Variability analysis and PCA studies for fruiting behaviour in high density guava

The investigations on PCA and variability analysis were conducted to understand the relationship among productivity traits of guava trees under high-density planting. This study established the link between agronomic and yield-related traits for the direct and indirect effects of independent variables on the crop’s managerial capacity. Three districts of Himachal Pradesh, viz., Sirmaur, Kangra and Bilaspur, were specifically chosen. The multistage probability proportional to the size sampling design was used. Primary data were gathered on the vegetative development indices, blooming, generative, and fruiting factors. Trees in the high-density system were placed 2 × 1.5 m apart. Based on yield performance, a sample size of 160 trees was determined to be the ideal number, with 110 plants being 3-year-old and 50 being 8-year-old. Vegetative growth, flowering, generative and fruit quality characteristics are significantly and positively linked with yield. Path analysis confirmed that growth and generative features were the main contributors that could be the good indicators of increased yield.