TAIWAN GUAVA PRODUCTION MANUAL First Edition

Horticulture Crop Training and Demonstration Center November 2011

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Technical Mission of the Republic of China (Taiwan)

Belize

Preface
This publication on Taiwan Guava Production is the result of the collaborative effort of the Governments of Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) represented by the Ministry of Agriculture Research and Development Center, Central Farm and the Technical Mission of The Republic of China (Taiwan). Since 2009, joint cooperation has been ongoing in horticulture crop development and this document is the result of those years of collaborative effort gained in the field of fruit culture. Much has been gained with respect to collaborative efforts to pool resources for the promotion of agricultural development and technologies to improve the socioeconomic status of the small producers in key areas such as the acquisition of additional skills, knowledge, experience and the introduction of nontraditional crops. It is our hope that this manual will be of much help to the technical staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and small farmers who want to include this exotic fruit as part of their farm activity for income generation.
Mr. Melanio Pech Director of Central Farm Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Dr. Tzeng Hui, Wang Chief of Technical Mission of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize

Table of Content 1. 1 .1 1 .2 2. 2.1 2.2 3. 4. 4.1 4.2 4.3 5. 5.1 5.2 5.3 6. 6.1 6.2 7. 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 8. 9. 9.1 1 0. 1 0.1 11 . 1 2. 1 3. Introduction.....1 Origin.......1 Distribution......1 Characteristic..2 Morphology.....2 Classification/Taxonomy..............3 Nutritional Value of Guava.......3 Guava Cultivar from Taiwan.4 Taiwan Guava....4 Century Guava......4 Pearl Guava...5 Climatic and Soil Requirements ........6 Climate.............................6 Site Selection.....6 Soil Requirement .....6 Propagation Methods ......7 Sexual ........7 Asexual.......8 Agronomic Practices .............1 3 Transplanting.......1 3 Pruning Young Trees......1 4 Pruning For Production...1 5 Pinching........1 8 Flower and Fruit Thinning .........1 8 Bagging of Fruits.........1 9 Irrigation .......20 Harvest .........21 Post Harvest..21 Fertilization ..........22 Preparing Liquid Fertilizer..........23 Pest and Diseases ........25 Cost of Production......34 Bibliography.....35

1 . INTRODUCTION Taiwan is the world's premier grower of guava and has cultivars that produce all year round. Researchers and farmers are always testing new varieties and improving management technology to produce excellent and hardy guava throughout Taiwan. In Belize, the Taiwan Technical Mission has introduced three (3) cultivars with the objective to develop and expand the fruit tree sector with this exotic fruit. Belize is free of Mediterranean-fruit fly and has the proper climatic and environmental condition for guava cultivation. Today, quality guavas are distributed and promoted in Central America by Taiwanese immigrants and the ROC Taiwan Technical Mission. 1 .2 Origin The place of origin of the guava plant is uncertain, but it is believed to be an area extending from southern Mexico into or through Central America. It has been spread by man, birds and other animals. 1 .3 Distribution and History For its wide adaptability, easy multiplication, it is a common wild or semi-wild plant in tropical and subtropical area, widely distributed in more than fifty countries. Even though guava is widely distributed, the commercial cultivated area is small. Production is not in great amount. In Asia, production is concentrated in Taiwan, China, Philippines, and Hawaii and Florida in United State, South Africa, Brazil, Dominica, Hattie, Cuba and New Zealand also have more 1

