Lac Insect Research Articles

Advances In Lac Insect Culture Research And Scope For Innovative Entrepreneurship Using Natural Resins And Gums

Lac insects are specialized group of phytosuccivorous insects (Coccoidea: Tachardiidae) that secrete resin of industrial importance having diverse applications. Around 101 species of lac-insects and over 400 species of lac host-plants have been reported but insects belonging to sub-family Tachardiinae are considered important for laksha-culture (lac insect farming). Not only the lac insect, but also the host-plants and various biotic associations play a significant role in determining the quantity and quality of the produce. India is endowed with rich wealth of lac insect resources. 27.7% lac insect biodiversity reported from the world is found in our country under two genera i.e., Kerria and Paratachardina. Kerria the true lac secreting genus includes 28 species worldwide, 23 of which are recorded from India. Cultivation of lac / tapping of natural resins and gums not only provides livelihood to millions of lac growers but also helps in conserving the vast stretches of forests, lac insects and associated biota. Lac also provides sustained high economic returns, generates employment opportunities and has the potential to lay a strong foundation for lac based rural cottage industries. Lac farming can easily be integrated with agriculture thus helping in land use diversification for increased income. Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums (ICAR- IINRG) has recently developed new technologies of lac insect farming including newer host plants and developed value added products from lac and other natural resins and gums. Lac integrated farming system models and many of these products have the potential to pave the way for rural industrialization and entrepreneurship development. This review article discusses all these aspects in detail

Management of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) in bushy Lac host, Flemingia semialata at Thrissur, Kerala

Flemingia semialata is an established host plant of lac insects and is widely grown to promote lac cultivation in India. One of the most destructive pests that can cause significant yield loss in many crops is a sap sucking whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), which is also found to infest the Flemingia sp. They cause vast damage to the host plants during feeding by reducing the rate of photosynthesis through the excretion of honeydew and by transmitting a large number of plant pathogenic viruses. Although there are several methods to control whitefly infestation, the commonly adopted practice is the application of chemical pesticides, owing to their efficiency in whitefly control. This study focused to test the effectiveness of two chemical: Thiamethoxam 25% WG (Actara®) and Phosmet 70 % WP (Imidan®) and an organic pesticide: Neem Oil, in whitefly control on F. semialata. The experimental design consisted of two different concentrations of each pesticide i.e., Phosmet 0.5 ml/L, 1ml/L, Thiamethoxam 0.25g/L, 0.5 g/L, Neem oil 1ml/L, 2ml/L applied on 21 test plants in sets of three and also on three regions of the test plants i.e, upper, middle and lower. The number of whiteflies was counted after 6, 12 and 24 hours of pesticide application. The results revealed that, among all the treatments, Thiamethoxam 0.5mg/L was found to be the most effective with highest percentage of reduction over control in the number of whiteflies in all the time intervals. The leaves in the middle and lower regions of the test plants showed relatively higher loads of whiteflies than those in the upper region throughout the experiment. Although, Neem oil is an environment friendly natural pesticide, Thiamethoxan has negligible volatilization properties and high degradation rates in the soil and therefore could be successfully and safely applied on the lac insect host plants during the pre-inoculation stages to lessen the whitefly attack.

Unraveling the Role of Lac Insects in Providing Natural Industrial Products.

In the current era, products made from organic materials enjoy a privileged position because of their inherent safety. The eco-friendly properties of natural lac resins have increased their demand in many industries. It is secreted by sucking insects (Hemiptera, Kerriidae) and comprises three major components, viz., resin, dye, and wax. Lac insects are generally bivoltine in nature and are distributed in tropical and sub-tropical regions with complex multi-trophic habitats. Because of their sedentary habits, lac insects are more vulnerable to predators, parasitoids, squirrels, and rats, leading to a more than 50% reduction in production yield. To increase lac production, advanced-level molecular research is required to figure out the mechanism behind lac synthesis and secretion to improve lac yield and quality. The present review highlights metamorphosis, sexual dimorphism, multi-trophic habitat, host plants, and natural enemies of lac insects, lac composition, and applications, emphasizing the role of microbes, potential lac genes, and lac synthesis mechanisms in enhancing lac quality and production. The information provided here might be useful for lac researchers and for stakeholders aiming to make their products more eco-friendly.

