EFFECT OF FEEDING OF EUSARCOCORIS CAPITATUS DISTANT (HETEROPTERA: PENTATOMIDAE), ON THE SEED VIABILITY OF TULSI (OCIMUM SANCTUM L.)

摘要

This study was conducted to assess the damage caused by Eusarcocoris capitatus [Eysarcoris capitatus] to the seeds of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum [Ocimum tenuiflorum]). Two chimneys marked as 'A' and 'B' were taken and each one was placed in a petri dish. Two hundred healthy seeds were kept in in each chimney. Ten adult s(5 pair of adults) and 10 nymphs (2 of each instar) of the bugs were released in chimney 'A' while the seeds in chimney 'B' were kept as control. The bugs were allowed to feed for 1 weekand seeds were taken out from both the chimneys and sown separately in well manured and irrigated beds. Seed germination was observed for 30 to 45 days. Most of the affected seeds of O. sanctum could not germinate even after a period of 40 days due to 96 to 99.67% damage with an average of 97.83 +or- 13.94% damage, while those kept under control germinated up to 80% after 30-45 days. The damaged seeds loss viability, weight and became unfit for germination.