Life Cycle and Productivity-Linked Parameters of Lac Insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr.) (Rangeeni strain; Baisakhi crop) on Butea monosperma (Lam.)

A three-year study (2021-22, 2022–23, and 2023–24) was conducted to investigate the life cycle and productivity-linked parameters of lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr.) (Rangeeni strain: Baisakhi crop) on Butea monosperma (Lam.). The mean initial settlement density was 91.70 insects/cm², with a mortality rate of 7.72 percent. The mean sex-ratio (male percentage) was 12.20, and density at crop maturity was 4.82 insects/cm². The mean pre-sexual developmental period was 114.0 days, while the average longevity of female cell was 230.34 days. The mean female cell weight, resin output, and fecundity were 8.32 mg, 5.35 mg, and 146.91 eggs/female, respectively. The results confirmed B. monosperma as a suitable host for the Rangeeni strain during the Baisakhi season, ensuring satisfactory survival, fecundity, and resin yield.