristics of Guava (Psidium guajava L.)

Saishree R S

Department of Fruit Science, SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, Vendhar Nagar, Baburayanpettai-603 201, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.

Deepika V *

Department of Fruit Science, SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, Vendhar Nagar, Baburayanpettai-603 201, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.

Shakila S

Department of Floriculture and Landscaping Architecture, SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, Vendhar Nagar, Baburayanpettai-603 201, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.

Mohanasundaram S

Section of Biochemistry and Crop Physiology, SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, Vendhar Nagar, Baburayanpettai-603 201, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.

Chandrasekaran P

Department of Basic Sciences, SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, Vendhar Nagar, Baburayanpettai-603 201, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Aim: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of seaweed and humic acid treatment at different doses on the phenological characteristics and yield of guava.

Study Design: Randomized block design.

Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted from December 2023 to July 2024 to assess the impact of bio-stimulants on the phenological and yield traits of guava (var. Arka Kiran) in the Poongunam village, Chengalpattu Dist, Tamil Nadu, India.

Methodology: The experiment followed a Randomized Block Design with eight treatments: T₁ - Absolute control, T₂ - Water Spray, T₃ - 1% Seaweed Extract, T₄ - 1.5% Seaweed Extract, T₅ - 2% Seaweed Extract, T₆ - 1% Humic Acid, T₇ - 1.5% Humic Acid, and T₈ - 2% Humic Acid, each replicated three times.

Results: Results showed that 2% Seaweed Extract (T₅) significantly improved flower retention (7.55 flowers per shoot), reduced the duration from flowering to fruit set (12.47 days), and shortened the time from fruit set to harvest (121.56 days). T₅ also led to the highest fruit set (68.65%), lowest fruit drop (48.72%), largest fruit weight (150.02 g), and greatest yield (13.35 kg/tree). Humic Acid at 2% (T₈) also improved fruit set (64.32%), fruit drop (49.54%), and yield (12.34 kg/tree), but was less effective than Seaweed Extract.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential of Seaweed Extract as a powerful bio-stimulant to enhance guava production, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical treatments.

Keywords: Sustainable agriculture, arka kiran, seaweed extract, humic acid, yield attributes


How to Cite

R S, Saishree, Deepika V, Shakila S, Mohanasundaram S, and Chandrasekaran P. 2024. “Effect of Seaweed Extract and Humic Acid Treatment on the Phenological and Yield Characteristics of Guava (Psidium Guajava L.)”. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International 46 (11):353-61. https://doi.org/10.9734/jeai/2024/v46i113058.