Productivity Based Performance and Life Cycle of Lac Insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr) (Hemiptera: Kerriidae) in Selected Districts of Maharashtra, India

A field study was conducted to evaluate the productivity and life cycle parameters of the lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr), on Flemingia macrophylla host plants during the Baisakhi crop season across nine districts of Maharashtra, India. The objective was to identify regional variations affecting lac cultivation performance. The mean duration of crawler emergence varied significantly, ranging from 58 days in Sindhkhede Raja, Buldhana, to 43 days in Chandori, Bhandara. Initial crawler settlement density was highest in Surkuda, Gondia (87.33 ± 4.17 crawlers/cm²), and lowest in Beed (44.53 ± 3.69 crawlers/cm²), with corresponding initial mortality rates ranging from 20.31% to 40.87%. After 21 days of settlement, the maximum nymphal density remained in Surkuda (56.11 ± 2.75 nymphs/cm²), while Beed recorded the lowest (28.00 ± 4.38 nymphs/cm²). The proportion of male insects was highest in Beed (85%) and lowest in Chandori, Bhandara (43.89%). Final female cell density at crop maturity showed a similar pattern, with the highest in Surkuda (9.88 ± 0.64 cells/cm²) and the lowest in Beed (1.53 ± 0.19 cells/cm²). Other developmental stages also varied, the pre-sexual stage lasted between 103.2 ± 0.37 and 109.2 ± 0.37 days, and male emergence occurred between 123.2 ± 0.58 and 126.4 ± 0.60 days. The female maturity period ranged from 235.2 ± 0.58 days in Buldhana to 256.2 ± 0.80 days in Loha, Nanded. These findings indicate considerable regional differences in lac insect development and productivity, influenced by local environmental and ecological conditions. The results provide critical insights for selecting optimal cultivation sites and timing interventions to improve lac yield and sustainability in Maharashtra.