*Department of Chemistry, Graphic Era Parvativya Viswavidalya, Bhimtal, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
**Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263 145
Department of Chemistry, College of Basic Science and Humanities, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 263 145
Online published on 3 January, 2013.
Behavioral response of Caryedon serratus (Olivier) towards groundnut extracts in Hexane, DCM (dichloromethane), methanol and water were studied on groundnut kernels. Generally females oviposit where there is food security for their next generation. Oviposition on kernels treated with methanol extract was almost double as compared to those treated with hexane and Dichloromethanol extract. Water extract also showed high oviposition response.Order of preference for oviposition by females of C. serratus, when given choice was: Methanol extract > Water extract > Hexane extract > DCM extract. When the choice was not given it was: DCM > water > methanol > hexane. On the basis of the ovipositional response, chemical analysis was undertaken to investigate active components responsible for egg-laying. Gas chromatographic analysis of extracts revealed the presence of palmitic and stearic acids. These chemical components may be used in combination with other attractants for synergistic effect and may be used for the eco-friendly management of this pest.
groundnut, Caryedon serratus, behaviour, pods, kernels
