Effect of gamma radiation on pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Coleoptera : Bruchidae) with different storage conditions

摘要

Studies on effects of gamma radiation on life stages (egg, larva, pupa and adult) of pulse beetle, Callosobruchuschinensis (L.) was conducted in the laboratory with different packing materials viz., polypropylene bag (70 micron), HDPE bag(100 micron), HDPE bag (200 micron), PVC container and laminated urea bag. The packing materials contained withfresh andinfested grains ofpigeonpea, mungbean and chickpea with pulse beetle. Seeds containing 24 hrs old eggs, 10 days old larvae, 6days old pupae and 1 day old virgin adults of pulse beetlewere exposed to radiation source in gamma chamber-5000 with differentdosages viz., 400 Gy, 650 Gy and 850 Gy. Complete mortality of egg, larva, pupa and sterility of adult was noticed in all the doses.Post emergence studies were carried out after treatment and were continued up to six months in all the doses of treatment whichshowed nil emergence of pulse beetle. The treated packing materials were monitored regularly for pulse beetle re-infestationand re-infestation was not recorded which remained fresh. The results showed that lower dose of 400 Gy were found to beeffectiveagainst all life stages ofpulse beetle. The irradiation with gamma rays greatly influencing the growth and developmentof C. chinensis, which can be considered as a safe method of control in pulses.