Indian Journal of Agricultural Research

The main objective of this study is the Population dynamics evaluation of broad bean bruchid Bruchus rufimanus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in crops beans of Vicia faba within the El Asnam's region (Algeria). A weekly monitoring of B. rufimanus was made during breeding diapauses in the laboratory and during their colonization in the parcel of variety of Séville and then a comparative studyhad been implementedto characterize thetotal haemolymphaticprotein levels during diapause and the periodsof reproductive activity. Theobtained results demonstrated that after the diapauseperiod, the colonization of the field by adults of B. rufimanus coincides with the period of full bloom of the host plant which represents a trophic source necessary for the reproductive activity. 54 beetles were captured from which 28 were males. Oviposition covering a period of one month and 15 days, with a total of 168 eggs being counted, of which 72 were placed on the low layer pods. The total hemolymphatic protein content of B. rufimanus was found a high concentration during diapause and varying between 46 to 85.8μg/μl. High levels of protein were probably due to the stock of proteins during the larval life of this pest. Protein levelshad decreased significantly in April, reflecting arecoveryin the activity and colonization of beanfields for food, sexualpartnership, spawning and other activities. However, throughout themonth of May, theprotein concentration increased due to the pollen supply provided by the host plant and weeds present in the agrosystem.