Pulse Beetle Research Articles

Development of pulse beetle Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in different pulses

Development of pulse beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus Fab.) was studied on nine different pulses viz., mungbean, urdbean, mothbean, greenpea, cowpea, horsegram, chickpea, wal and pigeonpea under laboratory conditions. The study indicated that chickpea was most preferred host by C. maculatus as it recorded highest number of eggs (290.67/100 grains), shortest total developmental period (21.33 days) and highest number of adult emergence (163/100 grains), whereas horsegram was least preferred host as it recorded lowest number of eggs (23.67 / 100 grains), lowest number of adult emergence (4.33/ 100 grains) and shortest adult longevity (4 days). The highest adult longevity was recorded in wal (10 days) followed by chickpea and mungbean (9.33 days). In the case of the incubation period, mungbean and cowpea recorded shortest incubation period (2.67 days) and followed by chickpea, green pea and pigeonpea (3.33 days) whereas it was highest in urdbean (4.67 days) followed by horsegram (4.33 days). Percent adult emergence was lowest in the case of horsegram (18.29%) followed by mothbean (19.86%) and was highest in wal (74.92%).

SPECIES DIVERSITY OF PULSE BEETLE IN FOUR MAJOR GRAIN LEGUMES IN ANDHRA PRADESH

Studies were carried in kharif, 2022 to know the species diversity of pulse beetles infesting stored grain legumes in Krishna zone of Andhra Pradesh.The pulse beetles were identified as Callosobruchus maculatus and C. chinensis based on their morphological characters. A total of 1391 adults of C. maculatus were observed in blackgram. About 737 and 473 individuals of C. maculatus were recorded in greengram and chickpea, respectively. A total of 566 individuals of C. maculatus and 241 individuals of C. chinensis were found in pigeonpea grains collected from the different storage godowns. The diversity indices for pulse beetle species in pigeonpea were calculated. The Shannon- Wiener index was 2.712, indicating moderate diversity.The species evenness was 0.6273 suggesting that the evenness among the species was zero and the Margalef index was 3.436 indicating relatively high species richness.

EVALUATION OF HERMETIC STORAGE BAGS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PULSE BEETLE, Callosobruchus maculatus (FAB.) IN CHICKPEA

Studies on management of pulse bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) on stored chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) through hermetic storage was carried out in the laboratory of Department of Entomology, Agricultural College, Bapatla during 2021-22.Three hermetic storage bags viz., super bag, polythene bag and triple layer plastic bag were evaluated along with conventional storage bags against pulse beetle damage and seed quality parameters of stored chickpea for six months storage period. Chickpea grains stored in super bags recorded zero number of adult beetles of C. maculatus, zero grain damage, no moisture change, and above 90 percent viability of chickpea grains upto six months storage period followed by triple layer plastic bags and found to be the most effective when compared to other types of bags tested.

Carryover of Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) in Pigeon Pea Seeds from Field to Storage and its Management by Smearing Oil on Seeds

Background: Pigeonpea, Cajanus cajan (L.) is a vital pulse crop in South Asia, with India accounting for 90% of it’s global production. Its protein content (21-25%) is essential for nutrition and plays significant role in improving food security and nutrition in regions with limited resources. The insect pest attacks in Pigeonpea cause significant amount of grain loss in field and storage, the research was carried out to investigate the carryover of pest from field to storehouses and to study the efficacy of oils on C. maculatus management in which literature available is scarce. Methods: This study was carried out at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology Meerut, U.P., India during the year 2020-2022. Pigeonpea seeds were collected from research farm threshing floor of ICAR-IIFSR, Meerut. Infestations of pulse beetle carried from field to storage was studied on basis of mean no. of eggs laid and mean seed damage caused by beetle. To study efficacy of oils, the seeds were subjected to linseed, mustard, soybean, rice bran, safflower, castor, mahua and neem oil each at concentrations of 0.20, 0.50 and 1.00 ml per 100 g of seeds and five pair of beetles of same age were released into each container and removed after 5 days to study the damage incurred. Result: In the carryover study, maximum oviposition (16.88 eggs) was recorded on freshly harvested seeds that were kept open in storehouse for infestations which witnessed field as well as storage egg laying. Oils application on seeds showed 1ml oil per 100 g seed as most suitable dosage and neem oil, castor, mahua as most successful oil providing beetle control in terms of oviposition, damage and adult survival. Residual action of oil on seed surface after 3 months revealed different oil treatments showed significant reduction in the number of eggs laid, adult emergence and seed damage due to C. maculatus in pigeonpea seeds in comparison to control. Mean reductions in the number of eggs, adult emergence and seed damage were relatively higher in all the oil treatments.

