Bruchids

Bruchids' seed damage Bruchids  and their damage to the seeds   Damage symptoms : Infested stored seed can be recognized by the white eggs on the seed surface and the round exit holes with the 'flap' of seed coat . Infested seeds lose their viability and are unfit for human consumption. Bruchids are seldom found on chickpea pods in the fields unlike in pigeonpea. Kabuli types are particularly susceptible. Description The adult is a mottled brown beetle. The white larva burrows into the pod or seed through the base of the egg. Eggs are laid on the pods or stored seeds. The larva develops into a pupa inside the seed from which the adult emerges through a neat cylindrical hole. One generation takes 4 weeks or more.

Control :

• Seed is sun dried before storing in a clean beetle-proof storage container (metal, wood, earthware, or plastic).

• Fumigation with aluminum phosphide protects the seed without affecting the viability.

• Coat the seed with small quantities of vegetable oil or mix neem leaves in the stored grain.