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 Dr. Tzeng Hui, Wang

Director of Central Farm Chief of Technical Mission of the
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize
 Table of Content
1. Introduction………………….…………….……..…….1
1 .1 Origin……………………………………….……...…...1
1 .2 Distribution………...……………………………...……1
2. Characteristic…………………..………………………2
2.1 Morphology……………………………….....…………2
2.2 Classification/Taxonomy.………..……..……….........3
3. Nutritional Value of Guava……………………...…....3
4. Guava Cultivar from Taiwan………………………….4
4.1 Taiwan Guava……………………….………..……….4
4.2 Century Guava…………………….….…...………….4
4.3 Pearl Guava………………………………………..….5
5. Climatic and Soil Requirements ………...…….....…6
5.1 Climate......................………………………….....…..6
5.2 Site Selection…...……………………………..………6
5.3 Soil Requirement …………………………...……..…6
6. Propagation Methods ...………………..…………….7
6.1 Sexual ………………………..……………..…….…...7
6.2 Asexual……………...……………………..…………..8
7. Agronomic Practices ……….....………..…....……..1 3
7.1 Transplanting……………….……….…..…………...1 3
7.2 Pruning Young Trees…..……….……..…………….1 4
7.3 Pruning For Production………..…………………….1 5
7.4 Pinching……………………………..……………......1 8
7.5 Flower and Fruit Thinning .……………………........1 8
7.6 Bagging of Fruits……...…….…………..………...…1 9
8. Irrigation ..………………………………………....….20
9. Harvest ……………..……………………….……......21
9.1 Post Harvest………….…………………………….…21
1 0. Fertilization ……..……………………..…………......22
1 0.1 Preparing Liquid Fertilizer……….....…………….....23
11 . Pest and Diseases …………..……………...…...…25
1 2. Cost of Production..……………………………....…34
1 3. 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 oblong-
elliptic, 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 pale-
yellow anthers.

2
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 )

3
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 non-
climacteric (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
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 5°C, 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
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 34°C, 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).

8
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.

9
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, non-
flowering 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.

11
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 ½ 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.

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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.

13
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

14
 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 fruit-

prune
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:

17
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 – 7°C. 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:

22
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. 200 liters of water
2. 1 gallon of molasses
3. 1 5 eggs
4. 2 buckets mill-feed(wheat middling)
or rice bran
5. 1 gallon of milk
6. 1 liter of EM solution

23
Preparation:
1 .Break eggs into the one gallon of
molasses (egg shell adds calcium-
optional),
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 half-
filled 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.

25
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

Phytophthora cause the fruit rot. The disease also affects the
branch and leaves, especially in rainy season.
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 Phaeosaccardinula sp.,
Scorias 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.

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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
sp. 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.
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
adult’s 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.

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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.

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 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 ả Comercializacão –Manual Técnico
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

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 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) 824­4822/804­2129
Fax: (501) 824­3724/804­3774
E­mail: k.m.cheng@icdf.org.tw; rdcfarm@yahoo.com
Taiwan Guava Production Manual