Extent and Pattern of Natural Occurrence of Lac Insect (Kerria lacca) and their Host Plants in different Agro-Climatic Zones of Bihar

Abstract

Surveys were conducted in 28 districts of Bihar for occurrence of natural population of lac insect; Kerria lacca Kerr (Hemiptera, Tachardiidae), and abundance of its host plant. Naturally occurring lac insect was observed in 18 districts in varied proportion mostly on Ficus religiosa, Ficus benghalensis and rarely on Ziziphus mauritiana and Butea monosperma. Majority of insects were found dead but at few places good live population were noticed. Natural occurrence of lac insect was found highly vulnerable to human interventions, high temperature and parasitoids and predators. Out of 17 districts of south Bihar, falling under zone III, 10 districts were found rich in naturally surviving lac insect. Lac insects in scattered manner were also observed in many districts of Northern Bihar but occurrence and population densities were very low. Survey revealed the abundance of lac host and natural population of lac insects in various districts of zone III (58%) of Bihar. These findings could open a new window for introduction lac cultivation in these areas for livelihood support to resource poor farmers, especially during off-agricultural season.