The Effect of Different Pulses on the Oviposition Preference and Reproduction of Pulse Bruchid, Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Studies were conducted to ascertain the population growth and oviposition preference of pulse bruchid, Callosobruchus chinensis on some pulses viz., Vigna radiata, Lens esculenta, Cicer arietinum, Cajanus cajan and Pisum sativum under conditions of restricted (no choice) and unrestricted (choice) access. Results revealed that under conditions of choice and no choice test, oviposition and adult emergence was highest on C. arietinum (6.84 nos). Lens esculenta recorded lowest egg deposition under conditions of no choice while no egg laying activity was observed under choice conditions. Developmental period was significantly shorter in V. radiata while it was longer in P. sativum in both choice (37days for male and 36.32 days for female) and no choice test (37.10 days for male and 36.46 days for female). In V. radiata, the adult longevity was shorter in both choice (7.48 days for male and 5.91 day for female) and no choice (7.68 days for male and 6.13 days for female) test and adults were significantly heavy than on C. arietinum, C. cajan and P. sativum in both choice and no choice test. Overall, V. radiata was found to be a superior host with shorter development period and healthier adults while C. arietinum was better in terms of oviposition preference and adult emergence. These insights offer valuable assistance for enhancing pulse cultivation practices in the region.