Bruchid infestation in pulses and its management

Abstract

Among important insect pests of stored gain, bruchids or pulse beetles are mainly responsible for damage to the pulses during storage. Infestation of these insects starts in the field and continues in storage, where sometimes it causes total destruction of the seeds within a period of six months. Two species of bruchids, Callosobruchus chinensis and C. maculatus have been found to be most serious pests of pigeonpea, chickpea, greengram, blackgram and lentil.