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To be effective, a biocontrol agent must survive and persist in the same habitat as the target species and reduce target population growth. When multiple biocontrol agents are used against a single invasive species, they may each perform better under a subset of the habitat in which the target lives. This complementarity allows for a more consistent level of control and a higher resilience to environmental variability. Two species that feed on the same plant tissues would compete, but niche partitioning in the native range may be replicated when both species are introduced to the invasive range. When biocontrol agents are released, they may self‐sort to perform best in their respective niches. We hypothesized that two biocontrol agents—Scotch broom seed beetle, Bruchidius villosus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and Scotch broom seed weevil, Exapion fuscirostre (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Brentidae)—that both feed on seeds of the invasive legume Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius L. Link (Fabaceae), would be impacted differently by different weather conditions and plant traits, and would show different success rates at field sites with different conditions. We used a 5‐year study to reveal that the two biocontrol agents are not uniformly distributed in the field and that weather and plant factors influence their success. We confirmed that weather conditions of the previous year influenced biocontrol agent attack rate and found that weather patterns at a field site may predict the impact of each biocontrol agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study tested hand warmers as oxygen scavengers for controlling insect pests in hermetic storage by accelerating oxygen depletion. Using one, two, or four hand warmers, this study found that only four hand warmers effectively reduced oxygen below 1% and maintained it for up to 168 h. Insect mortality increased with more hand warmers and extended storage duration, achieving 100% mortality after 5 and 8 days for four and two hand warmers, respectively. Hand warmer treatments did not affect the moisture content or germination rates of cowpea seeds. Hand warmers effectively accelerate oxygen depletion, leading to high insect mortality and progeny suppression, without impacting grain quality. Accelerating oxygen depletion during hermetic storage can minimize pest damage and preserve product quality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of hand warmers in accelerating hypoxia to control insect pests inside hermetic containers. We used one, two, or four hand warmers to deplete oxygen in a 4-gallon hermetic jar with 4 kg of cowpea and cowpea bruchids, alongside a non-hermetic control with cowpea bruchids and no hand warmers. Oxygen levels, insect mortality, egg counts, seed moisture content, and germination rates were monitored over 2, 5, or 8 days of storage. Only the four hand warmers treatment reduced oxygen levels below 1% within 12 h and maintained them for up to 168 h. The other treatments did not achieve this level. Insect mortality was higher with more hand warmers and extended storage duration, reaching 100% after 5 and 8 days with four and two hand warmers, respectively. Similarly, increased hand warmers and extended storage durations reduced egg counts and adult emergence. The treatments did not affect the moisture content or germination rates of the stored cowpea seeds. Hand warmers proved effective in accelerating hypoxia during hermetic storage, resulting in high insect mortality and reduced reproduction, without compromising grain quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus) is a major storage insect pest that reduces cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) yield and seed quality, making it unsafe for consumption. This study seeks to identify and map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with resistance to cowpea bruchids. A total of 120 F2 lines from a cross between MU9 (susceptible) and WC42 (resistant) were genotyped with 2753 single nucleotide polymorphism markers. The F2:3 seeds were screened for resistance to cowpea bruchids using a no‐choice experiment. Significant differences were observed among the F2:3 lines for bruchid‐resistance traits, except on oviposition. The Dobie susceptibility index scale grouped the F2:3 lines from moderately resistant to highly susceptible, hence no highly resistant line was identified in this study. Ten QTL for resistance to bruchids were identified on chromosomes Vu02, Vu03, Vu04, Vu06, Vu08, Vu09, and Vu11. Two major QTLs were identified and mapped: on Vu06 for median development period (MDP6.1MW, R2 = 25.9%) and a co‐localized QTL region on Vu09 for number of adult bruchid emergence (NEI9.1MW, R2 = 28.6%), number of eggs per 10 seeds (NE9.1MW, R2 = 18.8%), average number of exit holes on seeds (ANH9.1MW, R2 = 19.6%), and seed weight (R2 = 15.6%–16.3%), respectively. Therefore, markers linked to the QTL identified in this study including MDP6.1MW, NEI9.1MW, and ANH9.1MW can be validated for marker‐assisted selection to fasten breeding for resistance to bruchid in cowpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acanthoscelides aureomicans (Pic, 1930) is transferred to the Sennius genus. In addition, it is presented as a description of the species, which illustrates the male habitus and its genitalia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bruchid beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis) is one of the devastating field carry over storage pest causing a huge crop loss, especially in greengram. The pre-breeding lines were developed by crossing between a cultivated variety, VBN (Gg) 2 and Vigna radiata var. sublobata, a progenitor species of greengram used as a resistant parent against bruchid. Methods: A total of 53 stabilized inter sub-specific lines along with parents were screened for bruchid resistance by ‘no choice’ method with two replications. Screening parameters were recorded for all the 53 lines and were statistically analysed. Damage assessment was carried out and the three resistant lines obtained during initial screening was further confirmed. Result: The low seed damage per cent was observed in three lines viz., GGISC-2 (18.00), GGISC-21 (20.00) and GGISC-49 (14.00). The susceptibility index was 0.048, 0.049 and 0.048 in GGISC-2, GGISC-21 and GGISC-49, respectively and hence, classified as bruchid resistant. Delayed adult emergence, uneven adult emergence, prolonged developmental period, small and malformed adults were the other parameters observed in resistant lines. The three resistant lines identified could be further utilized in the breeding programmes for the development of bruchid resistant varieties in greengram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A morphological study is carried out on the taxonomic characters of the species of the genus Bruchidius Schilsky, 1905, grouped in the bimaculatus subgeneric group, present in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands. The morphological characters and their value as a discriminating criterion of the species of the group are analyzed, as well as the concordant and discordant aspects of the known trophic biology of the different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted on the biochemical basis of resistibility and susceptibility of Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) and Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) against twenty-five different genotypes of Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek. Results revealed that C. maculatus and C. chinensis were most susceptible to mungbean genotypes except