Callosobruchus maculatus: Observations of Attack on Cowpeas in Iran1

Abstract

The high protein content of pulse crops makes them an important staple for human nutrition in developing nations (Aykroyd and Doughty 1964). Cowpeas, Vigna sinensis (L.) Savi ex Hassk., are one such important pulse mostly cultivated in Northern Iran (Kaiser et al. 1968) and can be damaged both in stomge and field by larvae of the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Prevett 1961). To better understand the insect-host relationship, studies were begun to determine at what specific stage field-grown cowpea pods are most susceptible to attack from this bruchid and to investigate its biology in storage.