Diversity and losses caused by pulse beetle in North-Western Himalayan region of India

Abstract

Pulses constitute a significant category of crops in India, contributing substantially to its export revenue. India holds the distinction of being the largest producer of pulses globally. Pulses typically contain 20 to 25 percent protein by weight, which is twice the protein content found in wheat and three times that in rice. Pulses are infested by many insect-pests during storage, however, pulse beetle is one of the major pest causing substantial losses in different pulses. Out of the eight locations surveyed in Himachal Pradesh, C. chinensis was predominant and was found at all locations, while C. analis and C. maculatus was found at fewer places. The predominant specie of pulse beetle, C. chinensis caused damage and weight loss of different pulses at different locations. As far as orientation studies, out of eight pulses tested, the predominant specie i.e. C. chinensis oriented maximum towards green gram and least towards horse gram and kidney bean.