for two cultivars, 174No.302 and PLU-1050. From biochemical analysis, it has been concluded that the total protein, carbohydrates and lipids had a non-significant and positive relation with development parameters in all the mungbean genotypes. The results showed that genotypes 174No.302 and PLU-1050 were highly resistant to the bruchids and had high levels of flavonoids, phenol and tannin. These anti-nutritional factors negatively affected the growth, development period and adult emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulse crops are crucial for human nutrition not only because of their rich source of proteins but also for their dietary fibres, complex carbohydrates, resistant starch, vitamin complex and minerals. Pulse crops include mungbean, urdbean, redgram, bengalgram, adzuki bean and cowpea which are agriculturally and economically important crops in tropical and subtropical regions. Bruchid beetles, [Callosobruchus chinensis (L.)] and [C. maculatus (F.)] are the most serious insect pests of Vigna crops especially during storage. Infestation starts in the field and carried to storage godowns, where sometimes it causes total destruction of the seeds within six months. The damage is caused by the grubs, which feed on the entire grain contents leaving only the shell behind. The seeds thus loss its viability and they are rendered unfit for human consumption. Use of resistant cultivars is the best way to manage the bruchids. Hence, the resistant accessions can be effectively used as promising donors for developing bruchid resistant varieties which would ensure food security by reducing postharvest losses under storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damage caused by the cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) is the major constraint to cowpea grain production in most cowpea producing countries. The activity of fenugreek essential oil was evaluated against the one-week-old adults of C. maculatus which exhibited good activity with an LC50 value of 195.44 ppm. Two gamma radiation doses were chosen (50 and 100Gy) to study their combined effects with the LC75, LC50, LC25 and LC10 values of fenugreek essential oil on the mortality of C. maculatus adults. The weevils were subjected to gamma radiation then exposed to vapors of the volatile oils and mortality was recorded daily for four days. It was observed that mortality increased as a result of the combined effect of the two agents. Mortality percentages were 93.33, 81.66, 68.33, and 51.66% when one-week-old adults of C. maculatus were irradiated with 100Gy and exposed to LC75, LC50, LC25 and LC10 values of fenugreek essential oil, respectively, 96 h post-treatment. The irradiated weevils with 50Gy showed 85, 71, 60, and 45% mortality, respectively, 96 h post-treatment. The integration of fenugreek essential oil and gamma radiation is a safe, effective and affordable control method against cowpea weevils and they are promising to be the main components of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs of this weevil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Baghdad Science Journal is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Damage caused by the cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) is the major constraint to cowpea grain production in most cowpea producing countries. The activity of fenugreek essential oil was evaluated against the one-week-old adults of C. maculatus which exhibited good activity with an LC50 value of 195.44 ppm. Two gamma radiation doses were chosen (50 and 100Gy) to study their combined effects with the LC75, LC50, LC25 and LC10 values of fenugreek essential oil on the mortality of C. maculatus adults. The weevils were subjected to gamma radiation then exposed to vapors of the volatile oils and mortality was recorded daily for four days. It was observed that mortality increased as a result of the combined effect of the two agents. Mortality percentages were 93.33, 81.66, 68.33, and 51.66% when one-week-old adults of C. maculatus were irradiated with 100Gy and exposed to LC75, LC50, LC25 and LC10 values of fenugreek essential oil, respectively, 96 h post-treatment. The irradiated weevils with 50Gy showed 85, 71, 60, and 45% mortality, respectively, 96 h post-treatment. The integration of fenugreek essential oil and gamma radiation is a safe, effective and affordable control method against cowpea weevils and they are promising to be the main components of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs of this weevil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice straw, a byproduct of harvesting rice, must be disposed of by farmers in a variety of ways, including burning, which is hazardous for the environment. To address this issue, the straw needs to be utilized and turned into valuable products. One such product is nano-silica (SNPs), which will be synthesized and investigated in our study as a safe alternative to chemical insecticides. Rice straw-derived SNPs were synthesized using the Sol–Gel method. The contact toxicity of SNPs on Callosobruchus maculatus, a major pest of cowpea seeds, has been assessed. The size of synthesized SNPs was determined by transmission electron microscopy to be ~ 4 nm. The SNPs estimated LC50 on C. maculatus adults was 88.170 ppm after 48h exposure. By raising the tested concentration, SNPs treatment increased the mortality%, which reached 100% at 200 ppm exposures. Additionally, SNPs at LC50 treatment decreased adult longevity and the average number of emerged adults. The findings also verified that SNPs had no phytotoxic effects on the cowpea seeds germination. Rather, their application improved seed germination efficacy. This study proposed that rice straw can be utilized to manufacture highly efficient SNPs which can be efficiently employed to preserve stored grains from C. maculatus infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which are prepared biologically by two bacterial species, Bacillus thuringiensis tenebrionis (Btt) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (P.f) to control southern cowpea beetle insect, Callosobruchus maculatus. Many features of the prepared nanoparticles were examined, and the results obtained showed that the highest absorption value of AgNPs was at 262 nm. Whereas the results of FTIR analysis showed that several compounds played a role in the silver ions reduction process, which included alcohol, alkane, primary amine, and amine group. The scanning electronic microscopic images showed that the average diameter of nanoparticles which was created by P.f was 48.52 nm, while it was 56.08 nm for the nanoparticles prepared by Btt. The study showed no significant differences between the activity of both AgNP types against C. maculatus eggs, while a significant preference was recorded for the activity of Btt AgNPs against the C. maculatus adults. The highest percentage of unhitched eggs was 53.8% recorded at 3000 ppm concentration, while Btt AgNPs gave 59.6% at 3000 ppm. The highest mortality rate of the adults who were treated by Btt AgNPs was 58.8 % at 3000 ppm concentration, while it was recorded 50% at 3000 ppm with P.f AgNPs treatment. The current study demonstrates the efficiency of biologically prepared AgNPs in controlling C. maculatus insect life stages, which encourages using of these nanoparticles as a modern strategy in management of insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis L. is a primary pest of stored chickpea which causes 50-60 per cent loss in seed weight and 45.5-66.3 per cent loss in protein content of the seeds and injudicious and indiscriminate use of hazardous synthetic chemicals for preventing storage losses in chickpea may lead to human and animal health issues due to