Direct effect of pollen grain on the physical and chemical characteristics of the fruits of guava (Psidium guajava)

The present study investigated the influence of pollen parents, “Arka Kiran” and “Baruipur” on the morphological and biochemical properties of two guava ( Psidium guajava L.) cultivars: “Shweta” and “Allahabad Safeda”. Controlled cross-pollination was conducted using the “Arka Kiran” and “Baruipur” pollen donors to obtain crossed fruits. Crossed fruits were compared with selfed fruits of both seed parents “Shweta” and “Arka Kiran” to examine resultant variations in fruit characteristics. The results showed significant differences in fruit weight, diameter, seed number, and biochemical properties such as total soluble solids and ascorbic acid content. Pollen donors couldn’t significantly increase the fruit weight on seed parents except “Shweta” x “Arka Kiran”. However, pollen donors were found to decrease the number of seeds in “Shweta” and “Allahabad Safeda”. “Arka Kiran” and “Baruipur Local” resulted in enhanced Total Soluble Solid (T.S.S) content of fruits in “Allahabad Safeda”. “Allahabad Safeda”, when crossed with “Arka Kiran”, produced fruits with increased Ascorbic Acid content. Statistical analysis confirmed that cross-pollination in guava impacts fruit quality traits, indicating a potential for enhancing crop yield and quality through strategic breeding practices. The research bridges a gap in the literature on xenia and metaxenia effects in guava, providing insights for horticultural improvements and value-added product development.