Oviposition behavior of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) on four varieties of Lathyrus sativus L. seeds

Abstract

Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) is an important stored grain pest of Lathyrus sativus L. (Leguminosae). Olfactometer assay using the surface waxes of the four varieties, Bio L 212 Ratan, Nirmal B-1, WBK-14-7 and WBK-13-1 khesari seeds @1, 1, 2 and 2 mcg ml-1 showed that the surface waxes of all the varieties attracted C. maculatus females and the least attraction was to WBK-13-1. Ovipostion by C. maculatus was significant on all the varieties with surface waxes in no choice assay. The highest preference was to Bio L 212 Ratan and it was followed by Nirmal B-1, WBK-14-7 and WBK-13-1. The insect did not prefer wax removed seeds for egg laying. The study suggests that WBK-13-1 and WBK-14-7 are the less preferred varieties of L. sativus by C. maculatus for oviposition, and these varieties might be promoted for cultivation.