Current state of research for the guava cultivation in Colombia

Abstract

Introduction. The guava (Psidium guajava L.) is considered a commercially important fruit in more than sixty countries, which is used in the agro-industry and fresh consumption, due to its nutraceutical properties, since it is considered an important source of vitamin C, thus improving the health of consumers. Objective. To determine the current status of research for the guava cultivation in Colombia. Development. The cultivation of guava in Colombia presents inadequate yields in the different producing regions, mainly due to the lack of knowledge on the part of the producers and the use of technologies that are not suitable for intensive production. However, there are currently a number of technological offers that can be implemented to address the main limitations of the crop, achieving as a result to improve the production of guava in a profitable and environmentally sustainable way. Conclusions. The technical recommendations and technological offers related to the use of improved varieties, agronomic, and phytosanitary management of the guava crop could be implemented by the producers, in order to position Colombia as an international reference to supply the domestic and export markets.