Molecular characterization of an Isaria fumosorosea (Wize) native strain, and its pathogenicity on Eublemma amabilis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

BackgroundEublemma amabilis Moore (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest of lac insect, Kerria spp. (Hemiptera: Tachardiidae: Coccoidea) causing up to 20–25% damage of lac and its encrustation, which has immense industrial utilities. Extensive field monitoring in Regional Lac Insect Field Gene Bank (RLIFGB) resulted in collection of a large number of naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) infected insect cadavers on the lac encrustation of host plant, Flemingia semialata. Pathogenicity test under laboratory conditions showed its efficacy on E. amabilis larvae. Molecular characterization of this EPF by 18S rDNA identified it as Isaria fumosorosea (Wize) (accession number, MH414514.1).ResultsBeing a potent EPF, biological parameters viz., conidial density and sporulation were determined and its pathogenicity were evaluated against eggs, larvae and pupae of E. amabilis at different spore dilution under laboratory conditions. The highest mortality rates of larvae and pupae (96 & 72%) and (88 & 72%) were recorded at 107spore/ml both in dipping and spraying methods, respectively. The egg mortality, however, was recorded as 40 and 35% for both methods, respectively, at 107spore/ml, which was significantly lower than other stages of E. amabilis. Field study at (107 spore/ml) recorded 81.18, 59.41 and 76.36% mean population reductions over control during monsoon 2019, winter 2019–2020 and summer 2020, respectively. Biosafety analysis of the native EPF on productivity linked parameters of lac insect was found to be safe suggesting that the native Isaria fumosorosea (MH414514.1) strain, reported first from Assam.ConclusionsIn this study, it was confirmed that the EPF I. fumosorosea can be offered as an effective microbial agent, alternate to insecticide against E. amabilis, either as a stand-alone strategy or in an integrated approach.

Study on the bio-efficacy of micro-nutrients on lac production

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is widely grown in Madhya Pradesh with acreage of 3.63 m ha. C. cajan is generally grown in undulating land with little care. C. cajan is one among the 114 host plants of the insect (Kerria lacca). However, C. cajan is not exploited commercially for lac production in India. Presently, lac production in MP is carried on Butea monosperma, Ziziphus mauritiana and Schleichera oleosa, where farm women find it difficult to climb and perform operational procedures of lac production. In such a condition C. cajan is a good option for lac production, if grown in backyard with limited irrigation and resources. Lac consists of resin, wax and dye, thus has a wide range of applications in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, perfumes, varnishes, paints, polishes, adhesives, jewellery and textile dye, since ancient times. It is an important intervention/ cultivation to increase the household income of small and marginal farmers with efficient utilization of available resources. Lac insect belongs to order Hemiptera, and family Tachardiidae (Kerriidae) its host range more than 150 host plants. The experiment was carried out during 2016-2017 on Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) at Madhya Pradesh on aspects of survival rate, lac production and also production of Pigeon pea yield by using micronutrients and plant growth regulators. Results revealed that there was an increase in the mean Dry pod weight/plant highest (4.396gm) in T8 (Micronutrients + Auskelp + Arbuscular Mycorrhiza + Aspergillus niger) followed by 4.135gm in T1 (Micronutrients + Auskelp) over control (1.139gm). Similarly, the mean dry seed weight/plant was also highest (2.87gm) T8 followed by 2.80gm T6 (Micronutrients + Plant Growth Regulators + Arbuscular Mycorrhiza) and 2.58gm T7 (Arbuscular Mycorrhiza) over control (0.51gm).

Free fatty acids in some tissue of parasitized bug, Leptocoris augur Fabr., a pest of Kusum tree, Schleichera oleosa Lour.

Leptocoris augur is a pest of kusum plant (Schleichera oleosa), which in turn is a host of lac insect. The bug is parasitized by a mermithid nematode, Hexamermis vishwakarma, which naturally checks rapid built-up of bug population. In the present studies free fatty acids content in different tissue such as gonads (i.e., testes and ovaries), muscles and haemolymph of parasitized bugs, L. augur have been studied. H. vishwakarma not only utilize fat body proteins but also the lipid content of the fat as a result of which fat bodies disappears from the haemolymph of L. augur. The fatty acid composition of the host haemolymph is not significantly changed by H. vishwakarma parasitism in L. augur of both the sexes. H. vishwakarma Dhiman takes nutrition from the haemolymph and muscles of insect body cavity Dhiman and Singh [3]. Availability of free fatty acids in the haemolymph of host bug help the parasitoid to establish in the haemocoel. After establishment, the parasitoid induces changes in the availability of biochemicals and composition of haemolymph, by the secretion of enzymes. The parasitoid’s enzymes cause degeneration or dissolution of muscles, adipose tissues, testes as well as ovaries and the material of these organs is made available to the parasitoid. Hence, parasitoid grows at the expense of host tissues. Keywords: Leptocoris augur, Hexamermis vishwakarma, Haemolymph, Free fatty acids, Parasitoid

