Bio-efficacy evaluation of botanicals against pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis L.)

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at Department of Entomology, BTC College of Agriculture & Research Station, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, during 2024-25 to evaluate the efficacy of selected botanicals in managing the pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis L., on chickpea seeds under laboratory conditions. The experiment, laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with 13 treatments and three replications. Powder and aqueous forms of botanicals were applied at 20 g/ml per kg seeds under no-choice and free-choice conditions. The result showed that Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf was most effective, recorded mean mortalities of 43.55% (powder) and 48.57% (aqueous) in no-choice tests, and 34.12% (powder) and 36.57% (aqueous) in free-choice tests. Buch (Acorus calamus) and karanj (Pongamia pinnata) were next in effectiveness. Untreated controls showed the lowest mortalities (≤1.59%). Neem, Buch, and karanj significantly reduced adult longevity (6 days in males, 9 days in females) compared with controls (12 and 14 days, respectively). Fecundity and adult emergence were highest in control (81.70 eggs/10 g seeds, 68.28 adults) and lowest in neem-treated seeds (24.08 eggs, 18.13 adults). Results indicate that neem, buch and karanj in aqueous form, proved as a promising eco-friendly option for managing C. chinensis during storage.