Application of canopy architecture in high density planting in guava Singh Gorakh, Horticulture Commissioner Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, New Delhi Abstract Trees of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Allahabad Safeda were planted in September 1998 at 1.5 x 3.0, 3.0 x 3.0, 3.0 x 6.0 and 6.0 x 6.0m spacing in 4 replications to determine the effect of canopy management on tree growth, yield, fruit quality and light penetration. Topping and hedging has been found valuable technique for improving fruiting pattern. Since guava is highly responsive to pruning, topping and hedging different periodicity pruned highly beneficial for improved orchard efficiency. Canopy growth on pruned trees was an average of 79.84–79.14, 41.21–72.0, 57.63–60.09 and 48.34–49.90 per cent shorter canopy in north, south, east and west directions than un-pruned control trees in each density. Tremendous improvement in total fruit yield was recorded in all the densities. Among different densities, higher yield of 80.76 per cent was obtained under the density of 3.0m x 1.5m. Other densities 3.0m x 6.0m, 3.0m x 3.0m and 6.0 x 6.0m also performed well with a yield increased of 58.74 per cent, 45.55 per cent and 19.88 per cent, respectively. The fruit quality was greatly affected by pruning treatment. At the end of 2008–2009, the average total soluble solids were 10.8, 11.6, 12.1 and 11.8 0Brix in pruned trees from all four densities (3.0m x 1.5m, 3.0m x 3.0m, 3.0m x 6.0m and 6.0m x 6.0m). On the contrary, the average total soluble solids i.e. 10.1, 10.5, 11.3 and 11.2 0Brix were recorded from unprunned control trees in above respective densities. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was measured in each density. PAR was found to be more in pruning treatment especially planting at closer spacings. Canopy exposed to sun in all directions (NS/EW) received higher PAR with (61.0–59.0, 64.0–57.0, 65.0–62.0 and 51.0–63.0 per cent) in trees spaced at 1.5m x 3.0m and 3.0m x 3.0m followed by 3.0m x 6.0m and 6.0m x 6.0m spacing. Top |