Efficacy of Electron Beam Irradiation Against Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus Maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Effect of electron beam irradiation at various doses at two different energy levels 500 keV and 700 keV on adult pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) was studied in the laboratory. The adults infesting green gram seeds were exposed to electron beam doses viz., 170, 340, 510, 680, 850, 1020, 1190 and 1360 Gy at 500 keV and 700 keV. The mortality, longevity and development of F1 progeny of the surviving adult were studied and found adversely affected. Both the sexes were equally vulnerable and dose/energy level dependent insect responses viz., mortality, longevity and progeny development were observed.