Evaluation of Some Spices Powder as Grain Protectant against Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus Chinensis (L.)

Abstract

The biological activity of four spices powder namely black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) was assessed on the basis of adult mortality, oviposition performance, adult emergence of pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis L, and seed damage and consequent weight loss of gram (Cicer arietinum) caused by this insect at 0.25 g, 0.50 g and 1.00 g powder/kg gram seeds. All the tested spices powder showed significant effect on the above parameters. The highest adult mortality was recorded when gram seeds were treated with black pepper powder at 1.00 g/kg. whereas methi showed the least effect on adult mortality. Spices powder used in the experiment effectively controlled adult emergence by inhibiting oviposition and growth and development of life stages of pulse beetle. In all the treatments lowest number of adult emergence was obtained from gram seeds treated with black pepper at 1.00 g/kg seeds. The highest weight loss was observed in control treated seeds followed by methi powder at 0.25 g/kg gram seeds. Black pepper treated seeds showed the lowest seed weight loss followed by black cumin, garlic and methi. From this present study the toxicity of the spices powder were found in the order black pepper > black cumin > garlic > methi.