Occurrence Of Lac Insect And Its Host Plants In Madhya Pradesh

Lac insect occurrence was observed in 302 locations, and samples of 267 populations belonging to Rangeeni and 35 from Kusmi strains were collected. A total of 17 host plants belonging to 7 genera were observed with live lac encrustation. Maximum frequency of occurrence was seen on Palas in 133 sites (44.03%) followed by Pipal in 97 sites (32.11%), Kusum- 35 sites (11.60%), Ber- 15 sites (4.97%) and other 13 lac hosts in 22 sites. Maximum lac insect occurrence in terms of sites were reported from Seoni (49- 16.2%), followed by Mandla (42- 13.9%), Balaghat (39- 12.9%), Hoshangabad (13- 4.3%), Chhindwara (10- 3.31%) and other 41 districts of Madhya Pradesh (149 sites). During the study, 2 colour variants were observedthese are crimson (236 sites) and yellow (62 sites0 and crimson-yellow (mixed- 4 sites). The study listed 167 lac cultivation sites, of which the maximum cultivated sites were from Seoni district (49 sites- 29.30%) followed by Balaghat (39 sites- 23.40%), Mandla (30 sites-18.00%), Hoshangabad (9- 5.39%) and other ten districts (40 sites). In natural condition total 135 lac insect occurrence sites were observed and of these maximums were observed in Rajgarh, Morena, Shivpuri (each in 8 sites- 5.93%) followed by Sagar, Indore, Mandsaur, Agar Malwa each (6 sites- 4.44%) and other 87 sites in 32 other districts.

Exploration Of Native Plants Of Assam For Host Preference Of Lac Insect <i>Kerria Chinensis</i>

Field and laboratory experiments were carried out at the Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during October, 2018 to April, 2019 to study the host plant preference of local lac insect Kerria chinensis on eight native plants of Assam viz., Flemingia semialata, F. strobilifera, Indigofera teysmannii, Ficus religiosa, Zizyphus mauritiana, Litchi chinensis, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Cajanus cajan. Results indicated that the maximum productivity of broodlac (0.31± 0.01kg) and longest lifecycle duration (171.92± 2.08 days) was recorded in F. semialata. Study on morphological parameters revealed that the girth of the bark of the plants possesses significant negative correlation with the settlement density of crawlers as well as production of lac. However, trichome density of the bark was found to possess positive but non-significant correlation with the settlement density of crawlers as well as production of lac.

Diversity of Natural Enemies Associated with Lac Insect <i>Kerria lacca</i> (Kerr) in Punjab

A survey was conducted to record the diversity of lac insect Kerria lacca (Kerr) associated natural enemies (predators/ parasitoids) during 2019-2020. In katki crop, the abundance of natural enemies ranged from 1.08 to 44.09%. There were three parasitoids viz, Parechthrodryinus clavicornis (Cameron) (1.08%), Aprostocteus purpureus (Cameron) (26.88%), Tachardiaephagus tachardiae somervilli (2.15%); and two predators; Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (5.38%), Eublemma amabilis (44.09%) and only one hyperparasitoid viz; Bracon greeni (Ashm.) (20.43%). Shannon-Weiner diversity index, evenness index and dominance index for natural enemies was found to be 0.67, 0.80 and 0.20. In baisakhi crop, the abundance ranged from 6.56 to 45.90% with maximum abundance of predator E. amabilis (45.90%) and the least of parasitoid T. tachardiae How. (6.56%); and the Shannon-Weiner diversity index, evenness index and dominance index was 0.65, 0.77 and 0.23, respectively.

Characterization of Potential Molecular Markers in Lac Insect Kerria lacca (Kerr) Responsible for Lac Production.

