MANAGEMENT OF PULSE BEETLE (Callosobruchus maculatus F.) IN PIGEONPEA

Invastigation on the host preference of pulse beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius) in pigeonpea and its management was conducted at Pulses Research Station, S. D. Agricultural University, Gujarat. The research revealed that cowpea, mungbean, mothbean and pigeonpea were the most preferred hosts, while horsegram, chickpea, fieldpea, and blackgram were the least preferred. Kidney bean was found to be a non-preferred host. The study also investigated the biochemical basis of host preference and found that total soluble sugars, total phenol, and total tannin content significantly impacted growth parameters. High levels of total phenol and total tannin were detrimental to the growth and development of C. maculatus, while high levels of total soluble sugars favored development. For management, black pepper powder at 2.5g per 100g of seed provided 100 percent protection to pigeonpea seeds against the pulse beetle (C. maculates) without affecting germination. These findings can help develop effective management strategies for pulse beetle in pigeonpea and other preferred hosts.