production. The reason for guava not being cultivated to a larger extent is because of the limited availability of good varieties and good management technology, like the control of pests and diseases, pruning management, dwarfing culture, fruit bagging, forcing culture (off season fruit production) and post-harvest technology. 2. CHARACTERISTICS OF GUAVA 2.1 Morphology Guava trees grow symmetrically dome-shaped with broad, spreading, low-branching canopy. The tree is shallow-rooted and of 3 to 1 0 m in height, branching close to the ground and often heavily suckering from the base of the trunk. The green to reddish-brown and smooth bark on older branches and trunk peels off in thin flakes. The four-angled young twigs of guava are easily distinguished. Guava leaves are opposite, short petiole, oval or oblongelliptic, somewhat irregular in outline, 2 - 6 inches long and 1 2 inches wide. The dull-green, stiff but leathery leaves have pronounced veins, and are slightly downy (fuzzy) on the underside. Crushed leaves are aromatic. Flowers are white and faintly fragrant, and are borne singly or in clusters in the leaf axils. They are 1 inch wide with 4 or 5 white petals. These petals are quickly shed, leaving a prominent tuft of perhaps 250 white stamens tipped with paleyellow anthers.

2.2 Classification or Taxonomy Family Mirtaceae Genus Psidium Species guajava Common Name Guava (English), Guayaba (Spanish), Pichi(Maya Yucatec) 3. NUTRITIONAL VALUE Nutrient data source: US Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database from Nutritiondata.com Daily Value ( in parentheses )

4. GUAVA CULTIVARS FROM TAIWAN 4.1 Taiwanese Guava The tree form is open shaped, the branch is tough, the leaf is open and flat, and is apt to bloom after pruning. The fruit is nonclimacteric (i.e it will ripen very slowly after harvest), ovoid or rounded and fruit skin is protruding, smooth and glossy. Fruit color is light green; pulp is white to faint yellow and weighs about 400-700 grams on average.

4.2 Century Guava Century weighs about 200-400 grams. The texture is crunchy and the fruit oblong in shape. The tree has more branches and is less prone to diseases or more disease resistant.

4.3 Pearl Guava Pearl weighs about 200-400 grams. This the most popular selection in Taiwan. It has a pear shape. The inside is white, soft and sweeter and is the best recommended cultivar in winter.

In general these Taiwan Guava Cultivars, the pulp texture of the fruit is more compact and the Brix is high in autumn and winter. At 5C, fruits can be stored for 20-25 days. Fruit matures in 80-90 days, but will mature earlier in summer. In summer the pulp is easy to soften and less crispy, and will not bear storing at low temperatures. The best recommended cultivars in summer are "Taiwanese" and Century. Mature bearing trees can produce 40 Kg of fruit every year. The recommended planting distance between plants is 1 2-1 5 ft. and 1 2-1 5 ft. between rows. With this planting distance, one acre can be planted with 250 trees, with an estimated production of up to 7500 Kg/year.

5. CLIMATIC AND SOIL REQUIREMENT 5.1 Climate Guava is a tropical tree, recommended for cultivation below 800 meters above sea level. This crop requires temperatures between 1 5 to 34C, with annual precipitation range of 1 000 to 3800 mm, well distributed throughout the months of the year and a relative humidity of 70 to 90%. The plant requires adequate sunlight for photosynthesis. 5.2 Site Selection The adaptability of guava is excellent. Guava can be grown in diverse soil types with pH range of 4.5 - 8.2 but performs excellent when soil pH is in the range of 6.5 to 7.5. Poor soils with good management can produce high quality fruits. Guava plants need abundant sunshine, a reliable source of water, a flat level field, and a well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A good drainage system must be in place to avoid water logging especially during root development. Good land preparation requires plowing and harrowing to facilitate good plant stand. High bedding or mounds should be in place for the rainy season. 5.3 Soil Requirement Guava can be cultivated in different soil types. The soil should be deep and rich in organic matter and well drained. 6

