Abstract

                                Greengram and redgram seeds are severely affected by the notorious pest called pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) or bruchid. Being an internal feeder, it causes heavy damage to the cotyledons and embryos during its short life cycle. Therefore, an attempt was made to use the Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) for the control of pulse beetle. The results revealed that the greengram and redgram seeds treated with CNSL have recorded reduced insect infestation in the seeds. Number of eggs, number of insects and damage percentage were nil in seeds treated with 4 ml kg-1 of seed at six months of storage compared to other doses. However, more number of eggs, insects and damage percentage were observed in the untreated control seeds. The seed germination was also not affected by the above treatment in both greengram (92%) and redgram (87%) seeds during initial evaluation. If the doses were increased to 20 ml kg-1, it affected the germination by recording 71 per cent in greengram and 81 per cent in redgram seeds, respectively. Further, greengram seeds treated with CNSL @ 4 ml kg 1 have maintained better viability with the germination of 82 per cent during 12 months of storage when compared to redgram seeds, which recorded only 27 per cent at 10 months period.

Key words : Pulses, CNSL, Viability, Oviposition deterrence, Bruchid.