Lac Insect Research Articles

Survey for Lac insect genetic resources in arid western plains of India

In the surveys conducted in Arid western plains-agro ecological region comprising 88 districts in 20 agro climatic zones of three states viz.; Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat during 2015–17, fourteen different host plants were recorded as frequently prevailing major lac insect host in varying densities with natural population of lac culture. A total 1032 hosts with natural culture of lac insect were recorded in Rajasthan (393), Gujarat (363) and Haryana (276). Ficus religiosa was recorded with maximum natural population of lac insect in three states followed by Zizyphus mauritiana and Ficus bengalensis. The prevalence of the natural population of the lac insect in these states varied from 10.00% on Acacia arabica in Jaisalmer to 73.33% on Ficus religiosa in Udaipur; 6.66% on Zizyphus mauritiana in Kutch to 70.00% on Ficus religiosa in Anand and 23.33% on Albizzia lebbeck in Sonipat to 73.33% on Ficus religiosa in Hisar districts of the three states of arid western zones of the country, respectively. The maximum lac insect culture was recorded from Ficus religiosa (73.33%) in Udaipur district of Rajasthan and Hissar districts of Haryana.

Management of predators and parasitoids in lac culture through broodlac treatment using novaluron and Bacillus thuringiensis Var. Kurstaki

The safety of novaluron and Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki formulations was evaluated against lac insect Kerria lacca (Kerr) and for their efficacy against associated predators and parasitoids. Four concentrations of novaluron 5% EC viz., 0.00125, 0.0025, 0.005 and 0.01% a.i. and two concentrations of Bt formulations, 0.34 and 0.51% a.i. were evaluated by dipping of broodlac (functional seed of lac culture) in insecticidal formulations for 5, 10 and 15 min. Non-significant differences amongst these treatments about survival of settled second instar larvae clearly indicated the safety of these insecticides to lac insect. Treatment of broodlac in insecticidal formulations for 5, 10 and 15 min duration exerted significant reduction in the population of lepidopteran predators Eublemma amabilis Moore (Noctuidae) and Pseudohypatopa pulverea Meyrick (Blastobasidae) which infest broodlac. The treatment of rangeeni broodlac with 0.0025% a.i. novaluron for 5 min resulted in significant reduction in the population of E. amabilis, P. pulverea and Tachardiaephagus tachardiae (parasitoid of lac insect). Dipping of rangeeni broodlac in B. thuringiensis kurstaki formulation (0.34%a.i.) also resulted in significant reduction in E. amabilis and P. pulverea populations. The treatment of kusmi broodlac with 0.005% a.i. for 5 min duration provides effective control of both key predators. Novaluron and Bt formulations can be safely and effectively integrated through broodlac treatment in IPM programme of lac production system.

Emergence profile of entomofauna associated with lac insect Kerria lacca (Kerr) in western plains of India

Emergence profile of entomofauna associated with lac insect <i>Kerria lacca</i> (Kerr) in western plains of India

Chlorantraniliprole: A novel pesticide against lepidopteran predators of lac insect Kerria lacca (Kerr)

Crop protection plays a significant role in safeguarding productivity against insect pests. Likewise treatment of broodlac (seed material) is the starting point for achieving sustained lac production. Broodlac happen to be the major source of pest infestation on new lac crops. Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to investigate the biosafety of chlorantraniliprole against lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr) and find out its efficacy against key lepidopteran predators by dipping broodlac in insecticide solutions for 5, 10 and 15 min duration. Seven concentrations of chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC formulation, ranging from 0.001% (0.05 ml L−1) to 0.0111% (0.6 ml L−1) were evaluated. Chlorantraniliprole did not show any detrimental effect on survival and settlement of 2nd instars larvae and adult female, as significant difference was not observed between treatments and control, indicating its biosafety. Treatment of broodlac with chlorantraniliprole showed pronounced effect on reduction of key lepidopteran predators viz., Eublemma amabilis (Noctuidae) and Pseudohypatopa pulverea (Blastobasidae). The treatment of rangeeni broodlac with 0.0037% concentration (0.2 ml L−1 water) for 5 min or 0.0020% (0.1 ml L−1 water) for 10–15 min duration was effective in reducing the population of E. amabilis and P. pulverea. Whereas, treatment of kusmi broodlac with 0.0056% (0.3 ml L−1 water) for 5 min dipping or with 0.0037% for 10–15 min dipping provided effective suppression of these predators. Thus treatment of broodlac prior to inoculation with chlorantraniliprole is our excellent addition to the IPM for managing the predators’ population harbored in broodlac. This study confirms the potential for use of chlorantraniliprole in lac culture for control of lepidopteran predators.

