Dipnarayan Saha*, S.K. Ranjan, R. Ramani, K.K. Sharma & B. Baboo
Biotechnology Laboratory, Lac Production Division, Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums, Ranchi 834010, INDIA
Received 13th February, 2009; revised 9th August, 2009
Abstract : Characterization of genetic diversity of lac insect lines through molecular profiling is a stepping stone for lac insect molecular biology. Forty-eight lac insect lines have been characterized through RAPD profiles producing genetic diversity coefficient of 0.34-0.92 and clustered into four major groups according to species, geographic races, inbred lines and body colour mutants. Subsequently, twenty selected lac insect lines analyzed through ISSR profiling revealed genetic diversity of 0.25-0.81. A comparative profiling of body colour mutants and wild type (crimson) lac inset lines from same populations revealed significant genetic divergence between them. Ber, palas and kusum were characterized through RAPD especially for their lac productivity performances. The estimation of genetic diversity of Ziziphus spp. is being carried out through RAPD for use in host improvement. The micropropagation of lac host plant was developed for ber and Flemingia semialata at the laboratory scale.
In the near future, the role of biotechnology on lac insect and host plant is envisaged for selection of superior genotypes using marker aided selection (MAS) and breeding for introgression of desirable genes. The other areas like gene identification and expression in native or heterologous system will facilitate future genetic manipulations in lac insects and hosts to enhance lac production and quality.
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