What is "Lac-culture"? Explain methodology employed in lac- culture. Also describe it's uses.
Answers
The term lac derives from the sanskrit word "Laksha" meaning a hundred thousand and is suggestive of the large number of insects involved in it's production.
The methodology involved in lac-culture-
(a) Natural inoculation- Occur by natural movement of swarming larvae from one plant to other.
(b) Artificial inoculation- Lac insects are introduced to a new host plant in a planned and scientific manner by the cultivators.
It's uses-
(a) Because of its unique combination of properties, lac finds a wide variety of application in paint.
(b) Electrical, automobile, cosmetic, leather, wood finishing and other industries.
(c) Earlier about half of the total output was consumed in gramophone industry.
(d) Lac has long been in use both for decorative and insulating varnishes
(e) It is usually used as a first coating on wood to fill the pores.
Explanation:
Lac is a natural resin of animal origin. It is secreted by an insect, known as lac-insect In order to obtain lac, these insects are cultured and the technique is called lac-culture. It involves proper care of host plants, regular pruning of host plants, propagation, collection and processing of lac