The Efficacy of the Leaf Powders of Justicia Adhatoda L. and Leucas Aspera on the Management of the Pulse Beetle Callosobruchus Chinensis L. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), in Cicer Arietinum L. (Chickpea)

Abstract

Insects are a problem in stored grains throughout the world. In India, there are about 200 species of pest insects which cause damage to stored grains and grain products in storage. The stored chickpea seeds are affected by bruchids. The pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis is the most widespread and destructive insect pest of economically important leguminous chickpea. The pest control of C. chinensis is very important to protect the loss of nutritive and economic value of chickpea. The present study aimed to protect the stored chickpea seeds from C. chinensis infestation using leaf powders of Justicia adhatoda L. and Leucas aspera by analyzing the effect of these two leaf powders on the mortality rate. Through this study, it has been found that J. adhatoda showed more efficacy against C. chinensis and it can be considered as a safer alternative for synthetic chemical insecticides. The study was to investigate the phytochemicals, physico chemical parameters, FTIR spectrum, seed germination percentage and vigour index for their safety and efficacy. The use of natural medicinal plants like J. adhatoda and L. aspera develop a cheap, safe and easy method for the protection of stored grains against the insect pest C. chinensis. Keywords: Callosobruchus chinensis, Biopesticide, Justicia adhatoda, Leucas aspera, Insecticides