Abstract
Acacia auriculaeformis was studied under various spacing and fertilizer levels for harvested biomass and production of lac by Kusmi strain of Kerria lacca (Kerr.) (Homoptera: Tachardiidae) during winter crop season. Various plant densities had no adverse effect on plant growth attributes as well as yield index (kg./plant); however, maximum values were obtained in case of lowest plant density (S3), excepting plant height and total shoot length. Application of fertilizers have resulted in a significant increase in plant growth attributes except plant height and canopy spread, north to south (N-S). Significant differences were also recorded in the yield index with increasing levels of fertilizers, however, broodlac and sticklac yield index was found to be at par in all fertilizer levels, though significantly higher over the control. Interaction of spacing and fertilizer levels on biomass and lac yield per hectare cleary indicated that the higher density levels and fertilizer level produced maximum yield of biomass, broodlac and scraped lac to the tune of 19.06, 3.35 and 1.34 tons per hectare respectively and may be recommended for raising plantations of A. auriculaeformis for lac production view point.
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