Efficacy of Natural Plants Extract and Ethnomedicinal Dilution on Bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus) Management in Storage Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Abstract

Background: Storage of pulse grain is a severe on-going problem for farmers, traders and also the consumers. Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is one of such vital protein rich pulse crops of Indian origin referred to as poor man’s meat. Bruchids (Callosobruchus maculatus) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) are the major polyphagous storage pest of mungbean which causes the substantial post-harvest qualitative and quantitative loss, especially in long time storage condition. This loss directly affects the agricultural economy and also the human health.Methods: To find a solution, we first screened a large variety of mungbean genotypes against bruchid attack and narrowed down to six most potential varieties with highest resistance to bruchids. The present study is intended to manage pest control in post-harvest storage condition using easily available natural and eco-friendly treatment materials against the much-used chemical pest control materials. We have instinctively chosen eight treatment materials that are not used before except one in any earlier but similar studies of pest control management on other grains. Apart from direct natural sources of these treatment materials, we have used two ethnomedicinal dilution and evaluated their management efficacy as well.Result: The study highlights a new promising eco-friendly approach for bruchid management either through the ‘Homeo-Bruchid Interaction’ or through the ‘Easily Available Homemade Remedies.’ Our results are based on the crude extracts. In few specific situations, we have tried to give possible molecular level interactions that provide the bruchid resistance. However, further investigation is deemed necessary to properly assess the quality components of treating seed as well as identifying particular properties that are responsible for bruchid resistance and to confirm the level of human safety based on their bioactivity before commercialization.