In general, the orchard may not possess these conditions; therefore improvement is needed, such as the application of organic matter and the appropriate amount of lime (if soil is too acidic). If the selected planting site has too much clay, the fertilizer keeping capacity is good but the drainage will be poor or inadequate. Hence before land preparation, design a good drainage system or adequate furrows to prevent water-log damage in the root system. 6. PROPAGATION METHODS 6.1 Sexual Plants from seeds are not recommended to establish commercial guava orchards because cross pollination which results in plant variation can negatively influence fruit quality or other desirable characteristics. However, it is recommended that selected seeds be used to produce seedlings for root stock to graft the desired selection or variety. Selected seeds for setting are planted in nursery beds or trays at a depth of no more than 1 cm in rows 25cm apart. Germination will take place in 3 4 weeks and seedlings can be transplanted in polythene bags 2 months after germination. The plants will be ready to graft when they attain a stem thickness of 2 cm and a height of at least 50 cm. Under ideal conditions plants will attain the desired size from transplanting to grafting in approximately 1 0 months. The recommended ratio of soil mix for transplanting guava seedling is: 1 :1 :3 which includes 1 part sand; 1 part compost (organic matter); and 3 parts of rich black soil. All three components should have been properly disinfected before use. 7

6.2 Asexual Reproduction Guava trees are propagated asexually so that seedlings are true to type. The following propagation techniques have been successfully employed in guava multiplication: wedge grafting, approach grafting, budding, air layering and plant cuttings for micro-propagation. 6.2.1 Scion Selection 1 . Cut the green branch scion from the selected cultivar. 2. Remove leaves and tender terminal buds to reduce transpiration. 3. Cut selected scion wood into sections with each section having 2 internodes with four auxiliary buds. 4. The survival rate of scions with four auxiliary buds is better than scions with less than four auxiliary buds. Guava trees can be nursery propagated by grafting: wedge grafting, side grafting, budding, stem cuttings and by root cuttings. 6.3 Wedge Grafting 6.3.1 Tools required: Secateurs, large pruning shears, grafting knives, razor blades, electrical tape, and plastic wrap or ideal bags (3x6 inches).

6.3.2 Step to Wedge Grafting: Step 1 : Cut off the top of the root stock to desired height (1 0- 1 2 inches). Step 2&3: On the lower end of the scion make the oblique cut on one side and then another on the opposite side on the same end of the scion to form a wedge - hence the name wedge grafting.

Step 4: Make a smooth downward slit on the root stock center to insert the prepared wedged shaped scion of the same diameter to align cambium properly for a successful grafting union. Step 5: Join the stock and scion together by wrapping and fixing with a piece of electrical tape or grafting tape.

Step 6: Wrap the newly grafted rootstock just below the grafting site and the entire scion with plastic wrap or place a small clear plastic bag (ideal bag) and tie around stem to prevent water loss and conserve humidity. 6.4 Air Layering Excellent results are obtained when this method is done during the rainy season. 6.4.1 Tools needed: Grafting knives, sphagnum moss, transparent plastic bag, aluminum foil, twine or string, scissors and rooting hormone. 6.4.2 Steps to Air Layering: Step 1 : The branch selected for air layering must be healthy, nonflowering and at least 2 cm in diameter. Make two incisions about one 1 inch apart around the selected branch. This is called girdling or ring barking of the branch to leave the conduction tissues exposed (phloem and xylem). This should be done with a disinfected knife. Step 2: Removed the bark between the two incisions. 10

Step 3: It is recommended to add a rooting hormone (commercial product) to damp sphagnum moss to cover the wound to stimulate early root development. Wood shavings, shredded dry coconut husk or disinfected soil can also be used to cover the wound. Step 4: Compress and shape sphagnum moss to cover the wound on the branch, about 2 inches thick, and wrap the ball of sphagnum moss with transparent plastic bag (20 x 25 cm) and tie both ends firmly with a string. Step 5: For good root development, cover the outside with aluminum foil to avoid direct light. Aluminum foil can be easily removed to observe root growth through the transparent plastic bag and then placed back to cover the ball. Step 6: 3 months after performing air layering, the root ball should be well developed. The rooted branch or new plant can be cut off from the mother plant and planted immediately in a polythene bag.

