Informatics Publishing Limited

O. K. Remadevi , Raja Muthukrishnan , A. Ratna Rao , V. R. Sivaramakrishnan , L. N. Santhakumaran

Abstract

An epidemic outbreak of lac insect Kerria lacca on sandal and its host trees at Gottipura and Nallal in Hoskote range (Karnataka) is reported. It is found that 24.5% of the trees were heavily affected (9.3% of which are dead), 25.5% had medium attack and 50% were completely free. To control the lac infestation, the affected branches were lopped off, burnt and an insecticide viz., Ekalux 20AF 0.5% mixed with 0.05% sticker was sprayed on the tree. The treated trees were watered. This has completely controlled the lac infestation on sandal. A second spray with any insecticides, like Rogor 30 EC, Fenvalerate, Cypermethrin or Dimethoate, may be sprayed after formation of new flush of leaves, to check further secondary infection.

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A. Ratna Rao , B. P. Singh

Abstract

NWFP contribute significantly in tribal/rural economy. It offers employment to about one million every year. In South Bihar and South Western part of West Bengal the NWFP viz. Mahuwa flowers and seeds, Sal seeds and leaves; Kendu leaves. Tamarind and Mushrooms emerged as major products collected by tribals of this region. Out of total forest revenue of Bihar, about 17% is contributed by NWFP and in West Bengal it is only 1.7% oftotal forest revenue. In South Bihar about 41% families collect Mahuwa flowers and in South Western West Bengal about 73% families collect Sal leaves for augmentation of their income. However, processing technology is lacking in these States which needs to be developed.

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A. Ratna Rao , N. Bux Rai

Abstract

In the present study, the optimum dose of broodlac for proper inoculation of Moghania macrophylla bushes has been worked out.

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A. Ratna Rao

Abstract

The relation between quantity of lac exported and international price of lac is found to be expressible in the form y = 10.94 - 0.0382 x - 0.11012 x² with reasonable accuracy.

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A. Ratna Rao , Parmatam Singh

Abstract

Lac cultivation is carried out by about 3 to 4 million Adivasls (backward class of people) in the states of Bihar, M.P., West Bengal, U.P., Orissa, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Pruning of bost trees, inoculation and harvestirg are the main operations involved in lac cultivation. There are four crops viz Baisakhi and Katki (Rangeeni), Jethwi and Aghani (Kusumi) in a year. The main lac hosts are Palas, Ber and Kusum. Average yield of stick lac per tree is 4 kg for Palas, 6 kg for Ber and 10 kg for Kusum. This can be increased by adopting improved and scientific methods. The present production of stick lac is about 15,000 metric tonnes per annum of which 85% in the form of Seedlac/Shellac and other lac products is exported The prospects for higher production appear to be bright if a fair price is ensured to lac cultivation. It is necessary to start support price and buffer stock operations as price support measure.

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