Effect of freezing seeds of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) on their infestation by weevils (Acanthoscelides spp.).

摘要

Seed samples of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and garden pea (Pisum sativum), infested by bean weevil (Acanthoscelides obsoletus [A. obtectus]) and pea weevil (Bruchus pisorum), respectively, were frozen 1, 2 and 3 times at -20 degrees C for 24 h with intervals of 7 days (20 degrees C). A single freeze was sufficient to stop the insects population growth and control all their developing stages. The freezing of seeds had no effect on their germination capacity..