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6.5 Rooting Cuttings 6.5.1 Tools needed: Knife, rooting powder, tray or pot, substrate, plastic cover 6.5.2 Steps to Rooting Cuttings: Step 1 Prepare the substrate for cutting in the following proportions 1 part peat moss, 2 part pearlite and 1 part vermiculite, or just use sterile sand as substitute. Then put the substrate in trays and water well. Step 2 Select and cut the green branches from the selected or desired cultivar. All leaves should be cut in half and the tender apical shoot is cut off to reduce transpiration. Then cut the branch into sections - 2 nodes long (about four auxiliary buds). Step 3 First dig a hole in the substrate (1 to 1 cm deep), then dip the cuttings into the rooting powder and carefully put the cuttings in the hole, firmly press the substrate around the stem of cuttings for proper contact with the medium or substrate. Step 4 Put the tray or pot under a plastic cover to keep moist, but also pay attention on fungal disease. The use of a fogging system will raise the success rate of this method. 12

7. AGRONOMIC PRACTICES 7.1 Transplanting When transplanting guava seedling in the field, try to keep the roots intact in the bag. Seedlings should be of a selected variety, healthy and free from pests and diseases. Selected seedling should be transplanted in the following manner: 1 . To plant, dig a hole 1 .5ft x 2ft (width x depth) and remove loose soil. 2. Mix 5 pounds of compost and 1 /4 pound of granular fertilizer (1 8-1 8-1 8) with the dirt which was dug out from the hole. 3. Partially refill the hole with the soil mix and drench or soak the soil well; 4. Plant the seedling and complete filling the hole with the remaining soil mix. 5. Stake or tutor the new plant for added support and to prevent damage to branches from strong wind. Newly transplanted plants should be watered or irrigated two to three times a week for healthy growth. For year-round production, guava trees need irrigation; even more so in the dry season. Ditch irrigation, drip system and micro sprinkling irrigation can be used. Irrigate plot about every 7-1 0 days in the dry season. During the rainy season, with excess water the fruit is apt to darken and drop off. Proper moisture control is an important factor in controlling fruit quality.

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7.2 Pruning Young Trees 7.2.1 Tree-form trimming Maintaining a good tree-form will help to easily manage guava trees after transplanting. Tree-forming is very essential so that young plants can acquire a good shape. In the first year, about 4-6 months after transplanting, the trunk should be cut at the height of 2-3 ft. Then select 4-5 branches in different direction to form the main branches. The first main branch should be at a height of 1 .5-2 ft. above the ground. A sub-branch is better kept about 1 -1 .5 ft. in distance from the trunk as illustrated below. Use rods and strings to keep every branch at 45-60 angles to the trunk.

Selecting and Pruning Branches for Tree Formation

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On the main branch keep the first to third sub-main branch in alternate sequence, then every sub-main branch and also keep the fruiting branch in alternate sequence. The fruit will bear in every fruiting branch. To keep the young plant growing normal, blooms and fruits need to be plucked in the first 1 0 months after transplanting. Once plants have begun bearing fruit, it is not recommended that they continue to grow additional branches. Remove weak or damaged branches after every harvest. If the branch does not have a new bud, it needs to be cut off (prune). High upward branches need to be cut off (pruned). Tying strings to help branches grow in different direction and allowing space between branches is necessary at this stage. As the tree grows, continue to make necessary adjustments. After ten years in production, it is recommended that the guava orchard be cut back to stimulate the production of new growth. This requires that the all principal branches be cut back to stimulate new growth from which branches will be selected to shape the tree for the next production cycle. 7.3 Pruning for Production Pruning is the most important operation in guava cultivation, because blooming always comes out from the new branch. A good tree-form (tree shape) is required to maintain the productivity of guava trees. Guava trees should be dwarfed for better field management. There are 3 different types of pruning: heavy pruning , medium pruning , and regular pruning . 15

7.3.1 Regular pruning keeps the sub-main branches. This type of pruning is always used in year-round production of fruit 7.3.2 Medium pruning keeps the main branches; this type of pruning is used for off-season production to harvest the fruit in October to April. 7.3.4 Heavy pruning is always used to renew an old field that is more than 1 0 years in production. The trees are pruned until the trunk does not have any branch left. Because the wound is big in heavy pruning, fungicide application (eg.Mancozeb) to the wound should be done to prevent fungal disease.

