The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of different pruning times and intensities on the phenology and yield of 'Paluma' guava trees, in Pinheiros, Espírito Santo State, Brazil. The plants were submitted to three pruning intensities (heavy, medium and light), in four dates (November 25, 2005; December 21, 2005; January 27, 2006 and February 23, 2006). The period between pruning and the beginning of fruit ripening varied from 189 (pruning in November and December) to 203 days (pruning in February). Regardless of pruning time, the larger numbers of buds and established branches occurred in plants submitted to light pruning. Plants submitted to heavy pruning produced the smallest numbers of buds, established branches and fruits per plant, as well as the smallest index of fruit sets and yield; however they produced higher fruit weight. The largest yield and number of fruits per plant occurred in plants pruned in February. The time and intensity of pruning affect 'Paluma' guava tree sprout and yield.
Psidium guajava L.; phenology; yield