residual hazards. Therefore, the biorational management of the pulse beetle in stored chickpea has been undertaken keeping biology in mind will prevent the loss as well as protect human health hazard. Methodos: The experiments on various non-chemical biorational approaches like effect of elevated levels of CO2 and application of nano particles which control the test insect effectively but have less toxicity to non-target organisms and the environment were studied in the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha during 2018-2021. Result: The results showed that elevated levels of CO2 at 60 and 80 per cent for 150 and 30 minutes respectively resulted in cent per cent mortality of the bruchids. Among the nano particles, nano silica and nano zinc applied @1000 ppm and 750 ppm realized the highest mortality of the bruchids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We record for the first time from the Galapagos Islands the species Eupelmus pulchriceps (Cameron, 1904) as well as the genus Horismenus Walker, 1843 with its species Horismenus dennoi Hansson, Kenyon & Benrey, 2019, all of them Hymenoptera parasitoids of seed beetles in the genus Acanthoscelides Schilsky, 1905. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis L. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) is a serious pest of stored chickpea seed and distributed worldwide. Synthetic insecticides and fumigants are random practices against this pest but with serious drawbacks. The larval-pupal parasitoid Dinarmus basalis Rondani (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) has been successfully used to control C. chinensis as an alternative. Hosts (C. chinensis) were cultured in the laboratory in confined conditions (30 ± 1 °C and 80 ± 10% RH) till (12–15 days) to get optimal size for parasitism. The bio-control efficacy was studied at 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C with three parasitoid density pairs i.e. 2, 4 and 6. The number of emerged parasitoids, parasitism and suppression rates were studied. The parasitism and suppression rate of the parasitoid increased with increasing temperature and parasitoid densities except 35 °C. The highest parasitism (98.55%) and suppression (98.43%) by D. basalis on C. chinensis populations were observed at 30 °C with six pairs of the released parasitoids. Conversely, the lowest parasitism (77.34%) and suppression (74.35%) were observed for two pair parasitoid densities at 25 °C. Therefore, 30 °C temperature and maximum D. basalis density have potential to suppress C. chinensis populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A morphological study is carried out on the taxonomic characters of the species of the genus Bruchidius Schilsky, 1905, grouped in the foveolatus subgeneric group, present in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands. The morphological characters and their value as a discriminating criterion of the species of the group are analyzed, as well as the concordant and discordant aspects of the known trophic biology of the different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mungbean seeds [Vigna radiata (L.)] are easily damaged by insects during storage, and essential oils (EOs) have proved effective for controlling insect infestation. This research study assessed the bioactivity of EO from Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). The chemical composition of EO was analysed by a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). All experiments were conducted following a completely randomised design (CRD) with four replications of the residual contact and seed dressing bioassays. Results indicated that J. sambac EO contained 35 compounds (97.587%), with the main component 3-hexen-1-ol benzoate. Residual contact toxicity LC50 values of this EO on adult C. maculatus at 24, 48, and 72 h were 5.01, 4.00, and 3.13 µL/mL, respectively. J. sambac EO at 8 µL/L showed the highest residual contact efficacy against C. maculatus, killing up to 100% in 72 hours. The highest concentration of J. sambac EO (1 mL/kg) gave optimal protection against C. maculatus within 4 and 5 days with 100% mortality. This concentration showed 100% inhibition of adult F1 progeny emergence, with no seed damage and weight loss of V. radiata L. after 30 days of exposure, and not significantly different from 0.8 mL/kg. Results indicated that J. sambac EO effectively prevented C. maculatus infestation and it could be used as an alternative to commercial chemical insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus is the most serious pests in stored legumes in majority of tropical countries. Attention has been given to the possible use of plant products or plant dry powders as promising alternatives to synthetic insecticides in controlling insect pests of stored products. Present study seven plant species evaluated for their bio activity to pulse beetle. Methods: Laboratory studies were conducted at Department of Crop Protection, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Valavachanur, Thiruvannamalai district to study the effect of various plant powders tested against, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) infesting stored black gram. The experiments were conducted two sets, first experiment (insecticidal action) and second on ovipoistion, egg hatchability, adult emergence and seed weight loss. Result: The Piper nigrum 2 per cent seed powder was found to be significantly the best compared to other treatments and caused 100 per cent mortality at one day after treatment. At seven days after treatment, Azadirachta indica (87.77%), Coccinia indica (80.50%), Abutilon indicum (73.50%), Acalypa indica (73.33%) and whereas untreated control recorded only 36.66 per cent mortality was recorded. Piper nigrum was significantly superior than all other treatments in complete inhibiting the oviposition, adult emergence and seed weight loss showed in P. nigrum 2 per cent seed powder treated black gram seeds as compared to untreated control higher numbers eggs laid (107 eggs), adult beetle emergence (90 adults) and seeds weight loss (34.26%) at 30 DAT, (39.22%) at 45 DAT and (45.28%) at 60 DAT. Different concentration of P. nigrum seed powder experiment results concluded that all the four doses (0.50, 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00%) highly effective against C. macultus viz., mortality, oviposition adult emergence and seed weight losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulse beetle is a field-to-store pest as its infestation on pulses often begins in the field itself as adults lay eggs on mature pods and when such seed is harvested and stored, the pest population increases rapidly and results in total destruction within a short period of 3-4 months. Keeping in view, varietal screening of fifty chickpea genotypes was carried out in the storage laboratory, Department of Entomology, OUAT, BBSR and the performance of the genotypes was assessed based on various biological parameters of test insect, damage and infestation by C. chinensis. The results indicated that none of the genotypes was completely resistant to pest attack whereas 4 genotypes (Himachal Chana 1, Dheera (NBeG-47), JG-14 and Dilaji) were found moderately resistant, 8 genotypes (Phule Vikram, JG 11, ICCV-181108, ICCV-181107, ICCV-181605, C-18203, C-18205 and C-18252) were moderately susceptible, 11 genotypes (RVG-204, RVG-203, JAKI-9218, Pratap Chana, Bharati, ICCC 4, ICCV-181106, ICCV-181612, C-18206, ICCV-181101 and Radhey) were susceptible and 27 genotypes (NBeG-49, Himachal Chana 2, JG-16, JG-130, CO 4, Vishal, Kranthi, NBeG-3, ICCV-14102, ICCV-171117, C-18175, ICCV-181611, ICCV-14106, Kalahandi Local, ICC 3137, ICCL 86111, C-19162, C-19168, GNG 2207, BG 