Relative efficacy of seed treatment materials and storage method in reducing infestation of bruchids (Callasobruchus chinensis L.) in chickpea (Cicer aerietinum L.)

Abstract

Present study was conducted to know the effectiveness of botanicals, insecticides, wood ash and sand storage methods against infestation of chick pea seeds by the pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis) during storage at University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore. Among tested treatments, the sand layer storage method found to be most effective in reducing the bruchids infestation. Neem oil and Pongamia oil from botanicals, found to be the effective in reducing the per cent damage, per cent weight loss, minimum number of adult emergence and minimum number of holes and causing the mortality of bruchids and which were on par with the insecticidal treatments (Malathion and Deltamethrin). Looking into the side effects of synthetic insecticides and cost basis, the study demonstrates that botanicals and sand layer storage method can play a major role in protection of chickpea seeds from bruchids infestation during storage.