Studies on Biology of pulse beetle Calosobruchus chinensis L on stored chickpea and their management through botanicals

Abstract

newline The present study was conducted during the year 2024 at the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agricuhure and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, to examine the biology, life table parameters, and eco-friendly control methods of Callosobruchus chinensis L. (pulse beetle) on stored chickpea under ambient conditions. Biological observations revealed that the incubation period averaged 4.45 ± 0.13 days, grub development spanned 19.2±0.41 days, and the pupal stage lasted 7.05±0.29 hours. Adult longevity averaged 8.65±0.26 days, with female fecundity being 87.4±2.62 eggs and hatchability at 84.7±2.54%. The sex ratio was recorded as 0.84: I .22 (6:9). Life table studies indicated a complete life cycle of 43 days with a net reproductive rate (Ro) of 40.26, intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of 0.098, finite rate of increase (X) of 1.103, and a doubling time of 0.124 days. The highest mortality (21.21%) was recorded at the third instar grub stage. Total potential fecundity was 51.77 with an annual reproductive increase (ARI) of 2.3696 x 1015. In pest management trials, seven botanical powders were tested. Neem leaf powder (5 pkg seed) resulted in the highest adult mortality (88.16%) and lowest grain infestation (3.00%) over 90 days, followed closely by black pepper powder (86.17% mortality, 3.50% infestation). Clove powder also showed significant efficacy. Economic analysis revealed neem leaf powder as the most cost-effective with a benefit-cost ratio of 1:12.89. study emphasizes the biological understanding and economic viability of botanical formulations for sustainable management of C chinensis in stored chickpea.