Susceptibility of different pulses to pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) in storage

This study was carried out in 2023-2024 at the Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Entomology and the six pulse crops viz., chickpea (Cicer arietinum), red gram (Cajanus cajan), green gram (Vigna radiata), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), black gram (Vigna mungo), and field pea (Pisum sativum) were evaluated for their susceptibility against C. chinensis infestation under controlled laboratory conditions. Different parameters used included seed damage, weight loss, developmental period, adult emergence, oviposition period, and fecundity. In terms of fertility (78.45 eggs/female), adult emergence (86.67%), weight loss (47.73%), seed damage (96.00%), and developmental duration (27.63 days), cowpea was shown to be the most vulnerable host to Callosobruchus chinensis. A longer developmental time (30.41 days) and the lowest seed damage (28.00%), weight loss (6.91%), and adult emergence (34.0%) were seen in black gram, which demonstrated considerable resistance.