Studies on the effect of cowdung slurry, chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers on fruit quality and shelf life of guava (Psidium guajava L.) under Chhattisgarh plains

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during 2013-14 using Mrig bahar crop of guava at Horticulture Research Farm of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.) to studies on the effect of cowdung slurry, chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers on fruit quality and shelf life of guava (Psidium guajava L.) under Chhattisgarh plains. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications and twelve treatments. Results revealed significant differences amongst various quality attributes and shelf life of guava due to cowdung slurry, chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers. The application of 75% RDF + Cowdung Slurry produced the highest fruit length (9.80 cm), fruit diameter (9.54cm), fruit volume (257.50 cm), fruit weight (205.41 g) and pulp weight (198.17 g).The application of 75% RDF + Vermiwash 10 litre/tree and 75% RDF + Azospirillum + PSB was equally good for producing higher yield, ascorbic acid, TSS, reducing, non-reducing, total sugars were maximum under 75% RDF + Cowdung slurry 10 litre/tree. The minimum physiological loss in weight (14.36 per cent) after 10 days under ambient conditions was found to be maximum with the application of 75% RDF + Cowdung Slurry.