Growth and yield performance of Aonla varieties under scarce rainfall zone

Seven varieties of aonla have been evaluated for scarce rainfall zone under rain fed at Horticultural Research Station, Anantapur for 3 years from 2005 to 2007 in 10 years old trees in red sandy loam which are poor, shallow, rocky soils for their growth and yield. Highest plant height (4.2 m), No. of branches (12.6), plant spread (39.9 m³) and no. of fruits (861.6) were recorded in NA-10 followed by Kanchan (plant height 3.9 m and plant spread 32.9 m³), NA-7 (no. of branches 11.1) and NA-6 (no. of fruits 817.6). Highest stem girth (73.2 cm) and fruit yield (76.1 kg) per tree was recorded in Kanchan followed by NA-10 (65.5 cm and 74.8 kg yield). Highest fruit weight (30.7 g) was recorded in NA-10 followed by Kanchan (30.2 g). More pulp weight (24.5 g) was observed in NA 7 followed by NA 6 (23.0 g). Highest seed weight (1.9 g), fruit volume (1.5 cm³) and T.S.S (15.9%) was observed in NA-6 followed by Chakaiya (seed weigh (1.8 g), NA 10 (fruit volume 1.4 cm³) and BSR-1 (T.S.S 13.9%). NA 10 with more no. of fruits and fruit weight and Kanchan with more yield per tree were best suitable for scarce rainfall zone under rain fed conditions in poor fertile soils.