Study of productivity linked parameters of lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr) on Flemingia macrophylla

Abstract

Lac insect collections from Hisar, Bhiwani, Umreth-Anand, Barauda, Bijolia-Bhilwara, Aburoad-Sirohi, Chittorgarh, Udaipur were evaluated on Flemingia macrophylla for productivity parameters during katki crop. The mean initial density for all locations during 2016 and 2017 was non-significant. Maximum mean density was in Chittorgarh (111.33 crawlers/cm2) as against Umreth (70.67 crawlers/cm2) during 2016 [during 2017, 116.00 crawlers in Aburoad as compared to minimum in Hisar (78.67)]. Maximum mean mortality was observed in Bijolia collection (36.42 and 34.30 percent during 2016 and 2017, respectively) with minimum mean mortality in collection from Aburoad (17.19 and 16.05 percent during 2016 and 2017, respectively). Mean fecundity was maximum in Aburoad collection (644.60 and 605.00 crawlers/female) during both years, whereas minimum was in Hisar (310.30 crawlers during 2016) and Bijolia (285.40 crawlers during 2017) which was statistically at par. Maximum mean female cell size was noted in Aburoad collection (2.27 and 4.16 mm during 2016 and 2017, respectively); while minimum cell size was recorded in Bijolia (2.27 and 3.54 mm during 2016 and 2017, respectively). Female cell weight was maximum from Aburoad (15.50 and 16.20 mg), Barauda (15.00 and 15.80 mg) and Udaipur collections (14.90 and 15.70 mg); whereas minimum mean cell weight was in Bijolia collection (10.60 and 10.80 mg) followed by Hisar (11.00 and 11.30 mg) and Bhiwani (11.10 and 11.00 mg) during 2016 and 2017, respectively. The mean resin weight was maximum in Aburoad, Udaipur and Barauda collections whereas mean minimum weight was in Bijolia, Bhiwani and Hisar collections during year 2016 as well as 2017. Study proved Aburoad-Sirohi collection followed by Udaipur and Barauda collections to be a lac insect with higher productivity and can be exploited for further multiplication for commercial cultivation.