Evaluation of qualitative and quantitative losses caused by Callosobruchus chinensis to some pulses

Studies on the infestation of Callosobruchus chinensis Linn. raised from a pure line culture to assess the quantitative (seed damage and weight losses) and qualitative (biochemical) losses in three pulses showed a maximum seed damage of 96.15% in cowpea (Vigna radiata) followed by 88.44% in green gram (V. unguiculata) and (74.22%) in moth bean (Phaseolus aconitifolius) while highest weight loss was registered in green gram (48.13%) followed by moth bean (39.7%) and cowpea (18.6%). Biochemical analyses of damaged seeds after 20 and 40 days of infestation showed gradual increase of moisture content in all the three pulses with infestation. Crude fat and crude fibre showed a similar trend of increase with infestation. Crude protein for the three pulses first increased after 20 days of infestation later showed slight decrease. However, total carbohydrate content of the three pulses showed decrease.