Occurrence of lac insects and their host plants in tamil nadu and Kerala

Occurrence of lac insects and their host plants in tamil nadu and Kerala

Residual toxicity of emamectin benzoate and chlorantraniliprole on Eupelmus tachardiae howard-A key parasitoid of lac insect Kerria lacca (kerr)

Residual response of emamectin benzoate and chlorantraniliprole against Eupelmus tachardiae Howard (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)-a key parasitoid of lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr) was assessed under laboratory conditions by exposing the adults on residual film of insecticides. Emamectin benzoate caused 0–14.44% mortality within 1 hr of exposure, 27.5–38.99% mortality within 3 hr, 53.61–96.67% mortality within 18 hr and 100% mortality within 24 hr of exposure except at a very low concentration (0.00025%). Whereas, no mortality with chlorantraniliprole was observed after 1 hr of exposure and within 3 hr of exposure only 3.33 and 8.61% mortality was at 0.0056 and 0.0074% concentration, respectively, which is the recommended dose in lac ecosystem for the management of lepidopteran pests. Within 24 hr of exposure, 30.20–65.31% mortality was observed with concentrations of chlorantraniliprole as against 19.68% in control. Based on mortality within 24 hr of exposure it can be inferred that the emamectin benzoate is relatively more toxic than the chlorantraniliprole. Relatively less toxicity of chlorantraniliprole to this parasitoid species might be attributed due to specificity of this insecticide.

Lobate lac scale, Paratachardina pseudolobata (Hemiptera: Keriidae), in Hawaii's urban landscape: Hosts and management

AbstractThe lobate lac scale,Paratachardina pseudolobataKondo &amp;amp; Gullan, is a recent insect invader to Hawaii that was first found in October 2012 on Oahu, Hawaii. It infests young branches of woody plants (usually less than 2 cm in diameter), forming a mass that appears as a dark crust, resulting in an unhealthy appearance, defoliation of leaves, and death of some plant species. This insect has infested many native and non-native plant species on Oahu, and the number of infested plant species is increasing. Our recent survey results, reported in this article, revealed 28 new host plant species in addition to 83 host species that we had reported previously, making 111 host plant species in Oahu's urban landscape. Efficacy and longevity of preventive treatment using the systemic insecticides imidacloprid and emamectin benzoate, delivered through trunk injection, against lobate lac scale on Chinese banyan,Ficus microcarpa, and curative treatment using imidacloprid on weeping banyan,Ficus benjamina, were evaluated. Forty-five Chinese banyans and 10 weeping banyans were included in this study. Our findings suggest that imidacloprid delivered via trunk injection is effective in preventing lobate lac scale infestation for at least 22 months post-treatment, and also in reducing lobate lac scale infestation curatively for at least 20 months post-treatment. This study provides an update on lobate lac scale's host species in Hawaii's urban landscape, and an effective preventive and curative management strategy against this pest.

Emamectin benzoate: A novel second generation avermectin derivative for management of biotic stress in lac culture through treatment of broodlac

Experiment was conducted to evaluate the safety of emamectin benzoate, against lac insect [Kerria lacca (Kerr)] and bio-efficacy against associated lepidopteran predators in lac culture. Seven concentrations of emamectin benzoate (5% SG) ranging from 0.00025 % a.i. (0.05 g/L) to 0.0030 % a.i. (0.6 g/L) were evaluated by dipping of broodlac (functional seed of lac culture) in insecticidal formulation for 5, 10 and 15 min durations. Non-significant differences amongst various treatments and control on survival of settled second instar larvae and adult female lac insect clearlyindicated the safety of insecticide on lac insect. Treatment of broodlac in insecticidal formulations (0.00025, 0.0005, 0.0010, 0.0015, 0.0020, 0.0025 and 0.0030 % a.i.) for 5, 10 and 15 min durations exerted significant reduction in the population of both key lepidopteran predators, Eublemma amabilis Moore (Noctuidae) and Pseudohypatopa pulverea Meyr (Blastobasidae) harboring broodlac. The treatment of rangeeni broodlac with 0.00025 % a.i. emamectin benzoate for 10-15 min and kusmi broodlac with 0.0005 % a.i. for 5-10 min duration provides effective tool for the management of both major lepidopteran predators of lac insects. This novel insecticide can be safely and effectively integrated inIPM programme of lac production system.