3043, GG 3, Birsa Chana 3, C 19199, RSG 963, C 19200, KPG 59 and NBeG 119) were noticed to be highly susceptible. The bio-chemical constituents analyzed in the present studies viz., protein, phenol, ash and fibre contents of the genotypes contributed to the resistance / susceptibility of C. chinensis. Among the biochemical parameters, protein exerted significant positive effect whereas phenol, ash and fibre contents exhibited negative influence on pest infestation and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was undertaken in 110 mung bean genotypes in alpha lattice design in two replications to estimate the correlation coefficients, direct and indirect effects of various yield contributing traits on grain yield for 18 quantitative traits and nine screening traits against bruchids. The correlation coefficient analysis revealed that single plant yield showed high significant positive correlation with number of pods per plant, followed by number of clusters per plant and hundred seed weight. Path analysis showed that days to 50 per cent flowering and number of pods per plant showed high positive direct effect on single plant yield. The bruchid bioassay resulted in the identification of 12 genotypes with complete resistance to bruchids and all the characters showed high significant positive correlation with each other except for number of eggs laid. Hence, the resistant genotypes identified in this study can be used in resistance breeding programme for bruchids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, is an important food and forage legume worldwide. The cowpea weevil is a major cowpea pest that causes damage both in the field and during storage. This study investigated the effects of some foliar treatments, including three foliar fertilizers (Ca, K, B) and two growth regulators (mepiquat chloride (MC) and forchlorfenuron (CPPU) on the cowpea yield and its components. Furthermore, evaluating the susceptibility and resistance of cowpea seeds resulting from the previous treatments against the C. maculatus insect. The results showed that all foliar sprays had significant effects on yield and its components in both seasons compared with the control. The highest yield was achieved by CPPU treatment, followed by K treatment, and the lowest yield was achieved by MC treatment. The results of the free-choice and no-choice tests revealed that cowpea seeds treated with MC treatment were the most susceptible to C. maculatus attack. At the same time, cowpea seeds treated with K and CPPU treatments showed their resistance to infestation by the same insect. Foliar application of K and CPPU treatments could be used in integrated pest management programs to reduce the risk of pesticides to human health and increase crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Callosobruchus chinensis (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) is one of the major insect pests of Phaseolus vulgaris L. grains, commonly known as rajma seeds, in Europe and Asia including India. Infestations of these insects destroy majority of legume seeds including rajma which causes a great economic loss. Hence, a proper sustainable pest management measures are necessary for storage of rajma seeds. For this, the study aims to identify and quantify the n-alkane profile from the surface waxes of rajma seeds and their role as olfactory cue in C. chinensis. Individual synthetic alkane followed by the synthetic blends mimicking rajma seed surface wax n-alkanes as olfactory cue was also evaluated. Methods: Collected rajma seeds were solvent extracted to isolate surface waxes. The extract then fractioned by thin-layer chromatography and followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses to purify, quantify and identify n-alkanes. Result: Rajma seeds' surface waxes analysis revealed 18 n-alkanes between n-C15 and n-C33. The predominant alkanes were noctacosane and n-hexadecane. n-Octadecane was the least abundant alkane in seeds. Total alkane content was 3502.67±12.82μg from 100 g (number 200 ± 5.13) seeds. Adult female C. chinensis elicited attraction towards the surface wax alkanes at concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 seed(s) equivalent of rajma seed(s) in the Y-tube olfactometer bioassay, but the highest attraction was observed at 6 seeds equivalent. Hence, a synthetic alkane blend resembling of 6 seeds equivalent, present in seeds' surface wax alkane or a combination of nine (which elicited positive response) synthetic alkane blend resembling 6 seeds equivalent could be used as lures in developing baited trap in insect pest management programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is a vital pulse crop having a colossal nutritionary and gastronomic significance. The bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus is recognised as the most heinous storage pest of leguminous crops that causes drastic economic loss. Crop breeders may use the nutritional and antinutritional traits of seeds to successfully combat storage pests. Methods: The present investigation has been framed to compare the degree of seed damage and weight loss with the biochemical parameters, viz., starch, sugar, protein, phenol, tannin and alpha-amylase inhibitor, of mungbean seeds from parental and selected lines of F5 populations for bruchid resistance. Result: The resistant parent, V2802BG and seven F5 families (BSR-GG-1-49-2, BSR-GG-1-49-5, BSR-GG-1-56-5, BSR-GG-1-170-5, BSR-GG-1-198-2, BSR-GG-1-198-3, BSR-GG-1-160-1) were completely resistant to bruchid infestation with no seed damage. One of the probable reasons for the stunted development of Callosobruchus maculatus might be the high level of phenol. Seed weight loss and damage by bruchids were shown to be positively correlated with high levels of protein, starch and sugar; however, alphaamylase inhibitors and tannins did not reach statistical significance at the 5% level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista CienciaUAT is the property of Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A study on the taxonomic characters that have been used to discriminate the different species of the genus Bruchidius included in the unicolor group, represented in the Iberian-Balearic and Canary Islands fauna, is carried out. The taxonomic and biological heterogeneity of the species included in this group is discussed and some criteria are provided for characterization according this heterogeneity. The morphological analysis concludes with the low taxonomic value of its characters to differentiate the species, requiring the use of a set of characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stored legumes suffer both quality and quantity deterioration due to infestation by bruchids. Recently, plant essential oils (EOs) are recognized as safer substitutes to manage these pests by alleviating the concerns of residue and resistance problem of synthetic grain protectants. Insecticidal, sub-lethal and residual effects of Pogostemon cablin Benth, Mentha arvensis L., Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats., Pelargonium graveolens L. and Acorus calamus L. EOs were investigated against Callosobruchus analis (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). In contact toxicity, LC50 values ranged from 0.040 to 0.362 µl/cm2, being lowest for P. cablin. Cymbopogon martinii, P. graveolens and A. calamus EOs had strong repellent property (> 83%), while M. arvensis and P. cablin demonstrated moderate repellency (41–67%) at sub-lethal concentrations. Sub-lethal exposure reduced the oviposition (5.96–100%) and inhibited progeny emergence (21.22–100%) in dose-dependent manner. Acorus calamus EO showed potent oviposition deterrency and progeny emergence was totally