A laboratory study was conducted at the JAU, Junagadh (Gujarat) during 2013-14 on the deterrent effect of different aqueous plant extracts against pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in stored seeds of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.). Among different aqueous extracts of plants materials, maximum percentage of oviposition deterrence was observed in custard apple seed extract (67.19%), custard apple leaf extract (65.95%), neem seed extract (65.44%), mustard seed extract (64.65%) and jatropha leaf extract (64.16%) at 5 per cent concentration. The maximum adult emergence reduction was seen in custard apple seed extract (78.45%), custard apple leaf extract (77.14%) and neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) (77.09%) at 5 per cent dose level. Minimum weight loss percentage was observed in the cowpea seeds treated with custard apple seed extract at 5% dose level, which recorded 79.20%. The results revealed that all of the tested materials with some variations had deterrent and toxic effects against the pest.

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Aim : The aim of the present study is to provide parameters of 2nd metacarpal bones for sex determination from Saurashtra populations. Material and method: Forty two pairs of 2nd metacarpal bones were measured and their dimensions were compared with the dimensions of Spanish and American white population. The mean, SD, t value and p value were calculated, and demarcating point method for sexual dimorphism was employed. Result : Mean interarticular length of 2nd metacarpal was higher in male as compared to female for both sides (right and left) and the difference was statistically highly significant. Mean anteroposterior width at base of 2nd metacarpal was higher in male as compared to female for both sides(right and left),but the difference was statistically insignificant for right side and statistically significant for left side. Conclusion: The present study showed that interarticular length and anteroposterior width at base of 2nd metacarpal are effective parameters for sex determination.