Gene expression plasticity across hosts of an invasive scale insect species.

For plant-eating insects, we still have only a nascent understanding of the genetic basis of host-use promiscuity. Here, to improve that situation, we investigated host-induced gene expression plasticity in the invasive lobate lac scale insect, Paratachardina pseudolobata (Hemiptera: Keriidae). We were particularly interested in the differential expression of detoxification and effector genes, which are thought to be critical for overcoming a plant’s chemical defenses. We collected RNA samples from P. pseudolobata on three different host plant species, assembled transcriptomes de novo, and identified transcripts with significant host-induced gene expression changes. Gene expression plasticity was pervasive, but the expression of most detoxification and effector genes was insensitive to the host environment. Nevertheless, some types of detoxification genes were more differentially expressed than expected by chance. Moreover, we found evidence of a trade-off between expression of genes involved in primary and secondary metabolism; hosts that induced lower expression of genes for detoxification induced higher expression of genes for growth. Our findings are largely consonant with those of several recently published studies of other plant-eating insect species. Thus, across plant-eating insect species, there may be a common set of gene expression changes that enable host-use promiscuity.

Bacterial flora associated with Kerria lacca (Kerr)

The application of biochemical and molecular methods in this study to investigate the microbiota of Indian lac insect, K. lacca has provided the basis to explore the community of bacterial taxa. Eight different bacterial species were isolated and categorized as endosymbiont, gut bacterium or subsurface bacterium. Three of them viz. Paenibacillus barengoltzii, Pseudomonas fulva and Pantoea ananatis were exclusive to males, whereas Bacillus cereus, Solibacillus silvestris and Curtobacterium citreum were found in females only. Majorly, the associations were sex-specific and only Bacillus megaterium and Arthrobacter subterraneus were common to both the sexes. Bacillus megaterium, Arthrobacter subterraneus and Pantoea ananatis were found to be the most abundant bacterial species. This work has made an attempt to identify the microbes associated with lac insect and to characterize them using molecular and biochemical approaches. The location of these bacteria in insect body and their significance in lac insect life cycle has also been discussed.

Drought resilient Flemingia semialata Roxb. for improving lac productivity in drought prone ecologies

A drought tolerant line of Flemingia semialata (FS-S) has been identified from natural population as a better host plant for kusmi lac production and summer sustainability. FS-S had significantly higher fresh biomass, dry matter, broodlac and scraplac than local line (FS-L). Photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance were also higher in FS-S line and it was fertilizer responsive too. It is more efficient in starch degradation than the local line which ultimately supports lac insect development. The high level of total sugar maintained by FS-S line is due to high chlorophyll content including carotenoid. Ascorbate peroxide and catalase (biochemical indicators for draught tolerance) was also higher in selected line.

Evaluasi Produktivitas Kutu Lak, Laccifer lacca Kerr. (Hemiptera: Kerridae) pada Tiga Jenis Tanaman Inang

Lac insects (Laccifer lacca Kerr) live parasitically on “kosambi” plants, and produce resins that are called lac. Lac are used for electronics, printing, textile, clothing, cosmetics, and food industry. The insects also live on various plants. The goal of this research was to evaluate the population quality of Lac insect that live on three host plants. The best parameter for population quality was biomass or lac production. Three host plants were inoculated by broods. The result showed that “kosambi” was the best host plant for the insect due to higher biomass (i.e lac production) than “kabesak putih” and “kabesak hitam” plants.

