Host preference studies of Bruchus bilineatopygus PlC on stored forest seeds

Abstract

Studies on host preference of Bruchus bilineatopygus Pic on stored forest seeds viz., Albizia lebbek, Albizia procera and Sesbania grandiflora was carried out under laboratory condition during the year 2005-06. Maximum 66%, 58% and 6.8% seed damage was recorded in seeds of Albizia lebbek, Albizia procera and Sesbania grandiflora, respectively. The development period i.e. number of days taken to develop from egg to adult was 41.6, 46.2 and 53 days on the seeds of Albizia lebbek, Albizia procera and Sesbania grandiflora, respectively. Maximum adult emergence was observed from seed of Albizia lebbek and Albizia procera. Maximum damage was observed in case of dark colour seeds. Seasonal incidence of Bruchus bilineatopygus was maximum during first, third and last week of May.