Studies on Biology and Host Specificity of Callosobruchus Analis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) and their Management, using Indigenous Plant Extracts

Pulse beetle, Callosobruchus analis (Fab.) is one the most common destructive pest of stored pulses in India. The present study revealed that use of phytochemicals extracted from native aromatic plants (Lantana samara, Eupatorium odoratum, Azidirachta indica and Clerodendrum infortunatum) is perceived as a promising alternative to protect legumes. The biology and the host preference study of C. analis on five pulse grains (Bengal gram, Green gram, Green pea, Cowpea, Black gram) revealed that the larval developmental period had an influence on the hosts. Bengal gram, cowpea and green pea, thus showed the highest ovipositional preference. The growth index values of cowpea and green grams revealed that they are the most susceptible legume seeds and thus the most suitable hosts for C.analis. The insecticidal principles isolated from L.camara, Eupatorium odoratum, Azadirachta indica and Clerodendrum infortunatum were established. From the present study, it is recommended that farmers have to be advised not to store cowpea and green gram seeds in the same place and/or at the same time to avoid cross infestation because of their high susceptibility to C.analis and the 5% ethyl acetate and hexane extract of eupatorium and lantana treatment can be used effectively against C.analis.