Fungus makes red dye, not lac insect in India

Researchers discovered that a yeast-like organism, not the lac insect itself, produces the red pigment used in dyes, textiles, and food coloring. This challenges the long-held understanding of pigment production. The study revealed the yeast-like organism harbors the genes necessary for synthesizing the pigment, including those for tyrosine, an amino acid the insect lacks. Fungicide application reduced pigment production and insect size, indicating the fungus's importance. For centuries, India has been a key producer of the lac pigment. The fungus's unique vertical transmission to offspring and its role in insect nutrition highlight its significance in insect evolution.