Role of Physical and Biochemical Characters in Groundnut Genotypes as a Basis of Resistance against Groundnut Bruchid, Caryedon serratus Olivier during Storage

Abstract

Background: Groundnut bruchid (Caryedon serratus Olivier) is the most important stored grain insect pests of groundnut that significantly lowers the quality and market acceptance of the produce. The grub of this insect causes extensive damage to the kernels by boring into undamaged shell and feeds on seeds internally. Therefore, the present study is aimed at screening of the groundnut genotypes on the basis of their physical and biochemical characters which are responsible for imparting resistance against the bruchid pest. Methods: An experiment was conducted at the Department of seed science and technology, OUAT, Bhubaneswar during 2019-20 to study the physical and biochemical characters involved for resistance in stored groundnut genotypes against groundnut bruchid, C. serratus. Varietal screening study was conducted in twenty groundnut genotypes and their physical and biochemical characters were assessed in the laboratory. Result: Small pod size, less pod weight and more shell thickness attributed for resistance to C. serratus resulting in least percentage pod damage and weight loss. Similarly, groundnut genotypes with lower protein content and higher phenol, fiber and ash content conferred resistance against the test insect.