Explore the causes, impacts, and management strategies related to guava flower drop in horticultural production. This quiz assesses knowledge on agronomic factors, plant physiology, and horticultural practices vital to improving guava fruit set.
Which environmental factor is most often associated with increased guava flower drop during the flowering season?
Explanation: Excessive rainfall can cause guava flower drop by inducing water stress and promoting fungal growth. Consistent mild temperatures generally favor flowering. Optimal irrigation helps maintain plant hydration and does not cause flower loss. High humidity at night alone is usually insufficient to trigger widespread flower drop.
If a guava orchard shows abnormally high rates of flower drop, which nutrient deficiency should a grower suspect first?
Explanation: Boron deficiency is commonly linked with increased flower drop in guava because it plays a key role in pollen tube growth and fertilization. Calcium is important for cell walls but is less directly linked to flower retention, while iron and potassium typically affect leaf health rather than flower stability.
Guava plants may drop flowers as a natural response to which of the following conditions?
Explanation: Guava often sheds excess flowers to match its resource capacity when an overbearing number of buds forms. Low night temperatures mainly impact fruit set, aphids damage leaves and shoots more, and high soil salinity typically affects root function instead of flower retention.
Incomplete or inefficient pollination in guava flowers most often leads to which outcome?
Explanation: Incomplete pollination usually results in flower abscission shortly after blooming due to unsuccessful fertilization. Immediate fruit drop applies to small, immature fruit, not flowers. Double or large seedless fruits are uncommon outcomes of poor pollination in guava.
Which recommended horticultural practice helps minimize guava flower drop and improve fruit set in commercial orchards?
Explanation: Regular irrigation during dry periods maintains consistent soil moisture, minimizing water stress and reducing flower drop. Root pruning can harm uptake and stress the plant. Overuse of pesticides can damage flowers, and early defoliation removes energy sources needed for developing flowers.