Biology of Pulse Beetle (Callosobruchus Chinensis Linn., Coleoptera:Bruchidae) And Their Management Through Botanicals on Stored Mung Grains in Allahabad Region

Callosobruchus chinensis is a major stored pest of pulses in India. Biology of pulse beetle was studied during 2005–2006 in the laboratory. The average incubation period, larval + pupal period, and adult longevity of male and female were 4.0, 16.4, 11.0 and 9.6 days respectively. The average of total developmental period (egg to adult) was 25.2 days, and pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition period were 0.4, 8.0 and 2.2 days, respectively. The average fecundity of the females was 85.6 eggs and its viability 94% during its life time. The effect of seven botanicals at 4.0 and 8.0% w/w/100 grams of mungbean on mortality of Callosobruchus chinensis Linn. were also studied. Observations were taken on 2, 4 and 6 days after treatment. The seven plant materials, viz. neem leaf, chilli, NSK, tulsi leaf, nerium leaf, lantana leaf, Tobacco leaf including control were evaluated for their effects against pulse beetle. Among all these plant products, neem leaf (8 gm) was found more effective with 38.33% mortality whereas nerium leaf (4 gm) was found least effective with 5.70% mortality.