Effect of edible oils on different stages of pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) on chickpea grains

Abstract

Among the five edible oils viz. olive oil (Olea europaea L), coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L.), groundnut oil (Arachis hypogaea L.), mustard oil (Brassica spp L.) and sesame oil (Sesamum indicum L.) @ 3, 6 and 9 ml kg^-1 grains were evaluated as protectants of C. arietinum against oviposition, adult mortality and adult emergence. Pulse beetles favoured untreated rather than treated grains. Similarly, irrespective of these oils, at the rate of 3 ml kg^-1 was less effective in inhibiting the oviposition, adult mortality and adult emergence inhibition than 6 and 9 ml kg^-1. Among the oils, coconut oil at 9 ml kg^-1 grains was found to be most effective in inhibiting the oviposition (26.43 eggs), adult mortality (44.52%) and adult emergence inhibition (96.34%) and did not affect germination of chickpea grains till four months. Sesame oil also provided excellent results giving in the same parameters as 26.62 eggs, 40.95 and 96.08.percent, respectively. Oils of groundnut and olive were least effective in performing the above parameter in the process of the investigation.