Efficacy of modified atmosphere with elevated CO2 on pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis in Redgram

Abstract

Investigations were carried out to evaluate the effect of modified atmosphere with carbon dioxide against pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis was studied by directly exposing the adult bruchids to six concentrations of CO2 viz., 5, 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80%. The data was recorded on adult mortality and subsequent progeny development of the live adults exposed to different elevated CO2 concentrations. The results indicated that among different treatments, 60% and 80% CO2 concentrations caused 100 percent mortality of adults even at one day after treatment. Though some of the adults exposed to 40% CO2 concentration survived for one or two days but they become sterile and did not lay eggs further. Thus modified atmosphere with elevated CO2 concentrations of 40% and above were found to be the superior treatments for the management of C. chinensis in stored redgram.