Screening of different legumes for the developmental preference of Callosobruchus maculatus (Bruchidae: Coleoptera)

Abstract

Pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Bruchidae: Coleoptera), commonly known as Cowpea weevil or Cowpea seed beetle is a pest of stored grain that attacks legumes in the field and stored conditions. An investigation was conducted for screening the developmental preference of Callosobruchus maculatus in different legumes. Five different legumes were used with three replications in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The grains of legumes were obtained from the local market of Dera Ghazi Khan. Two pairs of adult (C. maculatus) were inoculated in 20 g seeds of different legumes. Statistics on egg count, egg-laying preference percentage, hatching percentage, incubation period, larval + pupal period, total developmental period (from egg to adult), male and female population, total adult emergence, No. of holes in seeds and seeds weight loss percentage was recorded. The outcomes of this study represented that red kidney bean grains (22.54%) contained more egg-laying preference for C. maculatus as compared to other tested legumes while desi chickpea grains (14.53%) had a lesser ovipositional preference. Minimum growth period was recorded on mung bean (22.66 days), followed by cowpea (24.33 days), kabuli chickpea (27 days) and desi chickpea (30.33 days). But there was (0.0 days) no growth of C. maculatus on red kidney bean grains. In short, smooth seed coat and well-filled seeds were most preferred by C. maculatus for egglaying, short developmental time, maximum adult emergence and increased holed seeds.

Fertility Table and Thermal Requirements for the Development of Callosobruchus maculatus (F) Reared on Different Legume Seeds

“…Also, Jehajo and Memon (2020) reported that the developmental period of C. maculatus was longer on black gram while shortest on cowpea and green gram. Also, the obtained results agree with those published by Nisar et al, (2021). They stated that the minimum growth period of C. maculatus was recorded on mung bean, followed by cowpea, kabuli chickpea, and desi chickpea.…”

Olfactory Stimulants Mediated Egg-Laying Preference of Cowpea and Faba Bean Beetles and the Effectiveness of some Aromatic Plant Products as Protective Agents

“…Also, the present results coupled with those obtained by Ajayi et al, (2015) that C. maculatus females differentiated between the legume grains. Nisar et al (2021) added that red kidney bean grains contained greater egg-laying choice for C. maculatus (22.54%) compared to different examined legumes at the same time as desi chickpea grains (14.53%) had a lesser ovipositional choice. The present study revealed that may be chemical cues of the seed the reason for such differential choices.…”

A Comparative Study on the Susceptibility of Chickpea Cultivars to the Insect Callosoprocus Chinensis L. and Callosobruchus analis F.

“…desi chickpea grains (14.53%) had a lesser ovipositional preference. smooth seed coat and well-filled seeds were most preferred by C. maculatus for egg-laying, short developmental time, maximum adult emergence[15]…”