Simple SummaryLac insect Kerria lacca (Hemiptera, Kerriidae) is widely used to produce lac in tropical and subtropical areas. This species is genomically understudied and there is no information present on single-nucleotide polymorphisms and insertions and deletions of lac insects. This study involves distribution and characterization of molecular markers in K. lacca. Nucleotide substitution frequency and transition to transversion ratio were highest at the late adult stage. The maximum numbers of SNPs and InDels were distributed on chromosome 8 and 1, respectively. Most variants at low frequencies were detected in InDels compared to SNPs. Gene function analysis showed several gene variations, and candidate SNPs that were involved in lac synthesis. This work paves the way to determining further mechanisms involved in increased lac production.Kerria lacca (Kerr) is an important lac insect extensively used in industrial products in the form of resin, wax and dye. The scarce knowledge on molecular markers for K. lacca is a barrier in elucidating genetic information. Our study identified a total of 16,921 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and 6231 insertions and deletions (InDels)—of which, intergenic variation accounted for 41.22% and 56.30%, and exonic variation accounted for 39.10% and 17.46%, of SNPs and InDels, respectively. Observation of SNPs suggested that nucleotide substitution frequency and transition to transversion (Ts/Tv) ratio were highest at the late adult stage, 3.97, compared to at the other stages, with a genome-wide Ts/Tv ratio of 2.95. The maximum number of SNPs, 2853 (16.86%), was identified in chromosome 8, while the lowest, 1126 (6.65%), was identified in chromosome 7. The maximum and minimum numbers of InDels were located on chromosome 1 and 7, with 834 (13.38%) and 519 (8.33%), respectively. Annotation showed that highest numbers of exonic and intergenic SNPs were present at the late adult stage, whereas the maximum number of InDels was found at the larval stage. On the basis of gene function, 47 gene variations were screened and 23 candidate genes were identified in associations with lac production. Concluding work will enhance knowledge on molecular markers to facilitate an increase in lac production in K. lacca as well as other lac insects.

Penetration and Emergence behavior of Hexamermis vishwakarma Dhiman (Nematoda:Mermithidae), a parasitoid of Leptocoris augur.

Leptocoris augur is a pest of Kusum plant, (Schleichera oleosa), which in turn is a host of Lac insect. This bug is a gregarious feeder and by its desapping habit loss the viability of seeds (Dhiman and Gulati, 1986). It is parasitized by a mermithid nematode, Hexamermis vishwakarma Dhiman, which naturally checks rapid built up of bug population. Emergence, of parasitic juveniles occurs through weak body point having thin arthrodial membranes such as tergal joints, pleuron membrane of abdomen, cervical membrane of neck, coxal joint with thorax, wing axiliaries and genitalia. Least preferred points include occular sclerite, antennal socket, scape and pedical joint of antenna, anal segments (post genital segments) and anal aperture (Figure 1). These points are selected randomly by trial-and-error pattern by the parasitic stage. Once parasitic development is completed, then this stage has to come out of the host body to enter into soil for moulting into adult to resume next generation. Key words: Leptocoris augur, Hexamermis vishwakarma, Emergence behaviour, Parasitoid

Quatitative and Qualitative Estimation of Free Amino Acids in the Haemolymph of parasitized bugs (Leptocoris augur).

Leptocoris augur is a pest of Kusum plant, (Schleichera oleosa), which in turn is a host of Lac insect. This bug is a gregarious feeder and by its desapping habit loss the viability of seeds. In L. augur a total of 16 amino acids were identified in the control bug’s haemolymph (both sexes) by paper chromatogram. Thus, free amino acids level of haemolymph is greatly affected by the parasitization. In this way the Quantitative level of amino acid in parasitized bug haemolymph significantly altered by mermithid parasitism. Keywords: Leptocoris augur, Haemolymph, Free amino acids, Parasitized bug, Quantitative level.

Survival of Kerria lacca (Kerr) on pigeon pea

Number of live lac insects (Kerria lacca) on the host plant till the harvest of lac crop, decides the lac yield. Survival of K. lacca is therefore one of the most important factors for higher lac productivity. The present study on the survival of K. lacca on pigeon pea was carried with eight treatments which was replicated thrice. Apart from the basal dose of DAP and MoP, biofertilizers and humic acid were also applied as per the treatments for growing pigeon pea (TJT-501). Soil, foilar and soil + foliar applications were the three types of treatments applications. The mean number of live lac insects (MNL) was maximum 69.81 to 82.29 per 2.5 cm2 at 30 days after Brood lac inoculation (BLI). It declined in linear trend till the harvest of lac crop. At 195 days after BLI the MNL varied BLI from 34.50 to 40.85 per 2.5cm2. It was highest in the C. cajan with soil applications of VAM, DAP, MoP and FYM.

