The Protection of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) during Storage using Deltamethrin on Sacks

Studies were undertaken to explore the possibilities of using deltamethrin as grain protectant for chickpea during storage primarily from its persistence and efficacy point of view when sprayed at the rates 15 and 25 mg a.i. m⁻² on jute sacks filled with chickpea. Grains from sacks spray treatment had residues below MRL and were thus safe for consumption. Deltamethrin was found effective in controlling Callosobruchus chinensis and mortality was 76 to 78% up to six months. Simple washing and steaming of the contaminated grains rendered the grains free from residues. The treatments did not alter the viability and protein of the grains during experimental period.