Biology and Management of Pulse Beetle on Black Gram

Present investigation entitled "Biology and management of pulse beetle in black gram" was carried out to identify the major species of bruchids damaging pulses in Himachal Pradesh, India, their life history, behaviour, varietal resistance and eco-friendly approaches for their management. Samples of stored black gram drawn from farmers stores in different districts of Himachal Pradesh were found to be infested with pulse beetles namely Callosobruchus analis F., C. chinensis L. and C. maculatus F. C. analis was observed to have the highest incidence with 91.66 per cent. Owing to the bruchid incidence, average seed damage and weight loss of 5.97 and 2.24 per cent was observed during the laboratory study. Bruchids completed six generations during April-October. T-9 variety of black gram was found least susceptible to C. chinensis when compared to other varieties. Black pepper powder and neem leaf powder as well as oils of mustard and neem gave the highest mortality after 7 days of exposure and was capable of inhibiting oviposition and adult emergence.