Influence of Physico-chemical Traits of Chickpea Genotypes on Preference and Non-preference of Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.)

Background: Chickpea is one of the most important and nutritionally rich pulse crops widely grown in India. Pulse beetle is a cosmopolitan insect pest that can cause significant losses in stored chickpeas. Host Plant Resistance, one of the most effective methods, being adopted for decades to identify the traits in the host plants that confer resistance against the insect pests. The present study has been undertaken to screen different genotypes of chickpea against pulse beetle and to understand the influence of physico-chemical traits of chickpea genotypes on the population buildup of pulse bruchid. Methods: Twenty chickpea genotypes including thirteen desi and seven kabuli type were screened against pulse beetle through free choice test at Department of Entomology, Agricultural College, Bapatla during 2020-21. Certain physical and biochemical parameters of chickpeas were assessed and the level of their influence on growth and development of pulse bruchid was estimated by correlation and regression analyses. Result: The desi chickpea genotypes viz., NBeG 452, NBeG 1129, ICC 86111, NBeG 49 and NBeG 776 with less oviposition, less number of adults emerged, less grain damage were found relatively with less test weight, total soluble sugars and more seed coat thickness, total phenols and tannins and the kabuli genotypes viz., NBeG 440, NBeG 789 and NBeG 833 with more oviposition, more number of adults emerged, more grain damage were found relatively with more test weight, total soluble sugars and less seed coat thickness, total phenols and tannins. Thus, test weight, total soluble sugars exhibited significant positive correlation with growth and damage parameters of pulse beetle, while the seed coat thickness, total phenols and tannins exhibited significant negative correlation. Despite the fact that the biochemical components of the genotypes of chickpea varied significantly, they had little effect on the development of pulse bruchid.

Sensitivity of developmental stages of pulse beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) to gamma rays

Sensitivity studies on effects of gamma radiation on different life stages of Callasobruchus maculatus (F.) werecarried out in a growth chamber at temperature of 30ºC and relative humidity of 70 per cent. Two days old eggs, grubs (fourand seventeen days old) and three days old pupae along with green gram seeds were exposed to gamma radiation in range of0-50 Gy, 0-60 Gy, 0-100 Gy and 0-100 Gy, respectively. The radiation doses like 15 Gy, 40 Gy, 100 Gy and 100 Gy wereeffectively prevented adult formation from treated pre-imaginal stages mentioned above. For adult beetles response wasassessed by selecting five pairs of four days old adult male and females along with 30 g greengram seeds kept as a food andwere exposed to gamma radiation in range of 0-140 Gy. The fecundity of adults decreased with the increase of irradiationdose. There was 54.02, 61.59, 69.07, 87.80, 94.36 and 97.45 per cent reduction in egg laying in adults exposed to 20, 40, 60,80, 100 and 120 Gy, respectively. The adults exposed to a radiation dose of 80 Gy and above were capable of egg laying butsuch eggs were not developed to form adult . Therefore, from this study we concluded that all stages of C. maculatus canbe killed at 120 to 150 Gy expose dosage of gamma radiation.

