Sharma, K.K., & Kandasamy, T. 2023 Multi-Trophic Lac Insect Complex of Flora and Fauna: Impact on Quantity and Quality of the Resin Secreted. Arthropods – New Advances and Perspectives IntecOpen Limited London, UK 242
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Notes: Not only the lac insect but also the host plants and various biotic associations play a significant role in determining the quantity and quality of the produce. This insect being an obligate phloem sap sucker completes its life cycle on host plant species. Phloem sap is nutritionally unbalanced, as it is rich in carbohydrates but deficient in essential amino acids. Due to the scarcity of essential elements in phloem sap, endosymbionts are likely to co-evolve within the insect cell, while fulfilling their nutritional requirement. Implication of these intricate biotic associations on quantity and quality of the lac resin produced merits thorough understanding for sustained lac production.
