Settlement behavior of crawlers of Rangeeni strain of lac insect on different host

Abstract

Under the auspices of NP-CLIGR, the Department of Entomology, RCA, Udaipur conducted the current inquiry on investigations on the settlement behavior of Rangeeni lac bug, Kerria lacca (Kerr) on various hosts during 2021–2022. To determine the best location for lac brood tying and the ideal configuration of plant hosts in a field from which the greatest amount of lac could be harvested, the settlement behavior of lac insect crawlers on various hosts was examined in relation to the cardinal direction and twig girth of the host plant. On the Acacia host the crawlers traveled the greatest mean distance, 19.67 cm, from the site of inoculation, followed by Flemingia, Ber, Palas, and Pigeon pea. On the Kikar and Custard Apple, the crawlers traveled the least mean distance, 10.49 cm and 12.93 cm, respectively, from the site of brood lac inoculation. There was a negative connection between the crawlers’ initial settlement and the diameter of the host twig (r = -0.26). Regardless of where the plants were located, the lower part of the host plant was where crawlers settled more frequently. As opposed to branches developing in the east and west of the plant, lac insect crawlers favored branches growing in the north and south of the plant.