Enhancing Guava Productivity and Profitability in Adilabad, Northern Telangana through Front Line Demonstrations on Integrated Crop Management
M. Sunil Kumar
*
Agricultural College, PJTAU, Adilabad-504 002, Telangana, India.
G. Shivacharan
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, PJTAU, Adilabad-504 002, Telangana, India.
D. Mohan Das
Agricultural Research Station, PJTAU, Adilabad-504 002, Telangana, India.
Y. Praveen Kumar
Agricultural College, PJTAU, Adilabad-504 002, Telangana, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Guava (Psidium guajava L.), known as the apple of the tropics, is highly valued for its medicinal and nutritional benefits and is widely cultivated in tropical regions. Hardy and adaptable, guava trees require minimal care and yield high economic returns. Effective orchard management and integrated crop practices, including pruning and fruit fly control, are crucial for maximizing yields and profitability. During 2022-23 and 2023–24, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Adilabad, conducted front-line demonstrations on integrated crop management in guava orchards, comparing pheromone trap efficacy with improved management practices across 20 locations. The Front Line Demonstration (FLD) on Integrated Crop Management in guava significantly improved yield and economic returns over conventional methods, with pruned plants showing enhanced vegetative growth. FLD plots had a 20.4% higher yield, 44.4% higher gross returns, and an 81.6% increase in net returns, demonstrating superior economic efficiency and sustainability.
Keywords: Fruit fly, FLD, pheromone traps, pruning, technology index, yields