Sequeira, V., & Bezkorowajnyj, P.G. 1998 Improved management of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub for lac production.. Forest Ecology and Management 102: 225-234.
Notes: Lac, a natural resin produced by the lac insect Kerria lacca, is an important income-generating non-wood forest product in India, although production and export has declined over the last 50 years, partly due to large fluctuations in prices and supply and partly due to increasing competition with Thailand. It is expected that the potential for lac production could increase with India's recent changes in forest policy which encourage the natural regeneration of degraded lands. A review is presented of improved management systems for lac production on Butea monosperma, which is the most important lac host tree in India, and is prevalent in degraded areas of the sub-Himalayan plains. The review briefly describes traditional management systems, and gives an account of the 3 operational stages of the improved system - pruning of host plants, inoculation with broodlac, and harvesting and storage of sticklac at crop maturity.