Why does Amla not bear fruit, what is the solution?

Amla is a fruit rich in medicinal properties. It helps in strengthening our body and boosting the immune system. Therefore, its cultivation is also beneficial from an economic perspective. But the problem arises when, despite good care, the plant does not produce flowers, or the flowers fall off and do not turn into fruits. This can happen due to several reasons such as lack of pollination, nutrient deficiency in soil, imbalance in the number of male and female flowers, method of growing the plant, and most importantly, the age of the plant.

Anyway! Here we will tell you why amla plants do not bear fruits and what measures can be taken.

Reasons Why Amla Does Not Bear Fruits:

1. Young age of the amla tree:

Amla grown from seeds may take 6–7 years to bear fruit. Grafted plants usually start bearing fruit in 3–4 years.

Solution:

If the plant is too old and still not bearing fruit, then prune it. Every year at the end of winter, prune the dry and inner branches so that sunlight can reach inside and growth hormones can increase.

2. Only male or female flowers are developing:

Amla is not bisexual; it produces male and female flowers separately. If female flowers do not form or male flowers are less, then fruits will not develop.

Solution:

Spray NAA during flowering. It promotes female flower development.

• Quantity: Mix 1 ml NAA (4.5%) in 5 liters of water.

• When to use?
  Spray during flowering. It can be sprayed 1–2 times at 15 to 20 days interval if the issue persists.

• How to use?
  Spray in the morning or evening. Lightly mist over leaves and flowers so that the whole plant is covered evenly. Do not spray before rain or in very hot sunlight.

3. Flower drop:

Flowers may drop due to lack of nutrition, pests/diseases, or strong hot winds.

Solution:

Mix 5–10 grams of Sulphate of Potash + 2 grams of Boron in 1 liter of water and spray. Use neem oil or garlic-neem spray to prevent pests.

4. Lack of pollination:

If there is only one amla tree in the garden, pollination may not occur and fruits will not develop.

Solution:

Plant at least 2–3 amla trees. During flowering, gently tap the flowers or use a brush for hand pollination.

5. Nutrient or soil deficiency:

Weak plants, root rot, or lack of nutrients may stop fruit development.

Solution:

• (a) Organic manure: Apply 15–20 kg of cow dung + 1–2 kg of neem cake annually to large-sized trees.

• (b) Other fertilizers (per tree): 200 grams nitrogen, 100 grams phosphorus, 150 grams potash, 2–3 grams boron. Mix all and divide into two doses. Spread around the tree trunk and mix into soil. Apply cow dung and neem cake once a year in spring, and NPK fertilizer twice a year – in February (spring) and September (post-monsoon).