Biology of Pulse Beetle on Stored Chickpea

Abstract

The present study investigates the life cycle and reproductive biology of Callosobruchus maculatus, a major pest of stored pulses, with a focus on its development on chickpea (Cicer arietinum). The experiment was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions at 30 ± 1°C. The results revealed that the total developmental period, from egg to adult emergence, averaged 35.79 ± 1.81 days. The incubation period lasted 5.93 ± 0.63 days, while the larval and pupal stages combined took 27.79 ± 0.83 days. The adult sex ratio was recorded at 1:0.93 (male to female), with males living an average of 6.65 ± 1.3 days and females surviving 7.68 ± 1.29 days. Reproductive parameters showed that the pre-oviposition period lasted 5.27 ± 1.34 hours, the oviposition period spanned 6.98 ± 1.33 days, and the post-oviposition phase continued for 2.14 ± 0.57 days. On average, a single female laid 70.47 ± 3.65 eggs. The findings highlight the pest’s high reproductive potential and rapid developmental cycle, emphasizing the importance of effective management strategies to prevent infestations and minimize post-harvest losses in stored chickpea.