Page 5 - Descriptors of lac insect - IINRG, Ranchi

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lndian lnstitute of Natural Resins and Gums is the only institute
devoted to research and development of lac and thus, has responsibility
to conserve the lac biodiversity lor posterity. Lac insect genetic diversity
is the key component of any lac production system. More than 20% ol lac
insect biodiversity lound in the world has been reported from lndia. But, due
to large scale delorestation and dwindling active lac cultivation area, there
is alarming reduction in bio-diversity of the country. Hence, it is needed to
take up, on priority, the collection of available lac insect biodiversity in the
country Collection, conservation and sustainable use ol these resources
requiie sirecific attention keeping in view their importance. Conservation ot
lac insects is a laborious process as they have to be maintained live under
protected conditions on potted plants due to their phytosuccivorous habit and
associated pest complex. The instilute, recently declared as National Lac
lnsect Germplasm Centre, has surveyed 60 districts ol 16 states for collection
of lac insects and information on lac cultivation. 64 lines of lac insects which
include 14 cultivated, 21 natural populations, 22 cross bred / inbred / selected,
one e)6tic and six uncoded lines are maintained in its Field Gene Bank.
Lac insect biodiversity is utilized either directly lor lac cultivation or as
a source ol useful traits that can be used in breeding improved varieties.
The kusml form ol Kenia lacca, known for its superior quality ol lac and
higher productivity is unique to lndia. Superiorlorms of this breed have been
developed and exploited. In this era of lPRs, open globalization and WTO
regime, characterization and documenlation of lac insect biodiversity merits
immediate attention lor protection against bio-piracy and also exchange of
inlormation.