abolished. EOs exhibited moderate to high residual activity, where M. arvensis and A. calamus treated seeds were completely protected (0% damage) for 70- and 84-days post-treatment. Results indicated the promising potential of five EOs to be used as bioactive ingredients for developing grain protectants to prevent post-harvest deterioration of legumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In laboratory study, we identified the biochemical components of resistance to bruchid (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) in 15-pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) genotypes. The bruchids cause substantial losses to the pigeonpea grains in storage as well under field conditions. The antinutritional constituents (Trypsin, cysteine and amylase inhibitors) of pigeonpea played major role in inhibiting the growth and development of C. chinensis. The maximum mean developmental period and minimum adult bruchid weight were observed in the wild pigeonpea genotype ICPW 68 (34.10 days and 4.98 mg respectively), followed by ICPL 20186 (32.4 days and 5.09 mg) and ENT 11 (32.31 days and 5.21 mg) respectively. The highest protease inhibition activity was observed in pH range of 4 to 7, which acts as an anti-metabolite to C. chinensis indicating the relative resistance. The anti-nutritional factors, developmental period and adult weight of bruchids were negatively correlated. The studies revealed that biochemical components in pigeonpea play an important role in resistance to C. chinensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In India, cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] is a minor pulse and is cultivated mainly in arid and semi arid tracts. Cowpea grains are often completely destroyed by bruchids both quantitatively and qualitatively making them unfit for planting, marketing and human consumption. Therefore, development and use of tolerant/resistant cowpea cultivars offer a simple, cheap and attractive way for reducing bruchids damage. Hence, the present study was aimed to identify new sources of insect resistant traits against Callosobruchus chinensis in cowpea germplasm so as to incorporate them in cowpea crop improvement programmes to evolve resistant or tolerant varieties against bruchids. Methods: Twenty seven cowpea genotypes were evaluated for resistance or susceptibility to pulse beetle, C. chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) using no-choice artificial conditions. Various parameters viz., oviposition, adult emergence/20 seeds, percent adult emergence, mean developmental period, per cent seed weight loss and growth index were determined for each genotype. Result: Significant differences were observed among cowpea accessions in terms of growth index (GI) of bruchid. Based on GI, one accession (IC 257844) was found moderately resistant (MR). Although, cowpea accessions showed variation in physical seed characters viz., seed coat colour, shape, seed length, seed width, seed thickness and 100 seed weight, they could not exert significant influence on any of the insect biological characters. Based on the study, it was demonstrated that IC 257844 (categorized as moderately resistant) could be used as potential donor for the development of bruchid tolerant cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important source of protein and income for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. But recently, it has faced challenges due to a storage pest, the Adzuki bean beetle, Callosobruchus Chinensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). The response of 80 field pea genotypes managed under different soil fertility levels was evaluated under no-choice conditions for this pest infestation in the laboratory with a randomized complete block design with three replications at two locations during 2017/18. Except for thousand seed weight and percentage of seed coat weight of seeds, combined ANOVA at the two locations showed a highly significant difference (p = 0.01) for the following traits: number of eggs, date of adult emergency, number of adults, adult recovery, mean number of holes per seed, percentage of seed damage and susceptibility index. However, all traits values showed highly significant variations among genotypes. When genotypes were grown with neither rhizobium nor phosphorus, rhizobium only, and rhizobium and phosphorus, the lowest and highest values ranges of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were observed for trait susceptibility index and thousand seed weight. Except for the percentage of seed weight loss, percentage of seed coat, thousand seed weight, and number of holes per seed, PCV was consistently higher than the corresponding GCV for more traits at each fertility level. We found moderate to high genetic advance as a percentage of mean and high heritability coupled with high genetic advance over percent mean for the traits thousand seed weight and proportion of seed coat weight across all fertility levels. Small-seeded field pea, Pisum var. abyssinicum genotypes fpcoll-1/07, fpcoll-2/07, fpcoll-21/07 and fpcoll-43/07 were moderately resistant, while the levels of the pea variety Adi were consistently more susceptible to Adzuki bean beetle than the other genotypes at all fertility levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mung bean is highly susceptible to insect attack during storage. Hermetic storage is an effective technique to control insect damage. This study investigated the potential of the hermetic SuperGrain bag (SGB) for controlling bruchids during storage. The dry samples were packed in SGB infested with adult bruchids (SGB-I), SGB natural field infested (SGB-N), woven polypropylene bags (WPP-I and WPP-N) and kept at room temperature for 180 days. Oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations were measured at 15 days intervals. Moisture content, infestation level, seed damage and weight loss were determined at 60 days intervals. Seed colour, hardness, crude protein and fat contents were analysed before and after storage. The O2 level decreased to 10.09%, whereas the CO2 level increased to 8.87% in both SGB-I and SGB-N treatments. The moisture content of mung bean was maintained as onset storage in both SGB-N and SGB-I treatments, whereas reduced in WPP-N (9.26% db) and WPP-I (9.21% db). In SGB treatments, no significant bruchids were detected, but they increased drastically in WPP-N (52 ± 9) and WPP-I (377 ± 14). Seed damage (2–3%) and weight loss (0.8–1.0%) were recorded in both SGB-N and SGB-I. Conversely, seed damage reached 26.67 and 54.17%, corresponding to weight losses of 12.33 and 20.82% in WPP-N and WPP-I, respectively. Seed colour, hardness, crude protein and fat contents in SGBs showed no significant changes than in the WPP bags. The study illustrated that the SGB is an efficient hermetic device in protecting mung beans against bruchids attacks compared to the WPP bags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pea landraces may hold genetic variation that can be exploitable in breeding/selecting new cultivars. In a small-seeded pea landrace, four phenotypes were distinguished according to testa (green, non-spotted and green, spotted) and hilum colour (white, black). The four phenotypes were tested for two growing seasons in the field for pod (seeds/pod) and seed traits (1000-seed weight, toughness, total phenols and tannins, testa colour, protein and carbon concentration, C/N ratio, bruchid infection). Significant differences were found for testa colour parameters, phenolic, tannin and carbon concentration and bruchid tolerance. The larger-seeded, spotted peas had darker testa and more phenols, while white-hilumed peas had lighter testa and more tannins. The