When was the global harvest of guavas in 2022?
The global harvest of guavas reached 59 million tonnes in 2022. This volume places the fruit among the most produced tropical crops on Earth. India accounts for 44 percent of this total production.
Common questions about Guava
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did humans start cultivating guava trees in Peru?
Archaeological evidence shows humans were cultivating guava trees in Peru as early as 2500 BC. This cultivation began thousands of years before the fruit became a global commodity. The plant originated as a native species in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
What is the botanical classification of the guava fruit?
The guava is botanically classified as a berry within the myrtle family Myrtaceae. The most common variety is the apple guava or Psidium guajava. Its leaves grow opposite one another and its flowers are white with five petals.
Which pests threaten guava crops in Florida and Hawaii?
The Caribbean fruit fly infests guavas in Florida, specifically in areas like Chipley and Waldo. In Hawaii, the strawberry guava acts as an aggressive invasive species threatening over 100 other plant species. Fungal pathogens such as Neopestalotiopsis and Pestalotiopsis species cause guava scab in Colombia.
What medicinal compounds are found in guava leaves?
Guava leaves contain carotenoids and polyphenols including (+)-gallocatechin and leucocyanidin. These compounds contribute to the fruit's color and health benefits. The seed oil is rich in linoleic acid and used in culinary and cosmetic products.
When did the Jamaican guava species become extinct?
The Jamaican guava or Psidium dumetorum is already extinct due to habitat destruction and modern agricultural pressures. This loss highlights the fragility of biodiversity within the genus Psidium. The extinction occurred as a result of environmental changes and human activity.