The purpose of Regular pruning is to eliminate branches that do not bear fruit and to induce growth of new shoots with flower buds or direct nutrient to growing fruit. Below is a guide on what to prune in performing a regular pruning. 16

Regular pruning exercise:

1 . Downward growing branches do not produce good fruitprune 2. Sucker branches grow erect and do not bear fruits - prune 3. Overlapping branches need to be cut off (pruned) to allow more sunlight through the branches. 4. High branches are cut off also. 5. Diseased branches are cut off to eliminate a potential source of disease.

There are different pruning techniques for different production models. Listed below are the different recommended pruning techniques for the different production models:

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7.3.5 Off-season production: Medium-prune in April or May to harvest in October through April, do regular pruning during harvest season to induce flowering. 7.3.6 For Year-round production: Medium prune to regular prune trees every two months, but this is dependent on the fruit tree health. Pinching is also needed. 7.4 Pinching Pinching is always accompanied by regular pruning. The purpose of pinching is to restrain excessive branch growth, reduce nutrient depletion, and induce blooming when new branches do not show blooming. Pinching stops young branches from growing allowing plant nutrients go directly to the fruit so that fruits can continue growing. 7.5 Flower and Fruit Thinning Flower and fruit thinning is always done to control fruit quality and quantity. In general, flower buds appear on the 2nd to 5th pair of leaf axils. The flowers are usually borne in single, double and triple cluster. The fruiting branch should 18

be controlled by pinching (about 1 -1 .5 ft.) to reduce excessive flowering and poor fruit growth. In double type flowers, one flower is kept; usually the flower which is not too exposed to sunlight and in the case of triple flowers, only the center flower is left. After flower thinning, there are always about 2-4 flowers on one fruiting branch, and when the fruit sets; fruit thinning should be done. For good fruit characteristics and quality, it is recommended to keep 1 -2 fruit on one fruiting branch.
Four Phenological Stage of Taiwan Guava Fruit Growth (3-4 months)

7.6 Bagging of Fruits To obtain high quality fruit and good yields, Taiwan guava should be bagged to protect the fruit. Bagging fruit serves three (3) functions: 1 . protection from insects, especially fruit fly damage; 2. prevent 19

chemical contamination when pesticide application is carried out in the field; and 3. maintain a stable environmental condition for the fruit development. Fruit thinning is always accompanied by the fruit bagging operation. There are different types of bags that can be used. In Belize, plastic bags with a small perforation at the end of the bags are utilized. The perforation serves as a drain out outlet. Foam net is more frequently used to prevent fruits from sun burn in the dry season and bird damage. Waxed paper bags can also be used. Fruits are ready to bag when they are about 2.5-3 cm in diameter. The selected fruit should be inserted in the foam net with the narrow side on the fruit and the fruit in the foam netting is placed in the bag. The mouth of the bag is tied to the branch or the peduncle of the fruit to prevent the entrance of insect pest. 8. IRRIGATION A reliable year-round availability of water is indispensible in commercial guava cultivation for the proper vegetative development of the plant. The frequency with which the plot is irrigated is dependent on several factors soil type (sandy or clay), environmental condition, and the development stage of the plant. Sandy soils will require a higher frequency of irrigation because of its low water retention capacity; whereas clay soils require less irrigation because of better water retention capacity. In the absence of rainfall, plants must be watered in such a manner as to avoid moisture depletion in the soil which will subject plants to undue water stress. However, 20

