Performance of various admixtures for controlling ground nut seed beetle in storage condition

Groundnut is the largest oilseed in India in terms of production. Caryedon serratus (Olivier) (Bruchidae: Coleoptera) is one of the major pests of groundnut. It infests groundnut by making characteristic round holes on them which causes qualitative and quantitative losses. Considering limitations of chemical use, there is a need for alternate methods. A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the efficacy of insecticidal plants: neem (Azadirachta indica), begunia (Vitex negundo), naguaeri (Lantana camera), custard apple (Annona reticulatnm) and powder of turmeric rhizome and red chili against the groundnut bruchid (Caryedon serratus). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. Parameters assessed included number of number of adults that emerged from each treatment, percentage of loss of the pod in 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd month. The relative efficacy of plant product admixtures @2.0%(w/w) showed that, best protection was offered by neem leaf powder followed by turmeric rhizome powder. Weight loss of pods in neem leaf powder was 1.1%, 4.0% and 10.13% on comparision to 14.2%, 17.63 and 29.23% in control after first, second and third month respectively.