Aonla (Emblica Officinalis)

High Density Aonla (Emblica Officinalis)

Emblica officinalis G, commonly known as High Density Aonla, the Indian Gooseberry or Nelli belongs to Euphorbiaceae family. It is an ancient fruit of Indian origin, which is associated with our tradition, culture and medicine as it is used as an ingredient in more than 175 formulations in ayurvedic medicine system.

Fruits are commonly used for preserves (murabbas), pickles, candy, jelly, jam etc. The fruits are also used in the treatment of hemorrhages, diarrhoea, dysentery, anemia, jaundice, dyspepsia and cough. It is also used for the preparation of various health care and personal care products like Chavanprash, hair oil, dye, shampoo, face cream, tooth powder etc.

High Density Aonla is a hardy plant and can be grown successfully from sandy loan to clay soils. It has great tolerance to salinity and alkalinity of soil. High Density Aonla is a deciduous fruit tree where flower and fruit setting take place in spring in February and soon after the fruits enter dormancy without any growth throughout the summer till monsoon. Therefore, plants do not require irrigation during summer when most crops would require it. With the onset of monsoon, the fruit starts growing and becomes ready for harvest by December. This is an ideal crop for arid conditions.

Uses

• Richest Natural Source of Vitamin C.
• Enhances production of Red Blood Cells.
• Strengthens teeth, hair and nails.
• Cleanses and revitalizes the entire system.
• Regulates Blood Sugar and prevents lipid peroxidation in cell membranes.
• Increases immunity in the body. Protects against heart and nervous disorders.
• Helps to regulate blood sugar.
• Supports against environmental and stress-related free radicals.
• Very Powerful anti-inflammatory herb. Useful in hemorrhoids, gastritis and colitis.
• Useful in eye problems especially in inflammations. Improves nearsightedness. Also useful for cataracts. Improves Eyesight.
• Increases red blood cell count Prevents premature greying of hair and makes them strong and free from dandruff.
• High Density Aonla cleanses the mouth, strengthens the teeth.

Cultivation

High Density Aonla is generally propagated by shield budding. Budding is done in one year old seedlings with buds collected from desirable varieties. For planting the budded plants, pits of size 1 cubic metre are dug during May at a distance of 7m x 7m and left opened for 15 to 20 days to expose to sunlight. Pits are filled with soil mixed with 15 Kg FYM and 0.5 Kg phosphorous before planting. The budded plants are planted during the months of June to July.

Young plants require watering during summer months at 7 days interval till they are fully established. Watering of bearing plants is advised during summer months at bi-weekly intervals. After the monsoon, during October to December about 25 -30 litres of water per day per tree shall be given through drip irrigation.

High Density Aonla trees do not require regular pruning. However, pruning in early years for giving proper shape, height and development of strong frame is necessary. The trees should be trained to a single stem up to the height of about 1 m and then primary branches can be allowed at regular space all round the trunk. During summer, the crop should be mulched with paddy straw or wheat straw at the base of the tree. Intercrops like green gram, black gram, cow pea and horse gram can be grown up to 4 years. Since the fruit remains dormant in summer, the soil should not be disturbed during that period. However, legumes and green manure crops can be grown during rainy season.. High Density Aonla trees are hardy and stand very well against drought. However, the crop will be benefited by giving 2-3 irrigations at the time of full bloom and fruit set.

Harvesting

A vegetative propagated tree starts commercial yield after 4 to 5 years of planting. Generally, High Density Aonla fruits are ready for harvest during February when they become dull greenish yellow from light green. The maturity of fruits can also be judged by the change of seed colour from creamy white to black. The mature fruits are hard and they do not fall at gentle touch, therefore vigorous shaking is required for harvesting. Fruits can also be harvested by using bamboo poles attached with hooks. On an average a fully grown up tree shall yield 80 to 100 kg fruits per annum. The average weight of the fruit is 40-60 g and 1 Kg contains about 20 - 25 fruits. The economic life of High Density Aonla is considered to be about 60 years under good management.

Climate

High Density Aonla is a sub tropical plant and thrives well in warm climate having annual rainfall of more than 600 mm with distinct winter and summer. In India it can be grown from sea level to high altitudes up to 1800 metres above MSL (Mean Sea Level). Warm and humid climate is conducive for initiation of floral buds and fruit setting. A mature tree can tolerate a wide range of temperature, up to about 45 0 C. However, Heavy frost during winter is not conducive particularly for young plantations.

Soil

High Density Aonla is a hardy plant and can be grown successfully from sandy loan to clay soils. It has great tolerance to salinity and alkalinity. High Density Aonla is highly tolerant to drought conditions also. However, deep fertile sandy loan soil with a pH range of 6 to 8 is ideal for High Density Aonla cultivation. The tree is well adapted to dry seasons and can also be cultivated even in marginal soils from slightly acidic to saline. Heavy soils or water logged soils are not suitable for its cultivation.

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