Assessment of Lac Diversity and Indigenous Technical Knowledge in North East Region of India

Lac insects are commercially harnessed for economically important resin, dye and wax. Of the nine genera and 102 species of lac insects reported from all over the world, two genera and 22 species are found in India. Natural populations of Kerria spp. are distributed throughout the country and NE region houses valuable lac insect genetic resources in the country. Hence, surveys were carried out for lac associated faunal and floral diversity from seven states in North East India. Lac insects and associated fauna (predators and parasitoids) were observed and collected fromAssam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland on various lac host plants, viz., Acacia auriculiformis, Cajanus cajan, Ficus spp, Mallotus philippensis, Malvaviscus penduliflorus and Ziziphus mauritiana. Distinct lac host species were also reported in NE region. Lac insect from Manipur was recorded as morphologically new species, Kerria manipurensis. Lac insects collected from Manipur, Assam and Nagaland revealed 89–97% homology with both LIK31 and LIK23 (both K. chinensis lines) through molecular analysis. Different ant species viz., Crematogaster spp and Technomyrmex albipes were also found associated with lac insect. The occurrence of lac host plants, viz., Acacia auriculiformis, Albizia lebbek, A. lucida, A. saman, Butea monosperma, Cajanus cajan, Ficus spp., Kydia calycina (Boldubak), Macaranga denticulate (Chhagru), Mallotus philippensis, Malvaviscus penduliflorus, Ziziphus mauritiana, and the perennial Red gram variety were also collected during the survey. Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) information related to lac was also collected from north-east India during the survey. These ITK’s were used in lac culture as well as medicinal purposes. It is envisaged that the distinct lac insect and host species would be a valuable resource in developing new lac insect + host plant combinations for enhancing lac productivity of the country.