Effect of botanicals and novel molecules on bruchid infestation and mortality in Mung Bean (Vigna radiate L.) storage in ambient conditions

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during 2023–24 and 2024–25. The experiment aimed to evaluate the influence of various botanicals and novel insecticidal molecules on the management of pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis) infestation and efficacy of these molecules on mortality of the insects during storage. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with twelve treatments and four replications. Treatments included botanicals such as neem kernel powder, neem oil, and EcoNeem Plus, along with novel molecules like broflanilide, dinotefuran, emamectin benzoate, and deltamethrin. Seeds of mung bean variety ‘Shweta’ were treated, shade-dried, and stored in jute bags under controlled laboratory conditions (20 ± 2 °C and 90 ± 3 % RH). Observations on seed damage, weight loss, and insect mortality were recorded at three-month intervals for up to twelve months. Results revealed that treated seeds maintained significantly higher germination percentage, vigour indices, and seedling growth compared to untreated control. Among the treatments, neem oil and broflanilide proved most effective in maintaining seed quality and minimizing pulse beetle infestation throughout the storage period. Insect mortality increased with storage duration under treated conditions, while untreated seeds showed heavy damage and rapid decline in viability. It was concluded that selected botanicals and novel molecules can effectively preserve mung bean seed quality and reduce storage pest infestation in an eco-friendly and economically feasible manner.