over watering will also have a negative effect by creating an ideal environment in the soil conducive for fungal infection to the root system. During periods of frequent rain the frequency of irrigation will be reduced. Older trees will require more water than younger trees. 9. HARVEST Currently, guava fruits are handpicked. Guavas require care when being picked and handled. Harvesting should be done in the cooler parts of the morning to avoid quality deterioration by solar heat. Guava fruit is ready to pick when it is light green which is about sixty to eighty days after bagging the fruit. Fruits should be cut with a clean pruning shear from the branch. Harvested fruits should be carefully placed in crates with a soft inner sponge lining to protect fruit from physical damage on its way to the consumer market or cold storage. 9.1 Post Harvest The harvested fruits should be placed in a cool place away from direct sun light. To maintain quality, it is best to process the fruits soon 21

after harvest. If the fruits need to be stored overnight, the fruit boxes (crates) should be placed in a well-ventilate room or open area. For long term storage, fruits should be stored with the foam netting and plastic covering at 5 7C. Under this environment, fruits can keep its quality for one month. 1 0. FERTILIZATION The chemical fertilizers 1 8-1 8-1 8, 0-0-60, 60-0-0 (urea) and foliar fertilizers are always used in guava production. Additionally, organic fertilizers such as compost and liquid fertilizer are also important to improve the soil condition and helps complement fertilizer usage. There are two fertilizer applications practices: one for off season production and the other for year-round production. The calendar of fertilizer application is as follows:

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1 0.1 Preparing the Liquid Fertilizer Organic liquid fertilizer is easy to prepare and efficient to use. Below is a step by step guide on how to prepare liquid fertilizer which can be used to fertilize fruit trees and vegetables. Ingredients: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 200 liters of water 1 gallon of molasses 1 5 eggs 2 buckets mill-feed(wheat middling) or rice bran 1 gallon of milk 1 liter of EM solution

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Preparation:
1 .Break eggs into the one gallon of molasses (egg shell adds calciumoptional), 2. Add the gallon of milk, 3. Add the EM and other liquid ingredients; 4.Stir thoroughly until molasses is completely dissolved. Add this mixture slowly into a drum halffilled with water (1 00 liters), and then add in the 2 buckets of mill feed or rice bran. Stir until the dry feed is completely dissolved and then fill to 200 liters drum capacity. 1 4 Days Process: Mixture must be stirred daily for about 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening for 1 4 days, thereafter it can be used as liquid fertilizer. Daily stirring is necessary since bacteria added to the mixture needs oxygen to accelerate decomposition. The mixture will develop a fermented smell similar to sweet wine or vinegar an indication that the process has been done correctly and properly. 1 0.2 Application: For soil drench, the recommended dilution rate is 1 :25 - 1 :50 (i.e 1 part liquid fertilizer to 25 parts water) and 1 :80 to 1 :1 00 for foliar application. To use as a drench, add 4 - 8 liters of liquid fertilizer to 200 liters of water, - to drench plants. Recommendation facts: It is safe to use and is effective; it contains macro and micronutrients. 24

11 . PESTS AND DISEASES The common fungal diseases of Taiwan guava in Belize can be adequately controlled with specific fungicide application. Pests and diseases affect guava production. Based on experience and observation, the common pests and diseases are list in the table below. However, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) should be considered to control pest damage. Chemical control is the last option and when applied be sure to observe the recommended pre-harvest interval (PHI) and re-entry interval (REI).

11 .1 Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp) Aboveground symptoms associated with nematode infection include chlorosis, stunting, premature wilting, and nutrient deficiencies. Below the ground, a reduction of fine root densities and root distortion is observed.

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Management and control: Once the organism is introduced in the field, it is very difficult to eliminate. The best control method is to plant nematode free plants. (2006 University of Florida IFAS Extension) 11 .2 Guava Wilt (Likubin)
Myxosporium psidii

A wilt disease brought about by the wound caused by the parasitic fungus, Myxosporium psidii, It causes the death of many guava trees, especially in summer of young or old plants throughout Taiwan.

