Impact of physico-chemical traits on the susceptibility of stored groundnut pods to Caryedon serratus

Abstract

Laboratory studies were conducted to know the variability of groundnut genotypes in terms of physical and biochemical parameters and their association with resistance or susceptibility to the bruchid pest in storage. Significant differences were observed for all the physical and biochemical parameters. The less susceptible genotypes viz., Narayani, K 9 and ICGV 87846 possessed higher amounts of proteins, ash, total phenols and lower amounts of total soluble sugars compared to highly susceptible genotypes. Correlation studies indicated a negative association between pod shell thickness and oviposition, adult emergence and growth index of the bruchid; while, pod weight and size showed positive correlation. Regression analysis implied that both physical and biochemical factors together contribute for susceptible or resistant reaction of groundnut genotypes to the bruchid infestation.