A novel montmorillonite clay based bio-nanocomposite as an emerging biocontrol agent against stored grain pulse beetle

Chemical pesticides have been conventionally used to control the stored grain pest infestation, but these are hazardous to humans and the environment. Therefore, the herbal pesticides are gaining more importance in insect pest management. The montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay, is found to be an effective and underexplored adsorbent for fumigant formulation against stored grain pests. Additionally, essential oils (EOs) and their derivatives offer promising alternatives to conventional insecticides, but their application is constrained by higher volatilization, rapid decomposition, and less persistency. To address the issue, this study focuses on purifying microporous MMT through the sedimentation method and encapsulating cinnamaldehyde from cinnamon essential oil to produce a bio-nanocomposite (CEB) for management of insect pest infestations. Furthermore, the raw MMT, purified MMT, and CEB were characterized by different physiochemical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The SEM-EDX analyses demonstrated shiny irregular sheets and confirmed the presence of C-atom along with Si, O, Al, and Mg. The average crystallite size for CEB is specified to be 9.69 nm. The persistency of the cinnamaldehyde and its effective release from the CEB was confirmed by FT-IR analysis until 30 days. CEB displayed potent fumigant toxicity (LC50 = 0.37 mg/cm3) and high repellency (93.33 %) against Callosobruchus chinensis. Quantitative analysis recorded elevated protein levels (5.47 mg/ml) in treated insects. Similarly, the qualitative analysis revealed up and down-regulation of six and eight protein bands, respectively. Overall, findings show that the formulated bio-nanocomposite can better manage pulse beetle infestations in stored grains.

Ovicidal activity of botanicals (Turmeric powder) against the pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Ovicidal activity of botanicals (Turmeric powder) against the pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Effect of inert minerals and botanicals on quantitative and qualitative parameters in blackgram seed infested by pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius)

Effect of inert minerals and botanicals on quantitative and qualitative parameters in blackgram seed infested by pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius)

Diversity and losses caused by pulse beetle in North-Western Himalayan region of India

Diversity and losses caused by pulse beetle in North-Western Himalayan region of India

Evaluation of insecticidal properties of different plant fractions against pulse beetle infesting green gram

Evaluation of insecticidal properties of different plant fractions against pulse beetle infesting green gram

Microwave assisted disinfestation of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) infested with pulse beetle, Callasobruchus maculatus (F.).

Pulse beetle (Callasobruchus maculatus) is a common infestation during storage of legumes in India, and presently being managed by chemical fumigation. In the present investigation, a non-chemical method based on dielectric heating by microwaves (900W, 2450MHz) was studied for disinfestation of green gram at different grain layer thickness (5, 10, 15 and 20mm) and exposure durations (0-60s). The susceptibility (LT95) of different stages was in the order of egg (31.668s) > grub (40.388s) > pupa (44.176s) > adult (49.018s). The adult was tolerant up to 50s (R2-0.799, P < 0.01) to microwave exposure duration without green gram, and up to 30s (R2-0.804, P < 0.01) with green gram. Hundred percent mortality was observed at 10mm (30s, R2-0.969, P < 0.01) and 15mm (30s, R2-0.972, P < 0.01) grain layer thickness without significantly affecting grain quality. Cooking time and germination did not vary significantly up to 30s of exposure, thereafter, reduced significantly. However, water uptake did not vary significantly up to 60s of exposure. The microwave radiations are found effective for disinfestations of green gram without significantly affecting the grain quality.

Elevated CO2 and Nanoparticles for the Management of Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis L. in Stored Chickpea

Background: Pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis L. is a primary pest of stored chickpea which causes 50-60 per cent loss in seed weight and 45.5-66.3 per cent loss in protein content of the seeds and injudicious and indiscriminate use of hazardous synthetic chemicals for preventing storage losses in chickpea may lead to human and animal health issues due to residual hazards. Therefore, the biorational management of the pulse beetle in stored chickpea has been undertaken keeping biology in mind will prevent the loss as well as protect human health hazard. Methodos: The experiments on various non-chemical biorational approaches like effect of elevated levels of CO2 and application of nano particles which control the test insect effectively but have less toxicity to non-target organisms and the environment were studied in the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha during 2018-2021. Result: The results showed that elevated levels of CO2 at 60 and 80 per cent for 150 and 30 minutes respectively resulted in cent per cent mortality of the bruchids. Among the nano particles, nano silica and nano zinc applied @1000 ppm and 750 ppm realized the highest mortality of the bruchids.