Insect industrialization and prospect in commerce: A case of China

AbstractInsects are the largest biological group on the earth, characterized by high biodiversity, easy rearing, and large populations. The utilization of insects in China has a long history and some insect species have contributed to the formation of characteristic industries. Insect products, such as silk and honey, are already familiar to the public; however, many beneficial insects and their products are not well known to most people, for example, lac insect and lac, gall aphid and Chinese gallnut, and insect wax. A new industry featuring the utilization and industrialization of insects has been rising in China. Chemically, insect products are used as raw materials; agriculturally, insects are utilized to pollinate crops for better yield; natural enemy insects have been reared to control pests; insect protein may be used for human food or animal feed; medicinally, chemical compounds may be extracted from insects as active ingredients for pharmaceutical usage; and ornamental butterfly has been applied in travel sightseeing. Insects' new purpose and function will be exploited as they gain recognition for their resources. This paper reviews insect industrialization in China and discusses the prospect of insect commerce in the future.

Electroantennography and behavioral studies of Eublemma amabilis [Moore] and Pseudohypatopa pulverea [Meyr] in relation to volatiles of lac insect (Kerria lacca Kerr.) and its associated products

Electroantennography and behavioral studies of Eublemma amabilis [Moore] and Pseudohypatopa pulverea [Meyr] in relation to volatiles of lac insect (Kerria lacca Kerr.) and its associated products

Calliandra calothyrsus: A Potential Host for the Indian Lac Insect [Kerria lacca (Kerr.)] Cultivation in India

More than 400 host plants have been reported to support lac insects throughout the world but not all have been exploited for their commercial potential except some traditional hosts. In this study, potentially of four host plants viz., Calliandra calothyrsus, Calliandra surinamensis, Dalbergia assamica Malvaviscus penduliflorus kusmi rangeeni Kerria lacca and was evaluated for and strain of (Kerr.) during three consecutive years 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17. The data on pre and post-harvest parameters ., initial settlement density, mortality, viz fecundity, cell weight, resin weight, broodlac, broodlac ratio and total scrapedlac were recorded based on pre and post-harvest attributes ofrangeeni baisakhi) katki) kusmi jethwi) aghani C. calothyrsus(summer season ( & rainy season ( crop) and summer season ( & winter season ( ). outperformed other hosts during all the three years. In addition to this, is having quick growth, bushy nature and high response C. calothyrsus to coppicing make this host ideal for Lac Integrated Cropping System (LICS).

Selection and evaluation of reference genes for quantitative real‐time PCR analysis in lac insect (Kerria lacca)

AbstractThe screening and identification of suitable reference genes are key steps in experiments involving the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. However, the reference genes of Kerria lacca, a lac insect with considerable economic significance, have not been investigated. In this study, we used five statistical algorithms (ΔCt, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder) to evaluate the stability of eight candidate reference genes (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, β‐ACT, EF1‐α, RPL10, RPL13, RPS11, and RPS15) in different developmental stages and tissues of K. lacca and under dsRNA treatment. Our results showed that the most stable reference genes were 28S rRNA and RPS11 for the developmental stages, RPL13 and RPS11 for different tissues, and β‐ACT and EF1‐α for dsRNA treatments. Although the target genes FAS and 17β‐HSD showed consistent expression profiles (alone or in combination) when normalized to the expression levels of the stable genes, those changed when the least stable reference gene (18S rRNA) was used. These results highlight that suitable reference genes should be chosen according to the specific experimental conditions used. The reliability and stability of different reference genes can provide a firm foundation for gene expression analysis in lac insects.

Ethnomedicinal, Pharmacological and Commercial Perspectives of Laccifer lacca Body Exudate (LBE)

Nature-derived products have been serving humanity from ancient times in many aspects such as food (honey & wax products from bees), textiles (silk from silkworms), and various kinds of pollination in flowering plants. Undoubtedly, people cannot forget their benefits to our daily life, except above benefits insects have a great potential in the form of folklore medicines. LBE is a resinous secretion of a scale insect commonly known as Lac Insect (L. lacca) as a protective coating on the outer surface of many kinds of trees, including Ber (Ziziphus marutiana), Kusum (Schleichera oleosa), Palas (Butea monosperma syn. frondosa). The review highlights the coverage of natural product chemistry and ethnomedicinal and commercial perspectives on natural products obtained from LBE because of recent literature exploration.

