Indian Journal of Entomology

Callosobruchus chinensis (Bruchidae: Coleoptera) known as pulse beetle is a serious pest of pulses causing economic losses. The present work reports the effect of pulses on life cycle parameters (oviposition, emergence, longevity, total development period) of Callosobruchus chinensis (L.), and also on the nutritional loss incurred by it. Grains of seven pulses viz. Vigna radiata (green gram), Vigna aconitifolia (moth bean), Cicer arietinum (desi chickpea), Vigna unguiculata (cowpea), Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea), Vigna mungo (black gram) and Pisum sativum (yellow pea) were used as host with three replications. The results exhibit alterations in the developmental period as it was recorded least in green gram (23 ± 0.58 days) and maximum in peas (42 ± 1 days). The number of eggs were maximum on pea (310 ± 2) and least in moth (180 ± 2). Maximum longevity was recorded on green grams (16 days) and least on pea (9 ± 1 days). A significant correlation between weight loss and adult emergence was observed. Loss of nutritional content like protein and carbohydrate was significant.