Effect of some botanicals against pulse beetle, Callosobruchusmaculatus (F.) infesting pigeonpea

A laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of some plant products viz., neem oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, turmeric powder and their mixture were used as surface protectants for pigeonpea seed against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). The highest mortality (84-100%) was manifested by neem oil @ 10ml/kg among all the treatments and lowest (3.33%) with turmeric powder @ 3.5g/kg seeds, after 135 days of storage. Neem oil @10ml/kg completely inhibited oviposition, adult emergence, seed damage and also not affected seed quality as compare to other treatment. All the oils prevented egg laying, reduced population build up of beetles and minimized the seed damage as compare to control.