Biology and Morphometrics of Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis L. on Chickpea

A study was conducted during year 2022–23 for a period of six months for several generations in controlled laboratory environment at the College of Agriculture, Iroisemba, Imphal, Manipur India on the biology and morphometrics of the pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis, on GNG 2207 chickpea cultivar. The experiments were conducted within a BOD incubator, maintaining a constant temperature of 30±1ºC and relative humidity ranging from 70±1 %. Life cycle of C. chinensis encompassed four distinct stages: egg, grub, pupa, and adult. The collected data unveiled essential insights such as the egg incubation period spanned 5–8 days, while grub stage consisted of four instars, taking 16–21 days for complete development. Pupation occurred over a period of 8–9 days. Female adult displayed a longevity range of 8–10 days. In terms of morphometric measurements, the average dimensions for eggs were found to be 0.60±0.05mm in length and 0.35±0.02mm in breadth. The respective lengths and breadths (mm) for the four grub instars, G1, G2, G3, and G4, were as follows: 0.55±0.05 and 0.30±0.02, 1.56±0.09 and 0.91±0.06, 2.68±0.07 and 1.45±0.08, 3.62±0.16 and 1.93±0.08. Pupa measurements yielded an average length and breadth of 3.76±0.22 mm and 2.21±0.05 mm, respectively. Moreover, the dimensions (mm) of adult male and female bruchids were found to be 3.88±0.07, 2.31±0.07, and 4.19±0.10, 2.12±0.11, respectively. The comprehensive life cycle of C. chinensis spanned from 38 to 42 days, encapsulating the various developmental stages.

Insecticidal property of Ocimum essential oil embedded polylactic acid packaging films for control of Sitophilus oryzae and Callosobruchus chinensis

Naturally derived essential oils (EOs) from Ocimum basilicum (OB) and Ocimum gratissimum (OG) were incorporated in polylactic acid (PLA) matrix with concentration of 2.5 % and 5 % respectively by solvent casting method, with an aim to develop insecticidal polymer pouches (insect proof polymer pouches). The major components following GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of EOs as estragole (69.998 %) in OB and thymol (29.843 %) in OG. The developed films with EOs showed remarkable insecticidal activity with 100 % and 80 % mortality rate for OB and OG respectively at 2.5 % concentration against rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae). While, both OB and OG EOs observed 100 % mortality against pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis) after 96 h exposure in presence of grain conditions and the insecticidal efficacy was equivalent to the commercial hermetic bags (CSB). The physical property of film showed increase in the film thickness in EO-PLA films whereas the mechanical properties of EO-PLA films matrix have increased the polymer flexibility with decreasing tensile strength (TS) and Youngs modulus (EM) as TS OB 5 %, OG 5 % - 15.64 MPa, 17.66 MPa respectively. While, water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) was reduced to 0.015 g/m2.hr, optical characteristics showed slight significant change in colour and FTIR spectra exhibited a change in -OH stretching compared to blank PLA matrix. The surface morphology of the blank and EO embedded PLA films visualized by SEM depicted a complete homogenization of essential oils in the PLA matrix.

Characterization of secondary metabolites from the leaves of curry leaf (Murraya koenigii L.) essential oils with insecticidal activities against stored product insects

Curry leaf, a significant aromatic shrub belonging to the Rutaceae family, is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and is widely renowned for its application as a flavor enhancer. Due to specific flavor and fragrance, the leaves of M. koenigii have been recognized for their potential contributions to human health. Curry leaf essential oils have recently received much attention due to their numerous benefits and minimal risk to non-target organisms. This work focused on the comprehensive characterization of secondary metabolites present in the essential oil extracted from curry leaves and aims to evaluate its insecticidal potential in terms of contact, fumigant, and repellent activities against red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) and pulse beetle (Callasobruchus maculatus) for first time. Chemical characterization through GC-MS/MS showed that the main chemical compounds within curry leaf essential oil were caryophyllene (28.47%), α-guaiene (13.35%), and α-phellandrene (12.26%). Notably, results from various insecticidal bioassays showed substantial effects upon contact (LC50 at 24 h, 10.56 mg/cm2 for T. castaneum, 20.80 mg/cm2 for C. maculatus) and fumigant toxicities (LC50 at 24 h, 23.93 mg/L air for T. castaneum, 12.96 mg/L air for C. chinensis), alongside repellent activities (at 5 mg/cm2, a mean PR of 90% to T. castaneum and at 5 mg/cm2, C. maculatus demonstrated 80% PR, targeting both insects. Furthermore, a phytotoxicity assessment was performed on stored paddy grains, and neither seedling development nor germination rates were negatively affected. The essential oils extracted from curry leaves exhibit considerable potential as botanical insecticides that are effective against stored-product insects and environmentally benign.

