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

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 Localwild 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.