Relative abundance, emergence profile and parasitization of lac insect (Kerria lacca) associated fauna in rangeeni crops

Relative abundance, emergence profile and parasitization of parasitoids and predators associated with lac insect were recorded during rangeeni summer season (baisakhi) and rainy season (katki) lac crops on ber and palas under two different conditions viz., spray of fipronil + chlorothalonil and only chlorothalonil. It revealed that three parasitoids (Aprostocetus purpureus, Tachardiaephagus tachardiae, Tyndarichus clavicornis) and one predator Eublemma amabilis were abundant in both lac crops. Lac associated fauna were recorded more on lac crop sprayed with chlorothalonil only compared to fipronil + chlorothalonil on both crops on both lac hosts. Among the lac associated fauna, A. purpureus was recorded in more numbers in both crops and spray conditions. Maximum level of parasitization was recorded at the time of sexual maturity period (19 to 22 Weeks After Inoculation (WAI)) during baisakhi whereas in katki, at crop maturity period (16 to 19 WAI) on ber and palas.