Evaluation of Mung Bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Genotypes against Pulse Beetle in Stored Grain

The pulse beetle is a significant issue for the stored pulses. The adoption of resistant sources is a dependable, environmentally friendly prerequisite for sustainable grain protection, even though chemical management is still the most efficient method of controlling pulse beetles at large-scale storage. The impact of mung bean genotypes against pulse beetles (Callosobruchus chinensis) in stored grain was conducted under laboratory conditions in the Department of Agricultural Entomology, Ranchi Agriculture College, Birsa Agricultural University Kanke, Ranchi, from September to October 2018. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design under the laboratory conditions. The results of the studies carried out on 52 genotypes of mung bean seed. the genotypes (SML 1829, VGG 16-058, IPM 2-14, KM 2355, SML 669, VGG 16-036, IPM 512-1, MH 1320 and Pusa Vishal), (IPM 2-14, HUM 16, SML 668 and KM 2355), (HUM 16, SML 668, IPM 2-14, MH 421, COGG 13-19, KM 2355, SML 1829, SML 1082, COGG 13-39, MH 13-20, VGG 16-058, VMS 13-12, SVM 61-61 and SML 669) and (IPM 2-14 and HUM 16) were performed best against C. chinensis on the basis of number of eggs laid, adult emergence, per cent grain weight loss and per cent seed germination, respectively.

Effectiveness and Activity of Essential Oils as Bio-insecticides against the Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) in Different Pulses

Effectiveness and Activity of Essential Oils as Bio-insecticides against the Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) in Different Pulses

Desiccant Beads: A Novel Tool for Managing Pulse Beetle in Stored Chickpea

Chickpea is the most dominant pulse having a major share under area shown 65 per cent and production 72 per cent followed by lentil and field pea. Pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis L. is a primary pest of stored chickpea which causes 50-60 per cent loss in seed weight and 45.5-66.3 per cent loss in protein content of the seeds (Rustamani et al., 1985) and injudicious and indiscriminate use of hazardous synthetic chemicals for preventing storage losses in chickpea may lead to human and animal health issues due to residual hazards. Therefore, the biorational management of the pulse beetle in stored chickpea has been undertaken keeping biology in mind will prevent the loss as well as protect human health hazard.The experiments on non-chemical biorational approaches like effect of desiccant beadswhich control the pulse beetle efficiently but have lesser toxicity hazards to non-target organisms and the environment was studied in the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, BBSR, Odisha during 2018-2021.The results showed that desiccant beads viz., zeolite and sodium aluminium silicate impregnated with chickpea seeds in the ratio of 1:1 proved effective in suppression of the pulse beetle in chickpeaduring six months of storage.

Effect of Pre-harvest Sprays of Insecticides/Botanicals for Control of Pulse Beetle Infestation and Seed Weight Loss in Mung Bean during Storage

Field-cum-laboratory experiment was conducted to study the effect of pre-harvest spray of insecticides and botanicals for control of pulse beetle in mung bean at Seed Technology Research Unit, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, during kharif 2020 and summer 2021 with four treatments of pre-harvest spray of insecticides and botanicals and two genotypes of mung bean (Phule Vaibhav and BM 2003-2). The results noticed that, pulse beetle infestation and seed weight loss differed significantly due to pre- harvest spray of insecticides. The lowest number of pulse beetle infestation (%) and seed weight loss (%) were recorded in treatment Emamectine Benzoate@ 0.3 ml/L followed by Neemazal 10000 ppm @ 4 ml/L. In case of genotypes lower number of Pulse beetle infestation and seed weight loss were recorded in Phule Vaibhav as compared BM 2003-2. Among the interaction effect significantly lowest pulse beetle infestation as well as seed weight loss was observed with pre-harvest spraying of Emamectine Benzoate@ 0.3 ml/L in Phule Vaibhav to check the infestation of pulse beetle during storage up to 270 day.