ASSESSMENT OF FIELD DAMAGE BY PULSE BEETLE, Callosobruchus maculatus (BRUCHIDAE: COLEOPTERA) IN COMPARISON WITH POD BORER, Helicoverpa armigera (NOCTUIDAE; LEPIDOPTERA) AND POD FLY, Melanagromyza obtusa (AGROMYZIDAE; DIPTERA) IN RED GRAM

摘要

Pulses are popularly referred to as "poor man's meat". Pulses play key role in crop rotation due to their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. India is the world's largest producer and consumer of pulses accounting for about 25 per cent of global production, 27 per cent of consumption and 34 per cent as food use (FAO, 2010). Canada, Myanmar, Australia and the United States are the significant exporters and India is the most significant suppliers of pulses. India has the second largest population in the world and in order to fulfill the protein needs of population, large quantity of pulses is inevitable. Pulses had been the biggest source of protein (20 - 40%) for the vegetarian population of the country apart from being a good source for carbohydrates (50 - 60%), thiamin, niacin, calcium and iron . therefore, it is of utmost importance to ensure availability of pulses to ensure nutritional security of the populace.