spotted, black-hilumed phenotype, with the highest carbon concentration and C/N ratio was the most tolerant to bruchids. However, grouping the phenotypes, neither spotted nor black-hilumed ones showed to be more tolerant compared with their counterparts. Concluding, our results showed that phenotyping variation in seeds of a pea landrace revealed variation in seed traits, which could be exploitable. Since testa and hilum colour were associated with specific seed traits, they could, alone or in combination, be used as biomarkers of seed quality traits in pea. Testing of larger number of phenotypes is needed to solidify our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bruchids are the most important pests of leguminous seeds in the world. In this study, the focus was done on Callosobruchus maculatus, a serious pest of Vigna unguiculata seeds. As no efficient control methods preventing collateral effects on beneficials currently exist, this study investigated whether RNA interference (RNAi) could provide a new biotechnological and selective tool for bruchids control. Three principal objectives were followed including (i) the identification of all RNAi machinery core components and a key protein to silence in C. maculatus genome (c.f., dicer-2, argonaute-2, R2D2, and laccase 1), (ii) the identification of suitable reference gene for RT-qPCR analyses, and (iii) the micro-injection of dsRNA coding for laccase 1 to adults of C. maculatus to assess gene expression levels by RT-qPCR and potentially related mortalities. Phylogenetical analyses performed from transcriptomic information successfully identified all necessary proteins in the RNAi mechanism and also the open reading frame of laccase 1 in C. maculatus. A new reference gene was identified (i.e., alpha-tubuline 1) and coupled with glutiathone S transferase for RT-qPCR analyses. Double-stranded RNAs coding for laccase 1 and green fluorescent protein (control) were produced and 400 ng of each dsRNA were micro-injected into C. maculatus adults. RT-qPCR analyses revealed a stable significant decrease in laccase 1 expression in about 80% of adults treated with laccase 1 dsRNA after three days post-injection. No significant mortalities were observed which is probably related to the non-exposure of adults to anti-nutritional factors that are usually regulated by laccase. Further research should focus either on the feeding larval stage which is directly exposed to anti-nutritional factors, or on other target genes to induce dead phenotypes. This study is the first gene silencing report on a bruchid species and supports RNAi as a potential future method of control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulse beetle is the most harmful pest attacking stored grains and affecting quality and marketability. Continuous use of chemical-based pesticides against pulse beetle led to the development of insecticidal resistance; essential oils (EOs) can be an effective natural alternative against this pest. The main objective was to study the chemical composition of seven EOs viz., Acorus calamus, Hedychium spicatum, Lavandula angustifolia, Juniperus recurva, Juniperus communis, Cedrus deodara and Pinus wallichiana, their insecticidal and enzyme inhibition activities against pulse beetle. The primary compounds present in these EOs were cis-asarone, 1,8-cineole, linalyl isobutyrate, 2-β-pinene, camphene, α-dehydro-ar-himachalene and camphene. A. calamus oil showed promising fumigant toxicity to Callosobruchus maculatus and C. chinensis (LC50 = 1357.86 and 1379.54 µL/L, respectively). A combination of A. calamus + L. angustifolia was effective against C. maculatus and C. chinensis (LC50 = 108.58 and 92.18 µL/L, respectively). All the combinations of EOs showed synergistic activity. In the repellency study, A. calamus showed more repellence to C. maculatus and C. chinensis (RC50 = 53.98 and 118.91 µL/L, respectively). A. calamus and L. angustifolia oil at 2500, 5000 and 10,000 µL/L significantly inhibited the AChE and GST enzymes in C. maculatus and C. chinensis after 24 and 48 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the effect of extracts of three spices in control of Callosobruchus subinnotatus (Pic). The experimental design used was completely randomized design (CRD). Ginger, scent leaf and curry leaf were obtained and screened for phytochemical and proximate composition using standard laboratory techniques. The Bambara nut was subjected to three treatments (To, T1, T2 and T3) which were replicated 4 times. To was used as control while the rest were treated with the spices. Results from the study showed that the highest mortality rate was recorded on 100g of Ginger extract having percentage mortality of 93.33% (T3). It was followed by scent leaf with a mortality rate of 43.33% (T1). The result also showed that Ginger powder extract gave the lower mean number of holes (41) and with lower weight loss of 4.9% of nuts amongst the extracts used. Bambara nuts that were not treated with plant spice extracts (To) gave the highest mean number of holes or punctures (211) and the highest weight loss 25.5% of nuts. Conclusion of this study is that the plant extracts were effective at controlling Callosobruchus subinnotatus, though at varying degrees. These biopesticides are part of humans and animals food, often are used as ethno-medicines, and are more environmentally friendly being biodegradable, so all these things recommend to be used in the detriment of chemical pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of traditional method of storage of cowpea grains and seeds for the control of the Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). The storage method consists of packing grains and seeds, mixed with threshing residue, in hermetically sealed polyethylene bottles or barrels. In the experiment, four treatments were evaluated: (i.) Perforated flask containing grains, (ii.) Non-perforated flask containing grains, (iii.) Perforated flask containing a mixture of grains and threshing residues and (iv.) Non-perforated bottle containing a mixture of grains and threshing residues, the latter representing the traditional method (control). For each treatment, 4 replicates were used. For each pot, 20 adult individuals of the insect-pest were inserted. After induced infestation, the pots were stored in a place protected from rain and sun, simulating the reality of farmers' storage. At 35 and 70 days after the induced infestation, the following variables were counted for each pot: number of live insects, number of dead insects, number of holes caused by insects in the grains and percentage of grains attacked. The use of threshing residue was not efficient for the control. On the other hand, the absence of gas exchange in the pot decreased the multiplication of the insect pest, indicating the importance of using hermetic barrels ourvacuum packaging for storage and commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulse beetle Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) is an important pest of stored soybean grains. It is imperative to screen out the prevailing genotypes of Beninese soybean cropping systems in order to find out the resistant ones against C. maculatus infestations. The effect of seven grain physical traits (testa thickness, colour, texture, hardness, length, breadth, and 100-grain mass) on the susceptibility of eight soybean varieties to C. maculatus were evaluated in the laboratory. The correlations and contributions of the studied traits were evaluated using correlation path coefficient analysis. The tested soybean varieties showed a variation in physical seed characteristics. A differential susceptibility of soybean varieties to C. maculatus was observed, with the white seeded