Aprostocetus purpureus, a major parasitoid of Indian lac insect, Kerria lacca (Coccoidea: Tachardiidae)

Abstract

Relative abundance of lac associated fauna was analyzed during summer season (baisakhi) crops for tlvo consecutive years, whichrevealed that, parasitoids alone constitute 93 and 89 per cent population among lac associated fauna, followed by predators and hyperparasitoid on ber, respectively during 2011-12 and 2012-13. Similar trend was observed on palas for both the years. Among them,Aprostocetus purpureus was significantly more abundant which constitute 71.56 per cent on berand 74.47 per cent on palas, respectivelyduring2011-12and2012-13. ln recentyears,53S percent increasein A. purpureus population overthe fourdecade. The per cent population ofA. purpureuswas mainly observed more during the critical period i.e.,17 to 22 week after inoculation. lnterestingly, male lac insect was morevulnerable towards parasitization than female. A significant negative correlation with relative humidity was observed during critical period ofbaisakhicrop.The observations indicate the resurgence of 4. purpureusas the most serious pestof lac insect causing huge economic Iosses