Performance of aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) cultivars in Punjab

Six cultivars of aonla viz. Chakaiya, Kanchan, Krishna, Amrit, Neelam and Balwant were evaluated for varietal suitability. The cultivars, Chakaiya and Krishna flowered early (1^st week of April), whereas, Kanchan and Neelam were found to be late in flowering (2^nd week of April). The total number of flowers were higher in cultivars, Neelam (750 flowers/m), Amrit (730 flowers/m) and Balwant (700 flowers/m). Anthesis started in the evening and the dehiscence proceeded soon after flower opening Maximum pollen size (48.5 μ) and pollen germination (34.0%) were recorded in Neelam, whereas, the maximum pollen viability was observed in Amrit (91.30%). Fruits of Kanchan and Amrit matured early (2^nd to 3^rd week of November) whereas Chakaiya matured late (3^rd week of December). Fruits of cultivars, Amrit and Krishna were heavier and larger. Higher TSS and TSS: acid ratio were recorded in Krishna. Maximum and minimum acidity was recorded in cultivars Kanchan and Balwant, respectively. Maximum number of fruits and fruit yield per tree were recorded in cultivars Balwant and Neelam.