Lac cultivation

Lac Cultivation, Methods and Uses

1. “Lac Cultivation” Session 2019-20 Presenting by: Rakesh Kumar Ghritlahare M.sc.(RT) 3 rd Semester DEPARTMENT OF RURAL TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT GURU GHASIDAS VISHWAVIDYALAYA BILASPUR (CG.)

2. Contents Introduction History Methods of Lac Cultivation Uses of Lac Host Plants References Conclusion

3. Introduction Lac is the resinous secretion of a number of species of lac insects, of which of the most commonly cultivated species is Kerria lacca and Laccifer lacca ( India ).

4. History The word  lac  is derived from the Sanskrit word  lāksh ā '   ( लाक्षा ), which represents the number 100,000. Tachard is known as a father of lac insect. The first scientific or detailed study of the lac insect was given by j. kerr in 1782.

5. Methods of Lac Cultivation Selection of trees and area Pruning of host trees Inoculation of host tree Removing of used-up broodlac sticks( phunki ) Harvesting

6. Selection of Trees and Area The trees are normally found in a groups, either on plains or in sub hilly areas or on border of paddy fields. Dense canopy of tree, water bodies or dense forest is preferred for summer crop. Open areas and isolated trees are preferred for rainy season crop .

7. Pruning of Host Trees The operation is carried out six months before inoculation for summer crop in the month of april . The pruning is done on a february for rainy season crop. Shoots between 1.25-2.5cm diameters should be cut.

8. Inoculation of Host Tree Tying of broodlac bundles on an branches of host trees for spreading of lac insect on succulent shoots is called inoculation. Equipments of inoculation 1.60mm mesh 2.Synthetic net bag 3.Treads for tied on tree kerria lacca

9. Removing of used-up Broodlac Sticks( Phunki ) The used-up broodlac sticks should be removed from inoculated tree as soon as emergence of lac larvae is stopped. Normally this period is 15-20 days after tying of bundles on tree. This period should not exceed 21 days in any case.

10. Removal Equipments

11. Harvesting 1.The crop is harvested either as an immature summer crop (resin value) or mature crop as broodlac ( lac insect value). 2.Immature summer lac can be cut at any time when encrustation becomes relatively thicker. 3.Normally broodlac is harvested in October-November when crop matures

12. Uses Used in preparation of varnishes, paint, toys, bangles , electrical goods, gramophone records and buttons. L ac is used as insulating and sealing agents. Nail polishes and dyes making. Wood finish. Juices. Skin cosmetics.

13. Host Plants Palas - Butea monosperma Ber - Ziziphus mauritiana Semialata - Flemigia semialata Kusum - Schleichera oleosa Khair - Acacia catechu Babul - Acacia arabica Arhar - Cajanus cajan

14. References Samiksha S. , Scientific study of lac started much later. In 1709 Father Tachard discovered the insect that produced lac . First of all Kerr (1782) . Dr A K Jaiswal and Dr J P Singh (2015),The trees are normally found in a groups, either on plains or in sub hilly areas or on border of paddy fields.

15. Conclusion The lac host plants shoots should be maintain properly because the lac production is totally depend on the good and vigorous of the host plants, so shoots be required fully under care and management during the cultivation.