Biological control of pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis L. (Bruchidae: Coleoptera) in stored chickpea grains using entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana Balsamo

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana was used as biological control agent to control pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis in chickpea grains at different temperatures. Five concentrations (1×106, 1×107, 1×108, 1×109 and 1×1010 spores/ml) of commercially available conidia of B. bassiana were prepared by adding the sterile 0.02% tween 80 in distilled water. Haemocytometer was used for counting spores. Mortality of pulse beetle was directly proportional to concentrations of B. bassiana. B. bassiana was less effective at 25 oC as compared to 30 oC. At 25 oC, highest mortality was recorded at concentration of 1×1010 spores/ml after 5, 10 and 15 days and vice versa. At 30 oC, B. bassiana showed better results and all pulse beetles were died after 15 days at each concentration. This effective control strategy has significant contribution towards development of commercial microbial formulations of B. bassiana and is recommended to be a part of integrated pest management of pulse beetle.