Pendekatan Fisik dan Ekologis Penggunaan Pohon Asam Jawa Sebagai Tanaman Tepi Jalan di Sekeliling Trotoar Lapangan Puputan Badung, Denpasar

ABSTRACTPhysical and Ecological Approaches to Using Tamarinds as Street Trees around the Sidewalk in Puputan Badung Parks, DenpasarMany streetscapes in Indonesia cities used tamarinds (Tamarindus indica L.) tress as soft scape elements and Denpasar city is also one of them. This paper is concerned with the use of tamarinds species in street trees, especially it uses around the Puputan Badung sidewalks. The objectives of this paper were to identify the positive impact of tamarinds physically and ecologically on the environment. A survey methods was employed to obtain information about the existing trees. Descriptive methods was used to analyze trees character physically and ecologically and also its suitability based on literature study. Study results showed that there were sixteen individuals of tamarinds found along the sidewalk in Puputan Badung parks. The trees distributed as many as four individuals on northern and southern part, six individuals on eastern part, and two individuals on western part of the park. Some physical characteristic of the trees have been identified, i.e. vase canopy shape to provide tree canopy cover and avoid sun glare effect, fine plant texture to expand space impression, and slow stem growth. In addition, trees ecological characteristics recognized for controlling air pollutants (15N and Pb) and also providing wildlife habitat for lac insects (Laccifer lacca) as well as providing nectar for honeybees. It is suggested that, given the contribution of tamarind trees to the environment, more and more of them should be planted as street tress, and to maintain it, the requirements of planting the trees should be taken into account.

Diversity, endemism and origins of scale insects on a tropical oceanic island: Implications for management of an invasive ant

Detailed assessment of scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) faunas on islands may help predict impacts of invasive ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and inform options for their management, including biological control. Mutualism between scale insects and the invasive ant Anoplolepis gracilipes on Christmas Island, Indian Ocean, threatens the conservation of the island's endemic land crab fauna, alters rainforest structure and composition, and disrupts ecosystem processes. Diversity and endemism of the scale insect fauna were assessed through broad survey across rainforest, targeted search on endemic plant species, and inspection of ornamental and horticultural plants in settled areas. Emphasis was placed on honeydew-producing species that sustain ant supercolonies and detection of endemic scale insects that could be non-target species in a biological control programme for honeydew-producing scale insects. Origins of the fauna were inferred using scale insect databases and interception records at Ports-of-Entry for the United States and Korea. Twenty-eight scale insect species in seven families are identified for the island. Four honeydew-producing species, the lac scale Tachardina aurantiaca (Kerriidae) and three soft scale species (Coccidae), are abundant in rainforest and tended by ants. No endemic species were found. Compositionally, the scale insect fauna resembles that of many other tropical islands: almost all species are biogeographically widespread, host-plant generalists, and routinely intercepted in human-mediated dispersal pathways. The likely source bioregion is Sundaland where 27 of the 28 species on the island have been recorded and which has been the major pathway for movement of plant material to the island for over a century.

Toxicity of some novel insecticides against Aprostocetus purpureus, parasitoid of lac insect Kerria lacca (kerr)

Bioassay of some novel insecticides viz., flubendiamide, emamectin benzoate, chlorantraniliprole and fipronil was carried out on the primary parasitoid, Aprostocetus purpureus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) of lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr), exposing to residual film of insecticides. Fipronil was observed to be with a quick knockdown response which varied from 67.87- 95.14%, followed by emamectin benzoate, flubendiamide and chlorantraniliprole within 1 h of exposure. Emamectin benzoate, flubendiamide and chlorantraniliprole exhibited relatively slow residual contact toxicity compared to fipronil, after 24 h exposure. These insecticides which are being recommended for management of lac insect predators due to their safety to lac culture show residual toxicity against lac insect parasitioids and thus can be recommended.

Lac dye as a potential anti-neoplastic agent.

Certain anthraquinone compounds are effectively used for treatment of cancer. The present study describes the inhibitory activity of lac dye, a mixture of polyhydroxy anthraquinone compounds (Laccaic acid A, B, C, D and E), produced by the Indian lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr). In vitro testing for anticancer activity of lac dye was done at four concentrations (10, 20, 40, 80 μg/ml) on ten human malignant cell lines including six human leukemia cell lines, U973, Raji, K562, Jurkat, MOLT 4 and HL60 using SRB assay. Both crimson and yellow lac dye inhibits proliferation of Human leukemia cell lines, Raji, U937, K562, HL60 and Jurkat, therefore can be considered as a potential anticancer agent for leukemia.

