Pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis) of Chickpea:

Identification & Monitoring

• Adult beetle is 3 - 4 mm long, oval shaped chockalate coloured, body is pointed towards front.
• The adult emerges out of the pupa.
• The size of the adult beetle depends upon the size of the infested portion of the pulse.
• The attack is during July-August in the stores.

Damage

• The adult and grub feed on the grain by making a small hole.
• Infested stored seed can be recognized by the white eggs on the seed surface and the round exit holes with the 'flap' of seed coat.
• Kabuli types are particularly susceptible.

 Cultural Control

• Periodical exposure of the grain to sun helps to check infestations.
• Dry the pods to optimum kernel moisture level of about 7 %.
• Store the pods in polythene-lined gunny bags and fill the top surface of the bag with a layer of 3 cm ht. sand.
• Mouth of bags should not be stitched or closed to avoid germination loss.
• Care should be taken to avoid breakage
• Broken seeds should not be stored for long periods.
• Dust an inert substance such as ABCD (attapulgite-based clay dust)

Chemical Control

• Dip the gunny bags in 10% malathion solution.
• Apply E.D.B. ampulses @ 3 ml/q of seed in air tight storage structure.
• Fumigation with aluminum phosphide protects the seed without affecting the viability.

Mechanical Control

• Dip the old gunny bags in boiled water for 15 minutes.

Biological Control

• Coat the seed with small quantities of vegetable oil or mix neem leaves in the stored grain.