Diversity of Pulse Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) Associated with Stored Pulses in District Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

Insects are significant pests of stored pulses. It has been found that without adequate protection, Coleopteran pests, particularly beetles and weevils can quickly deteriorate stored grain and deplete entire stocks. A survey was conducted in various localities of the Kolhapur district to assess the diversity and insects infesting major stored pulses. The study indicates that six species of pulse beetles damage pulses during storage. Bruchids were the primary insect pests of legumes. Callosobruchus maculatus, Callosobruchus analis, and Callosobruchus chinensis emerged as the predominant pest of legumes and primarily attacked cowpea, green gram, and lentils. This work summarizes the importance and diversification of bruchid pests in the Kolhapur district. Understanding pest diversity is an important step in the strategy to develop a friendly and ecological control method for these harmful insects.