Effects of soil moisture stress on the germination and seedling growth og Guava (Psidium guajava)

In factorial experiments conducted in the laboratory and greenhouse, the effects of soil moisture stress on germination and seedling growth of guava cv Allahabad safeda raised on sandy loam or loamy soil were investigated. Soil water potential s below and above -0.06/-0.25MPa significantly decreased germination of guava seeds. Exposing guava seedlings to soil water potential of -1.50MPa for four days significantly deceased their height and dry weight, but it did not significantly influence root length, root dry weight, number of leaves and leaf area. The effects of soil type were not significant. Soil water potentials of -06/-0.25MPa is considered optimum for germination of guava seeds while -1.50MPa for one day is the critical soil water potential for growing of guava seedlings.