Biology, Host Preference and Management of Pulse Beetles on Mungbean

Among the pulses, Mungbean (Vigna radiata) plays a vital socio-economic role in the diet of common people in Bangladesh. The farmers and also the traders store the pulses at least for few months before they sell it. Unfortunately, in storage, pulses suffer enormous losses due to attack of Pulse beetles (Callosobruchus spp).Several techniques are used as management approaches for pulse beetles. However, the most effective and environmentally safe method is the planting of resistant varieties (if available) or use of botanicals or plant derivatives other than synthetic chemicals as protectants. Botanicals are more readily biodegradable, less toxic to mammals and may be easily and cheaply produced by the farmers. Therefore, this research was under taken to find out the resistant mungbean variety(s) against pulse beetles and to test the approaches comprising some selected botanicals and/or their derivatives to evaluate their performances in combating these pests.