Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 May 2015
The effect of four varieties of Lathyrus sativus Linnaeus (Fabaceae) seeds (Bio L 212 Ratan, Nirmal B-1, WBK-14-7, and WBK-13-1) on the bionomics of Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) was studied under laboratory conditions. Total larval developmental time was longer on WBK-13-1 than Bio L 212 Ratan. Adult emergence was highest on Bio L 212 Ratan followed by Nirmal B-1, WBK-14-7, and WBK-13-1. The development and fecundity were related with nutrient and antinutritional factors of khesari seeds. Total carbohydrates and proteins were highest in Bio L 212 Ratan and Nirmal B-1 while lipids and nitrogen were highest in Bio L 212 Ratan and least in WBK-13-1. Amino acids were higher in Nirmal B-1 and WBK-13-1. Phenols were greatest in Nirmal B-1 and least in Bio L 212 Ratan and WBK-14-7. β-ODAP was higher in Bio L 212 Ratan and Nirmal B-1. The lower levels of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nitrogen, water content, and higher trypsin inhibitor activity of WBK-14-7 and WBK-13-1 may explain the higher developmental time and lower fecundity of C. maculatus on these varieties. These results suggest that infestations of C. maculatus may be easier to manage on WBK-14-7 and WBK-13-1 than on the other varieties of khesari seeds.
Subject editor: Gilles Boiteau