Calliandra surinamensis Benth. -A Promising host for lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr) in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Successful lac cultivation depends on efficient and proper use of lac host plants. Lac insects can survive on more than 400 plant species but only about two dozen host plants are utilized for lac production because commercial lac cultivation has not been found economically viable on many plants and systematic lac cultivation has not been attempted on several hosts species in regions not traditionally lac strongholds. The revenue generation opportunities may be enhanced through expansion of lac culture with efficient utilization of available host plants all over the country. With the view investigation was carried out to record natural infestation of lac insect on Calliandra surinamensis and its use as source of brood lac for inoculation on other lac host species in Prayagraj district of eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. The findings reveal that C. surinamensis holds promise for large scale lac cultivation in eastern UP as it supports substantial populations of lac insect in great density indicative of excellent establishment and survival. The study recommends integration of lac culture with agriculture including C. surinamensis diversifying the land use for optimizing productivity.