Sharma, K.K., & Ramani, R. 1997 Suitability of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poir) fruits for laboratory rearing of two strains of (Coccoidea: Tachardiidae) Indian lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr.).. Journal of Entomological Research. New Delhi 21: 169-174.

Notes: The two strains i.e., rangeeni and kusmi of Indian lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr.) were successfully grown on fruits of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata). Life period was favorably reduced from 184.9 and 109.6 to 154.3 and 100.9 days, respectively for kusmi and rangeeni strains. Amount of resin secreted by the insects decreased on pumpkin. The reduction was larger in kusmi (36.9%) as compared to rangeeni (27.5%). Mortality of lac insects on pumpkin was almost doubled. The insect completed its life cycle satisfactorily providing viable progeny without much effect on fertility. The two strains showed differential behaviour with respect to amount of resin secreted, mortality inflicted and total life period when cultured on pumpkin.