Evaluation of Lac Productivity Parameters of Lac Insect (Kerria lacca) on Kusum (Schleichera oleosa) Host Tree

Le résumé fourni par la source

The present study evaluated the productivity-linked parameters of the kusmi strain of lac insect (Kerria lacca) on Kusum (Schleichera oleosa) host trees during the aghani season of 2020–21 and 2021–22 at farmers’ fields. Initial crawler settlement densities varied from 60.0–95.0 crawlers/cm2 across lower, middle, and upper portions of twigs with maximum mortality observed in the upper portions (10.49–13.39%). The mean duration of male emergence ranged from 11.4–12.3 days, while sex ratio analyses revealed a higher proportion of males in the upper portions of twigs (9.96–12.40%). At crop maturity, female cell densities were highest in the lower portion of twigs (8.40–11.60 cells/cm2 ). Fecundity of individual female cells ranged from 246–342 crawlers, with an overall mean of 294.53 and 312.1 crawlers in 2020–21 and 2021–22, respectively. The average weight of female cells was 13.32–16.48 mg, producing resin output of 6.33–9.67 mg per cell. Female cell longevity averaged 189–190 days. Fresh sticklac weights per 10 twigs ranged from 57.60–60.47 g, while scraped lac ranged from 47.13–49.37g. The mean fresh and dry weights of 100 lac cells were 6.53–7.08 g and 5.77–6.12g, respectively. Total sticklac yield per plant varied between 49.25–54.03 kg. These results highlight that Kusmi lac exhibits consistent productivity under aghani season conditions with lower twigs portion favoring female development and resin production, and upper portions supporting male emergence. The findings provide critical insights into lac insect biology and host interactions, informing improved cultivation strategies and sustainable lac production.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.