Author(s): Shruti Sinha, Tasneem Anwar, Vaibhav D Lohot and Thamilarasi Kandasamy

Abstract: Lac insect life cycle is entirely dependent upon host plants. Its production relies on host plant sustenance of the insect to harvest economic yield. However insect attachment causes fitness cost to host plants. The present study identified that at any crop stage the insect settlement density that is at level III or more is damaging to the plant and is not suitable for lac crop. Leaf biomass decreased by 22-37% at density levels I and II. Total plant biomass was highly affected at early stage of 30 days when density level I and II showed 46.2±8.2 g and 35.2±8 g when control plants had 51.5±16.2 g. At later stages 45 days and 120 days the decline in biomass was less than at 30 days. Level II plants showed increased leaf area of 902 cm2 when control were 898 cm2 at 45 days suggesting that this density level is causing an over compensatory response. Both chlorophyll and carotenoid content showed decline with increasing density and at all stages. In summary, it has been observed that a density of up to level II is suitable for both balanced growth and lac production. However, densities beyond this level significantly disturb the growth of the host plants. Additionally, around 120 days after infestation, plants become less susceptible to chlorophyll damage and show improved growth, highlighting the critical vulnerability of early stages. Therefore, maintaining optimal environmental conditions during these stages is crucial to ensure a successful lac crop.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i7Sd.1479