Sharma, K.K., Jaiswal, A.K., & Kumar, K.K. 1999 Biological control in lac cultivation - limitations and prospects.. Journal of Insect Science 12(2): 95-99.

Notes: Lac (Kerria lacca) is an important cash crop grown in India and more than 80% lac produced is exported. However, its production in the country has remained unstable particularly during the last 30 years, varying widely between 38.8 thousand tons in 1968 to 9.1 thousand tons in 1979 due to various reasons. Important among these is damage caused by insect enemies. Chemical control of these pests, though quite successful, is undesirable due to possible residue hazards as the lac and the dye obtained from this insect can be used in coating, perfumery, textile industry and many other similar applications. Biological control in lac cultivation in the past was not successful because studies centered mostly around only two predators namely, Eublemma amabilis and Pseudohypatopa pulverea and damage caused by parasitoids of lac insect remained unattended as it was considered negligible. Further, no attempt was made to tap naturally available parasitoids. The status of some insects associated with lac still remained doubtful and lastly little information was available on influence of host on its biotic complex. The feasibility of successful biological control of lac insect enemies in the light of new findings is discussed.