Screening of certain varieties of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. for resistance to insect pests and diseases in central India

Abstract

Ten varieties of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. including Kanchan, Chakaiya, Francis, NA-7 (Narendra-7),
NA-10 (Narendra 10), Anand-1, Anand-2, Krishna, Hatizola (Local) and Local- wild were screened against
insect pests that is, gall forming insect (Betousa stylophora Swinhoe), leaf roller (Garcillaria acidula
Forster), bark eating caterpillar (Indarbela quadrinotata Walker) and diseases that is vascular wilt
(Fusarium oxysporum f. sp., albedinis Killian & Maire), fruit disease (Alternaria sp.). The results revealed
that variety NA-10 (Narendra-10) followed by Kanchan was found to be least preferred by B. stylophora,
G. acidula, I. quadrinotata and Alternaria sps. in clonal seed orchards (CSO). The other test parameters
that is, fruit yields, weight/diameter of fruits and the plant morphological characters of the varieties
were also studied. Variety of Hatizola (Local) followed by Francis showed less incidence caused by F.
oxysorum in nursery stage.