The ability of Bruchidius atrolineatus (Pic) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) to infest and damage seeds of different tropical legumes

Abstract

The beetle Bruchidius atrolineatus (Pic) commonly infests and damages seeds of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. in tropical Africa. Its ability to infest and damage eight other tropical legumes, Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi and Ohashi, Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek, Voandzeia subterranea (L.) Thou., Cicer arietinum L., Lens culinaris Medik, Glycine max (L.) Merr. and two cultivars of Phaseolus vulgaris L. was determined. The beetle could not successfully complete its life cycle in seeds of V. subterranea, G. max, L. culinaris and P. vulgaris, but the others supported development to adult emergence. C. arietinum and V. radiata were as susceptible as V. unguiculata and could serve as primary or alternative hosts to the beetle. In no-choice tests, there were no significant differences in the number of eggs laid by B. atrolineatus on each species or cultivar of legume. When simultaneously given seeds of V. unguiculata, V. angularis, V. radiata and C. arietinum, the beetle preferentially laid eggs on V. unguiculata.