1Division of Transfer of Technology, Indian Lac Research Institute, Namkum, Ranchi-834 010, Bihar (India).
2Division of Lac Production, Indian Lac Research Institute, Namkum, Ranchi-834 010, Bihar (India).
Remedial measures for the control of fungal infections in cultures of Indian lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr.), were evolved. Three concentrations of each of two systemic fungicides, viz., carbendazim (125, 250, 500 ppm) and aureofungin (50, 100, 200 ppm) were evaluated on kusmi strain of lac insect under laboratory conditions. A highly significant reduction in the mortality of second instar lac nymphs was recorded with all the concentrations of these two fungicides as compared to control. Even the lowest concentrations were effective, the per cent reduction in nymphal mortality being 82.9 with aureofungin and 75.4 with carbendazim. The reduction in the mortality of lac insects may be attributed to suppression of several saprophytic and probably some entomophagous fungi associated with these insects.
