Influence of indigenous plant materials on reproductive performance of Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) on chickpea

The pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis L. is one of the major insect pests of pulses in storage. Different synthetic pesticides have been found effective in managing its population, but since the exposure on the risk of chemical to the public health; there has been an on-going attempt to reduce the usage of harmful pesticides. In this context, many plant materials have been validated for their insecticidal activities but there is still lack of studies regarding their effects on reproductive behavior of store grain pests. Thus, an attempt was undertaken to evaluate the insecticidal activity of Azadirachta indica , Citrullus colocynthis , Nerium oleander and Justicia adhatoda against reproductive performance of C. chinensis . In plant materials, leaf powder at 3% ( w /w) for seed dressing was applied to document its influence on insect mating, oviposition, egg fertility and sex ratio. Though, all botanical leaf powders were observed more or less effective but C. colocynthis and A. indica were the best. These both did not only restrict the mating (50–60%) of C. chinensis but also protected seeds with less oviposition by female. Further, the laid eggs were less fertile and with maximum male ratio which is indirectly good way to control the insect population. Among four provided conditions (virgin pair, gravid female, treated male and female), the best results were obtained with release of virgin pairs on treated seeds. Thus, C. colocynthis is highly recommended for controlling pulse beetle and further suggested to evaluate its chemical derivatives to be used in future being a main component of integrated pest management.