Comparative resistance to three species of Callosobruchus in a strain of chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

Chickpea is an important source of protein in several countries. In storage, it is infested by Callosobruchus analis, C. maculatus and C. chinensis. A reportedly resistant strain of the seed was tested with 14 other common varieties. Two methods, selective preference and no choice, were used. The strain named G109-1 was significantly better than other varities in being least preferred for egg laying by these bruchids. G109-1 has a rough seedcoat which is almost spiny. This spiny character, absent in susceptible varieties, appears to act as a deterent to oviposition.