GROWTH INHIBITION AND REPELLENT EFFECT OF NEEM SEED POWDER ON PULSE BEETLE, Callosobruchus chinensis L. (COLEOPTERA: BRUCHIDAE)

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to find out growth inhibition and repellent effect of neem (Azadirachta indica) seed powder on pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) infesting chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) during storage. Four different concentrations of neem seed powder, viz. 0.4, 0.3, 0.2 and 0.1% (w/w) were evaluated. The results showed that neem seed powder significantly reduced fecundity, suppressed adult emergence of pulse beetle and consequently reduced damage and weight loss of chickpea grains. It exhibited maximum growth inhibition activity at the concentration of 0.4, 0.3 and 0.2%. The treatments had no significant effect on adult life span of pulse beetle. The tested concentrations of neem seed powder also showed some degree of repellency against the pest. Maximum repellent activity was observed at the concentration of 0.4 and 0.3%. On the basis of present findings, it was concluded that neem seed powder could be effectively used for the management of pulse beetle during storage.