A STUDY ON THE BHALIA (MOGHANIA MACROPHYLLA)

Moghania macrophylla (Willd.) O.Ktze.is a principal host plant of lac insect Kerria lacca (Kerr).it is distributed in Yunnan,Guizhou,Sichuan,Taiwan,Guangdong and Guangxi,Fujian Provinces and Autonomous Region.The results obtained from 1978 to 1982 show that Moghania macrophylla is a preferred host plant which has a wide adaptability and is easy to grow and propagate.It is a fast-growing shrub and can grow in dry and poor land.The suitable size of settlement of the insect on one tree is 30-40% in summer crop,and 25-30% in winter.The incrustation formed on this shrub appears light in colour and with considerable thickness.Besides,its soften ning point is rather high.The shrub has powerful rejuvenescence.A crop of shoots will sprout after crapping which can be used afresh for lac production.It is better than Pigeonpea (Cajanus caian) in this respect.