Effect of Elevated Levels of CO2 on Biological Parameters of Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Bruchidae: Coleoptera) in Stored Green Gram

Abstract

Green gram is a legume crop that provides essential nutrients and protein, especially in countries with a predominantly vegetarian population like India. However, post- harvest losses due to insect pests, particularly Callosobruchus chinensis, significantly affect stored green gram quality and quantity. In this context, an experiment was conducted to study the effect of elevated levels of CO2 on biology of Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) in stored green gram. The adult beetles were exposed to eight different concentrations of CO2 viz., 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80%. The observations on fecundity, incubation period, larval-pupal period, adult emergence and adult longevity were recorded to assess the biology of C. chinensis. The results indicated that 80% CO2 was the most effective treatment for controlling the pulse beetle, yielding the lowest fecundity (1.20 eggs), adult emergences (1.66 adults), and the shortest adult lifespan (3.50 days). However, no significant differences were observed across the CO2 treatments for incubation period and larval-pupal periods.