Abstract

In this study we used dried leaf powders of five plants i.e., Syzygium cumini, Citrus limon, Momordica charantia, Eucalyptus globulus and Piper nigrum against Callosobruchus chinensis infesting chickpea seeds during storage. Free choice and no choice tests were conducted. Plant powders were applied at dose of 2% (w/w). Efficacy of all plant powders were compared by orientation, oviposition, adult mortality and adult emergence of the pulse beetle. Effect of plant powder on germination of seed was also observed by germination test. Leaf powder of M. charantia was found to be more effective while leaf powder of S. cumini was found to be least effective in adult mortality and oviposition deterrence. Furthermore, the results showed that leaf powders of all plants had no effects on germination of seeds.

Key words: Leaf Powders, Chickpea seeds, Seed viability, Pulse beetle