variety Whéwhé having longest and largest grains was the most susceptible. Based on the Dobie susceptibility index, the Yovoton variety was proved to be resistant to C. maculatus attacks. While, Kecheke, Houeton, Adjaton and Vovoh varieties were classified as moderately resistant to C. maculatus. The correlation analysis indicated that 100-seed weight had significant positive correlation with F1 progeny (r = 0.439), seed consumption (r = 0.467), number of eggs laid (r = 0.295) and susceptibility index (r = 0.453). Path coefficient analysis showed that each seed physical character and its interactions with the others characters influenced soybean grains susceptibility to C. maculatus. Soybean seed thickness showed the higher direct positive effect on soybean susceptibility to C. maculatus indicating that breeding should be done based on this trait to improve soybean seed resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Painteria leptophylla (DC) Britton y Rose is a rarely studied plant used in ecological restoration of arid and semi-arid zones. Its seeds are consumed by beetles of the Bruchidae family. Species that feed on the seeds were identified, the percentage of seed predation calculated during the pre-dispersal and post-dispersal stages, 2 months and a year after being collected, and germination of healthy and damaged seeds was evaluated. Merobruchus politus Kingsolver damaged 43.2% and Stator limbatus (Horn) 31.5% during pre-dispersal. Predation during post seed dispersal was 51.6% by M. politus and 50.6% by S. limbatus. Average percentage of predation 1 year after the seeds were collected was 51.6% by M. politus and 79.7% by S. limbatus. Thirty-seven percent of seeds without damage germinated and 60% were damaged by S. limbatus, with 16.6% of seeds with one emergence hole germinating and only 7% for M. politus. The percentage of predation by M. politus was greater in pre-dispersal of seeds, which might be because the species is univoltine. Thirty-seven percent of seeds without apparent insect damage germinated compared to seeds with a hole caused by S. limbatus. The greater percentage (60%) of germination, might be because damage by S. limbatus increased permeability and germination. Only 7% of seeds damaged by M. politus germinated because the larger size of the insect consumed most of the seed embryo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulse beetle Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) is an important pest of stored soybean grains. It is imperative to screen out the prevailing genotypes of Beninese soybean cropping systems in order to find out the resistant ones against C. maculatus infestations. The effect of seven grain physical traits (testa thickness, colour, texture, hardness, length, breadth, and 100-grain mass) on the susceptibility of eight soybean varieties to C. maculatus were evaluated in the laboratory. The correlations and contributions of the studied traits were evaluated using correlation path coefficient analysis. The tested soybean varieties showed a variation in physical seed characteristics. A differential susceptibility of soybean varieties to C. maculatus was observed, with the white seeded variety Whéwhé having longest and largest grains was the most susceptible. Based on the Dobie susceptibility index, the Yovoton variety was proved to be resistant to C. maculatus attacks. While, Kecheke, Houeton, Adjaton and Vovoh varieties were classified as moderately resistant to C. maculatus. The correlation analysis indicated that 100-seed weight had significant positive correlation with F1 progeny (r = 0.439), seed consumption (r = 0.467), number of eggs laid (r = 0.295) and susceptibility index (r = 0.453). Path coefficient analysis showed that each seed physical character and its interactions with the others characters influenced soybean grains susceptibility to C. maculatus. Soybean seed thickness showed the higher direct positive effect on soybean susceptibility to C. maculatus indicating that breeding should be done based on this trait to improve soybean seed resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed and illustrated description of Bruchidius misellus (Boheman, 1833), is offered, being a poorly known species, which has always been considered as a variety of other species of the unicolor group, but currently there is scientific consensus in considering it as a good species, with distribution restricted to a few countries of the Western Mediterranean, including those of the Iberian Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on the taxonomic characters that have been used to discriminate the different species of the genus Bruchidius included in the varius group, represented in the Iberian-Balearic and Canary Islands fauna, is carried out. The taxonomic and biological heterogeneity of the species included in this group is discussed and some criteria are provided for characterization according to this heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oil was extracted from green leaves of bel, Aegle marmelos (Family: Rutaceae) by hydrodistillation and investigated for its repellent, insecticidal, ovipositional, and egg hatching inhibition activities against pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). A. marmelos essential oil repelled bruchid adults in choice oviposition assay and also caused both fumigant and contact toxicity in C. chinensis adults. Median lethal concentrations (LC50) were 0.104, 0.097, 0.081, and 0.067 µL/cm3; 0.613, 0.527, 0.421, and 0.354 µL/cm2 in fumigant and contact toxicity assays after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. The significant reduction in oviposition potential and viability of eggs was recorded via fumigation at sub-lethal concentrations. In chronic toxicity assay, A. marmelos essential oil reduced grain damage of cowpea seeds and F1 progeny production of the pest due to reduced oviposition and egg hatching. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity was also inhibited in adults when fumigated with sub-lethal concentrations of A. marmelos. Findings of the present study suggest that A. marmelos essential oil can be useful as a promising agent in the management of C. chinensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Callosobruchus maculatus is one of the most important pests of cowpea in storage causing severe economic damage to the grain. This study investigated the efficacies of three plant materials (Azadirachta indica, Calotropis procera and Chromolaena odorata) leaves against the cowpea weevil. Concentrations of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5g of the plant powders were used on 10g of grains with 10 adult weevils in each and a Control (untreated) in triplicates. The results showed significant (P< 0.05) negatively effects of the plant materials on the survival of C. maculatus at the highest concentration. In all trails, mean daily mortality in adult C. maculatus were significantly(p<0.05) increased. All plant powder type were effective but concentration-dependent, with C. procera recording significantly (P < 0.05) higher mortality at the various concentrations while C. odorata, elicited the least mean daily mortality. The lowest LD50 (0.63g) was obtained with C. procera. These plants materials were found to also affect the egg-laying capacity of C. maculatus. Treatment with C. odorata recorded significantly(P<0.05) higher number of eggs laid at all concentrations, though the egg-laying capacity was also concentration-dependent; whereas C. procera recorded the least number of eggs laid. All the three plants powders tested demonstrated significant insecticidal potency on stored cowpea weevils, with C. procera and C. odorata showing significantly higher and lower