11 .3 Anthracnose

Glomerella psidii

Anthracnose is the most commonly observed fungal disease that causes considerable harvest losses and can affect young developing flowers and fruits. High rainfall and humidity help the development and spread of the disease. Management and control -1 . Use of resistant cultivars, 2. Monitor disease and use of 26

micro irrigation systems, 3. Timely application of systemic and non-systemic fungicides. 11 .4 Guava scab Pestalotia psidii The fungus causes canker on green guavas and rots fruits in storage. It is another important fungal disease. Management and Control a. bag unaffected healthy fruits under 30 days old; b. implement a good weed control to reduce humidity; c. adhere to recommended plant density to reduce competition for sunlight, water and nutrient; d. prune old and non-productive branch which may serve as potential source of infection; e. in severe cases use recommended fungicide and be sure to observe the recommended Pre-harvest Interval (PHI) and recommended field Re-entry interval ( REI).

11 .5 Phytophthora Phytophthora parasitica cause the fruit rot. The disease also affects the branch and leaves, especially in rainy season.
Phytophthora

Management and Control 1 . Good field sanitation (maintain field free of infected dry or semi-dry twigs and mummified fruits of previous harvest which may serve as primary oculum. 2. 27

Pathogen survives in the soil and affect twigs and fruit closer to the ground. 3. In severe cases apply the recommended fungicide. 11 .6 Sooty Mold
Scorias sp. Phaeosaccardinula sp.,

Sooty mold is caused by some insect vector like mealy bug, aphid and white fly which affect leaf photosynthesis. Management and Control Sooty mold is a secondary diseases associated with the above mentioned pests and their effective control with a pesticide and fungicide will remove the primary cause of the disease.

11 .7 Guava Algal leaf spot

Cephaleuros virescens

Algal spot lesions on guava leaves are roughly circular, raised, and purple to reddish-brown in color. The alga will eventually produce rust-colored microscopic "spores on the surface of the leaf spots giving them a reddish appearance. The alga may also spread to branches and fruits. 28

Management and Control: maintain tree vigor by timely fertilization, irrigation and pruning to provide optimum air circulation within canopy and sunlight penetration. A proper weed and insect control program will increase tree vigor. Observe recommended plant density. Prune all old, damaged and non-productive branches as these may serve as infection focal points. If warranted, a copper-based fungicide will control the alga. 11 .8 Boron deficiency in Guava Boron deficiency in guava causes internal fruit necrosis. Management and control- The use of chemical fertilizer and foliar application with micronutrients will effectively reduce or remove the incidence of boron deficiency. Boron deficient fruit may not exhibit any physical external abnormality. 11 .9 Calendar of Disease Incidence The general time period of disease occurrence in the production of guava as a reference for their treatment and control is given below. month

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11 .1 0 Common Guava Pests in Belize Some common guava pests cause damage to the leaves and others cause damage to the fruits. All important pests of guava cause significant economic loss. The implementation of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program can provide a good control of pest damage.

11 .1 0.1 Fruit fly The guava is a prime host of fruit flies, especially Anastrepha in Belize. Ripe fruits will be found infested with the larvae and are totally unusable except as feed for cattle and swine. To avoid fruit fly damage, bagging of fruit and field cleaning is strongly recommended.
sp.

Management and control Fruit flies can be effectively controlled by bagging of young fruit under 60 days, use of baited traps, and use of chemical and ethological control measures. When chemical control measures are implemented be sure to observe the recommended pre-harvest interval.

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11 .1 0.2 Mealy Bug Nymphs and the adult female mealy bug suck up the plant saps thus impeding proper leaf development resulting in deformed leaves. Mealy bugs secret honeydew on which secondary fungi may grow. Management and control Mealy bugs can be controlled by the use of recommended systemic insecticide and a fungicide to control the secondary fungal disease for example sooty mold.

