Abstract
Lac insect Kerria lacca (Kerr), an exclusive stem phloem feeder, produces a resinous secretion known as lac, over its body for protection which has several commercial applications. By sucking phloem sap from certain host plants, lac insect exerts stress. To elucidate its feeding effect on the host plant biochemical response, Flemingia semialata was infested with lac insect. From the pooled data over months and years it was observed that total sugar, soluble protein, free phenol, total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents increased in the leaves of lac insect infested host plant. A reverse trend was observed with leaf starch, and it decreased under lac insect infested condition. The study reveals that lac insect feeding significantly alters primary and secondary metabolism of host plants to ensure its survival as well that of its host plant.
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