Guava Blossom Saver Quiz Quiz

Explore essential practices and knowledge for managing guava flower development and retention in horticulture. This quiz covers pest control, nutrient needs, environmental impacts, and effective techniques for maximizing fruit set.

1. Optimal Timing for Spraying Growth Regulators

   When is the most effective stage to apply plant growth regulators to guava trees to enhance flower retention and fruit set?

   1. At full leaf expansion before flowering
   2. During early flower bud initiation
   3. When fruits reach mature size
   4. After most flowers have fallen

   Explanation: Applying growth regulators during early flower bud initiation promotes optimal development and retention. Application after most flowers have fallen misses the key developmental window. Full leaf expansion and mature fruit stages do not target flower enhancement and are less effective for blossom management.

2. Nutrient Critical for Guava Flowering

   Which nutrient is particularly important to support healthy guava blossom formation and reduce premature flower drop?

   1. Potassium
   2. Calcium
   3. Iron
   4. Zinc

   Explanation: Potassium plays a major role in flower formation, fruit set, and overall plant health in guava. Calcium and zinc are also important but primarily affect other growth processes. Iron is crucial for chlorophyll but not directly for blossom retention.

3. Impact of Water Stress on Guava Flowers

   What is a common consequence of severe water stress during the guava flowering season?

   1. Better pest resistance
   2. Premature flower drop
   3. Increased fruit sweetness
   4. Improved bloom size

   Explanation: Severe water stress often causes guava blossoms to abort prematurely, reducing yield. Improved bloom size and fruit sweetness are unlikely; in fact, quality typically worsens. Water stress does not confer better pest resistance.

4. Management of Fruit Borer in Guava Blossoms

   Which integrated pest management (IPM) practice helps reduce guava fruit borer damage at the flowering stage?

   1. Judicious use of insect traps and timely sprays
   2. Applying nitrogen-rich fertilizer
   3. Deep pruning during flower set
   4. Covering trees with plastic sheets

   Explanation: Using traps and targeted sprays helps monitor and control pests at the right stage. Deep pruning during flower set can harm flower production, excessive nitrogen may cause vegetative growth at the expense of flowers, and plastic sheets are impractical for orchard settings.

5. Practice for Heavy Flower Drop in Rainy Guava Season

   If a guava orchard experiences heavy flower drop during the rainy season, which practice can help improve blossom survival?

   1. Controlled irrigation to avoid waterlogging
   2. Frequent heavy pruning
   3. Delaying all fertilizer application
   4. Regular leaf picking

   Explanation: Excessive rain can cause waterlogging, leading to root stress and flower drop. Controlled irrigation prevents this problem. Regular leaf picking and heavy pruning do not directly address blossom retention. Delaying all fertilizer may hinder overall growth and not solve the flower drop issue.