Division of Transfer of Technology, Indian Lac Research Institute, Namkum, Ranchi-834 010, Bihar, (India).
Whole body extract of lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr.) and its secretory/excretory products, viz., resin, wax and honeydew were assayed for kairomonal activity against its predator, Eublemma amabilis Moore, in respect of oviposition behaviour. The whole body extract containing mainly haemolymph exhibited kairomonal activity as exemplified by 65.03 per cent eggs laid on paper strips treated with such extract. On the other hand, paper strips treated with resin, honeydew and wax revealed only 7.81, 9.75 and 8.77 per cent of the total eggs laid, respectively as against 8.64 per cent in control. These latter three components, thus, did not show any activity.