11 .1 0.3 White Fly White Flies are tiny insects with yellowish bodies and whitish wings. Their name comes from the mealy, white wax that covers the adults wings and bodies. White flies cause direct damage to plants by sucking plant sap and weakening the plants. They produce large quantity of honeydew that leads to the growth of sooty mold on plant leaves. White flies also serve as vectors of viral diseases. Management and control 1 . Monitoring white fly population with yellow sticky traps, 2. Good field sanitation and clear weed or vegetation surrounding the field; 3. In a severe case, apply chemical control measures. 31

11 .1 0.4 Thrip Thrips attack plant tissue from which they suck the juices, giving the leaves a mottled appearance, and also cause fruit damage. In severe cases, young fruits, terminal buds, die back as a result of severe physical damage. Management and control 1 . Monitoring thrip population with blue sticky traps, 2. Good field sanitation and clear weed or vegetation surrounding the field; 3. In a severe case, apply chemical control measures.

11 .1 0.5 Chinch (stink bug) Leptoglossus stigma; L. zonatus Stink bugs are sucking insects. The female stink bug lays its eggs on foliage and on branches where the nymphs hatch and live as groups in this stage of their development. Both adult and nymphs will suck sap from flower buds and fruits. Affected or damaged flower buds will fall off. Fruits that have been sucked by stink bugs will have black sunken specks on the fruit unsuitable for the market. The adult stink bug is able to penetrate through the paper or plastic barrier around the bagged fruit. Management and Control In severe cases apply Neem oil at 7 days interval 3 applications/cycle. 32

Integrated pest management (IPM) involves the use of pesticides to a minimum and as a last resort to help protect beneficial organism (for example a natural predator) that occur naturally in the area and this is the recommended practice that is encouraged in guava production.

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1 2. COST OF PRODUCTION The estimated cost of production presented here is for guava production under irrigation. However, it does not include the cost of irrigation materials or cost of irrigation water which has to be considered if an irrigated plot is to be established elsewhere.

Cost of production for 1 Acre of Taiwan Guava in Belize

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1 3. BIBLIGRAPHY/REFERENCES 1. Cultivo de Guayaba Taiwanesa, Secretaria de Agricultura y Ganaderia Direccion de Ciencia y Tecnologia Agropecuaria (DICTA) Honduras; ICDF Mision Tecnica De Taiwan, Deciembre 2006 2. Cultivo de Guayaba Tailandesa, Ministerio de Agricultura (MAG) Guatemala; Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologia Agricolas ICTA; Mision Tecnica Agricola de la Republica de China MITAC; Febrero 2000. 3. Produccion de Guayabas Taiwanesas; Boletin Tecnico No 5.Centro Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuario y Forestal (CENTA) Honduras, 2002. 4. Manejo Fitosanitario del cultivo de la Guayaba en Santander; Ministerio de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural, Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA), Corporacion Colombiana de Investigacion Agropecuaria (Corpoica) 5. (2006 University of Florida Management Guide: Guava (Psidium guajava) , University of Florida IFAS Extension) 6. Goiaba do Plantio Comercializaco Manual Tcnico 78. CATI; Secretaria De Agricultura E Abastecimento, Brazil, Junio 2011 7. Illustration of Plant Protection -Guava Protection, Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine ,Council of Agriculture, Republic of China (Taiwan), 2005 35

Taiwan Guava Production Manual

Technical Mission of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
Horticulture Specialist, Mr. Miguel Cheng Assistant Technician, Ms. Silvia Lee Assistant Technician, Mr. Cristobal Teck

Research and Development Center, Central Farm

Vegetable Officer, Ms. Teresita Balan Fruit Tree Officer, Mr. David Nabet Crop Coordinator, Mr. Manuel Trujillo
Horticulture Crop Training and Demonstration Center Central Farm/Taiwan Technical Mission Central Farm, Cayo District Belize Central America Telephone: (501) 824-4822/804-2129 Fax: (501) 824-3724/804-3774 E-mail: k.m.cheng@icdf.org.tw; rdcfarm@yahoo.com

Taiwan Guava Production Manual