Guava and other Myrtaceae

Guava (Psidium guajava) and other important genera belonging to the Myrtaceae family, such as other Psidium species, Eugenia, Syzygium and Feijoa, are important fruit crops. They originate primarily from South America, tropical Asia and Australia and are cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world including countries in South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. Minor edible fruit genera include various Campomanesia and Myrciaria species. The fruits and leaves are consumed fresh or processed and have a high nutritional value making various members of the Myrtaceae important fruit crops for lower resourced growers.

The Working Group has organised symposia on guava and other Myrtaceae that focus on various aspects of horticulture including:

• production and technology, including plant propagation,
• genetics, biotechnology and cultivar improvement,
• plant growth and physiology,
• pest and disease management,
• postharvest technology and processing,
• product development,
• marketing logistics and trade.

These symposia offer the ideal platform for researchers, academics, producers, extension advisors and stakeholders from all over the world to meet, share and increase their knowledge and gain perspective on challenges and opportunities for research, networking, exchanging ideas and developing opportunities for collaboration.