insecticidal potentials respectively. These findings will help in solving problem associated with food security especially with respect to stored produce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mungbean is one of the most important grain legumes with high-quality dietary protein in India as well in many other Asian countries. But the crop is severely affected by bruchids (Callosobruchus spp.) from field to storage condition. These storage pests not only affect the yield but also reduce the market value and quality of the crops. The chemical method of bruchid management is not economical and environmentally unsafe. So, the host-plant resistance to bruchids would be the best alternative and most sustainable way to control the bruchid. A very limited number of wild accessions and cultivated genotypes are available for the transfer of bruchid resistance gene through conventional breeding. Thus, insights into the molecular mechanism of resistance will help to find out the resistance genes/QTLs easily with the support of available genome sequence and that can be introgressed to the cultivated varieties through marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB) approach. Therefore, in this review, we focused on QTL mapping, identification of novel QTLs, marker assisted-selection, genomics and transcriptomics study by using advanced molecular tools which will be very helpful for genomic-assisted breeding in mungbean for bruchid resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate fumigant toxicity of Datura metel extracts on Callosobruchus maculatus. Datura metel leaf powder was extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, chloroform and methanol and tested at 50, 100 and 150 µl concentrations. Adult mortality, oviposition detterent, infestation, tolerance, weight loss and seed germination were calculated and analysed using statistical tool (ANOVA). At 24 h of exposure, ethyl acetate had the highest significant mortality (50.75% and 89.67%, respectively) with the least LC50 (0.03 µl) recorded at 72 h. Per cent egg hatchability was highest, in control (93.33%), lowest in ethyl acetate (8.33%) at 150 µl concentration and had highest reduction in adult emergence at 50 (55.38%), 100 (86.67%) and 150 µl (93.33%), respectively. There were 100% tolerance in the control and 63.60–75.55% tolerance at 150 µl, in treated dishes resulting in significantly (p < 0.05) highest weight loss (17.14%) compared to treated grains. The percentage seed germination of treated grains was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the control. Ethyl acetate proved to be the most effective and analysed by GC–MS. Phytol (22.57%), 2-Isopropyl-5-methylphenol (thymol) (15.98%), Cyclohexanol, 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-, (1α,2β,5α)- (10.47%), 6,10,14-Trimethy-2-pentadecanone (7.32%) and 4, 8-Dimethyl-3,8-dien-2-one (4.82%) were identified as the main bioactive constituents. Datura metel ethyl acetate extract exerted good toxicity on C. maculatus and can be used as biofumigant to protect cowpea against infestation and seed damage to reduce the hazards related to the use of synthetic insecticides. Further research work is suggested to evaluate the effect of the extract on the insect biochemical activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on the evaluation of the insecticidal potential of Citrus limonum, C. sinensis, C. paradisi and C. aurantium as bioinsecticides to reduce the damage caused by the pest Acanthoscelides obtectus on white bean crops. The toxicity of essential oils extracted from 04 species of Citrus was tested under laboratory conditions at 30°C and 70% RH by three modes of action contact, inhalation and repulsion on the A. obtectus adults longevity. The results obtained for the parameter studied indicate that the essential oils extracted from C. limonum, C. sinensis and C. paradisi exert a more or less significant toxicity towards the insect pest for all the tests carried out, however the oil extracted from C. aurantium is the most effective since the A. obtectus longevity decreases from the lowest dose of 2pl and is 100% at 6pl. Regarding the inhalation test, the fumigation effect is very important from the lowest doses achieved with C. aurantium essential oil, on the other hand the other oils have only shown significant effectiveness at the highest doses. The results of the repellency test revealed that C. aurantium essential oil is the most repellant compared to the other essential oils tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mungbean (Vigna radiata) is an important short-season legume widely cultivated in Asia, particularly India. It is highly susceptible to bruchids and developing bruchid resistance is an important goal in mungbean breeding programs. In the present study, 52 mungbean genotypes were evaluated for bruchid resistance based on the "no-choice test" and identified two highly resistant genotypes (V2802BG and V2709) with no adult emergence and seed damage. Further, these two resistant genotypes were crossed with six high-yielding bruchid susceptible cultivars (CO 5, CO 6, CO 7, CO 8, VBN 2, and VBN 3), and 12 independent F1 populations were generated. Of these, one population derived from CO 6 × V2802BG was selected (based on the good combining ability of the parents) and forwarded to later generations to trace the bruchid-resistant lines. A total of 159 F2:3 families were screened for bruchid resistance, and the results showed that seven families were highly resistant, whereas the remainder were resistant to highly susceptible. Further, those seven families were evaluated in F4 and F5 generations. As a result, five highly resistant lines (BSR-GG-1-49-3-1, BSR-GG-1-56-2-2, BSR-GG-1-160-5-3, BSR-GG-1-170-2-4, and BSR-GG-1-198-1-4) with good agronomic performances were identified. The newly developed lines could be tested in multi-location trials and then be utilized as a potential source of genetic material for improving the bruchid resistance in mungbean breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we evaluated the toxicity of Datura metel on susceptibility and reproductive capability of Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Datura metel leaves powder was extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, acetone and methanol using Soxhlet apparatus and tested at 50, 100 and 150 µl/20 g cowpea seeds corresponding to 2.5, 5 and 7.5 µl/g. Mortality of C. maculatus, percentage reduction of eggs laid, egg hatchability, reduction in adult emergence, infestation, tolerance and weight loss were calculated at a different time of exposure. The lowest LD50 (0.202 µl) recorded was with ethyl acetate extract at 96 h of exposure, followed by methanol extract (9.45 µl) at 72 h of exposure. The mortality rate after 96 h exposure was ethyl acetate > methanol > acetone > hexane > chloroform. At 2.5 and 5 µl/g, methanol extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced percent egg laid (59.92% and 59.31% respectively). Ethyl acetate extract of D. metel resulted in the lowest percentage of egg hatchability at 2.5 µl/g (15.0%), 100 µl (22.63%) and 7.5 µl/g (23.89%). Percent reduction in adult emergence was highest in methanol extract treated grains at 5 µl/g (89.33%) and 7.5 µl/g (91.67%). While, percent tolerance was lowest in ethyl acetate treated grains at 2.5 µl/g (72.80%) and 7.5 µl/g 58.67%) respectively. The lowest percentage weight loss in 7.5 µl/g was 2.50% (chloroform), followed by methanol (2.57%) and ethyl acetate (2.87%) with no significant difference (p > 0.05) among used solvents. D. metel proved effective against C. maculatus infestation and enhanced storability of cowpea grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]