Shellac Coated Hydroxyapatite (HA) Scaffold for Increasing Compression Strength

This work reports on the effect of shellac coated hydroxyapatite (HA) on the compression strength. The HA was processed from bovine bone. Shellac was derived from the resinous secretion of the lac insect. The aims of the addition of shellac solution is to improve the mechanical properties of the material, especially when this material is implanted as a bone filler in order to not easily broken.The four different of shellac solutions (2,5%; 5%; 7,5%; and 10% weight) coated HA scaffold and one ratio as a control. It was found that the compression strength is influenced by the shellac solution. The greater of shellac solution will increase the compression strength of HA. The highest compression strength ​​was obtained in a solution of 10%.The morphology of HA scaffold was analyzed by Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM).

Evaluation of Flubendiamide Against the Lepidopteran Predators of the Lac Insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr)

Flubendiamide is an insecticide of new chemical class with a novel chemistry and new mode of action by targeting and disrupting the Ca2+ balance. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the bio-efficacy of flubendiamide for the safety to lac insect and efficacy against associated insect-predators and parasitoids in lac culture. Spraying of eight concentrations of flubendiamide ranging from 0.0039 % (0.1 mL L−1) to 0.0315 % (0.8 mL L−1) under field condition against first and second instar larvae of Kerria lacca (Kerr) clearly revealed the safety of flubendiamide against lac insect and significant reduction in the population of both key lepidopteran predators, Eublemma amabilis (Noctuidae) and Pseudohypatopa pulverea (Blastobasidae). The reduction in population due to different treatments of flubendiamide ranged from 88 to 100 % in case of E. amabilis and 91 to 100 % in case of P. pulverea. Laboratory evaluation of flubendiamide on eggs of E. amabilis revealed 89.3–90.3 % hatching inhibition in different treatments. This compound can be effectively incorporated in IPM programme for the management of lepidopteran predators of lac insect without harmful effect on the host insect.

Dopluise (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) geassosieer met die wipstertmier, &lt;i&gt;Crematogaster peringueyi&lt;/i&gt; Emery (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Nests of the cocktail ant, Crematogaster peringueyi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), were collected from various locations along the coast of the Western Cape. The purpose was to determine which scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) live in association with these ants. Scale insects of three families, that is, Pseudococcidae (mealy bugs), Coccidae (soft scales) and Kerriidae (lac scales) were found in the nests, all of them known for secreting honeydew. This mutualistic association between the ants and scale insects, known as myrmecophily, is facultative, as the cocktail ant and the scale insects were also both found separately. The cocktail ant does not appear to be selective in choosing a plant on which to build a nest.

Efficacy of shellac-based varnishes for protection of wood against termite, borer and fungal attack

The termites, wood decay fungi and insect/marine borers cause immense damage to wood and wood products. Shellac, produced by lac insects, is used in various applications including formulation of varnishes. Shellac based varnishes were tested for their efficacy in protecting wood in terrestrial and marine conditions. Tests were carried out as per BIS Standards using specimens of rubber wood (Hevea brasiliensis). After pre-processing, they were treated with four different types of shellac-based varnishes (V1–V4) adopting three types of treatments. Out of three treatment methods, pressure impregnation was found to be most effective. Out of the four varnishes, stakes treated with V4 was 100 % termite-resistant up to 6 months. With respect to the effectiveness in protection against insect borers, all the four shellac based varnishes were better than control. As regards to marine borer attack in 9 months, while control panels suffered an average internal destruction of 48 ± 39 %, destruction was 37 ± 21 % in V2 panels, 18 ± 11 % in V4 panels, 5 ± 5 % in V3 panels and 2 ± 1 % in V1 panels. Regarding anti-fungal efficacy, V1 showed moderate resistance to wood decay fungi. The results of the study indicate the prospects of utilization of shellac based varnishes for wood protection in terrestrial and marine conditions.