Record of lac insect occurrence in Maharashtra

In the present study, intensive surveys were conducted in 36 districts of Maharashtra state from 2015 to 2020 under the ICAR funded “Network Project on Conservation of Lac Insect Genetic Resources” to record the district level occurrence of lac insects on different host plants for in-situ and ex-situ conservation. During the survey, information was taken from the concerned Forest department, traders and farmers at the block level in each surveyed district. Randomly different lac host plants were also observed for identifying lac insect species on other host plants. The live lac insect population was traced through observations and through binoculars or visually. In the survey, lac insect occurrence was observed in 115 sites in 26 districts of Maharashtra on 10 different host plant species. The survey revealed maximum lac insect occurrence on Ficus religiosa in 46 sites (39.70%) followed by Butea monosperma in 34 sites ((29.30%), Albizia saman in 19 sites (16.4%), Ficus racemosa in 5 sites (4.31%), Ficus bengalansis and Ficus amphissimma in 3 sites (2.59%), Pithocobium dulce, Ziziphus mauritiana in 2 sites (1.72) whereas minimum occurrence sites were reported on Albizia lebbek and Ficus citrifolia in only one site (0.86%). Maximum lac insect occurrence sites were reported from Gondia in 26 sites (22.6%) followed by Washim in 10 sites (8.62%), Parbhani, Hingoli in both 8 sites (6.90%), Gadchiroli in 07 sites (6.03%), Nanded in 6 site (5.17%), Buladana, Jalna, Latur, Ahmednagar in each 5 sites (4.31%), Solapur in 4 sites (3.45%), Nashik, Bhandara, Aurangabad in each 3 sites (2.61), Beed, Osmanabnad, Satara, Sangli, Dhule and Nandurbar in each 2 sites (2.59). Minimum occurrence sites of lac insect were reported from Akola, Jalgaon, Mumbai, Chandrapur, Yavatmal and Pune in only one site (0.86%). During the present study, colour variation of lac, insects was also observed from 116 lac insect occurrence sites in Maharashtra. There is only 2 colour found, these are crimson and yellow. Crimson lac insect was reported from 70 sites in 17 districts and Yellow lac insect reported from 37 sites in 13 districts, while mixed lac insect populations (Crimson and yellow) were reported from 8 sines of 3 districts of Maharashtra.

Phenological Characteristics of Chironji (Buchanania lanzan) Fruits at Chotanagpur plateau region

Chironji, Char or Achar (Buchanania lanzan Spreng; family Anacardiaceae) is an important non – wood tree species found in deciduous forests throughout the greater part of India. In central India, it is a common associate of teak, sal and mixed forests. It is a small to moderate sized tree, generally attaining a height up to 18 m and girth 1.5 m. The bark is dark gray or black, regularly divided into small rectangular plates, somewhat resembling a crocodile hide and reddish inside. Chironji is a multipurpose tree and very important plant for rural and tribal economy. It is used for environmental conservation and in Agro-forestry/Agro-horticulture system. It is used as a fuel, fodder (especially for buffaloes), alternative host for Kusmi lac insect, and also used in cosmetic items and soaps. Its wood is very cheap compared to other timbers. The wood is used in making boxes and cheap furniture. It is also suitable for match industry. Its bark contains about 13.4% of tannin. Its gum is soluble in water that exudes from the wounds in the stem and it is used in textile business (Tewari, 1995). Seeds/kernel are nutritional, palatable and used as a substitute of almonds in confectionery. Flowers appear from January to March and their colour is greenish-white. Fruits ripen in the months of May–June (Troup, 1986). The fruit collection starts from mid April and ends by mid June, but its harvesting is generally finished in 15–20 days only. The harvesting period may vary with the purpose of fruit collection in different agro-climatic zones. Early harvesting result into low fruit/seed setting and poor seed germination. In forests, its natural regeneration is very scanty due to unscientific and pre-mature harvesting of its seeds and site degradation on account of growing biotic pressure.