The cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and Azuki bean beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis): major chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production challenges on smallholder farmers in Ethiopia

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most principally important legume crops in Ethiopia. Its production is mainly constrained by insect pests. Dissemination of updated information on its status and addressing alternative management options are important. This article reviews the research status of the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and Azuki bean beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis) in chickpea, focusing on their distributions, host range, nature of the damage, biology, and their management practices. Helicoverpa armigera under field conditions and C. chinensis during storage are the most challenging insect pests of chickpea production in Ethiopia. Managements of these two major insect pests are achieved through the use of cultural control, host plant resistance, botanical control, biological control, and chemical insecticides. Future research should focus on low-input IPM approaches that encompass all locally available and use of affordable insect pest management methods in Ethiopia.