Biology of Pulse Beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) on Bengal Gram (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Biology of pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) on Bengal gram Cicer arietinum L.” was carried out during the Kharif season (July to October) of 2021 in the laboratory of the Department of Entomology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (U.P.). The study recorded that the incubation period of eggs ranged from 4 to 6 days with an average of 5.33 ± 0.33 days. The combined larval and pupal period lasted between 21 to 24 days, with a mean of 22.0 ± 0.57 days. The adult lifespan varied between sexes, with males surviving for 7 to 9 days (average 8.0 ± 0.57 days) and females for 8 to 12 days (average 10.33 ± 0.88 days). The total life cycle duration ranged from 28 to 30 days, averaging 28.66 ± 0.88 days. Reproductive parameters revealed a pre-oviposition period of 0 to 1 day (average 0.66 ± 0.33 days) and an oviposition period of 6 to 10 days (average 9.0 ± 0.57 days). The average fecundity per female was recorded at 78.4 eggs, with a hatchability rate of 86% and a sex ratio of 1 male to 0.82 female.