Evaluation of pulse beetle losses in chickpeas stored in Southern Haryana

Abstract

The goal of the current research was to evaluate the losses brought on by the pulse beetle (Callosobruchus spp.) while chickpea grains were being stored in different storage structures. It was discovered that farmers continue to use conventional storage methods (earthen pots, earthen pots with sand, and jute bags). In August, September, and October of 2017 and 2018, 500g samples of chickpea grains were gathered from various storage structures (metal bins, plastic bags, gunny bags, earthen pots, and earthen pots + sand) in 15 villages in the districts of Rewari, Hisar, and Mahendergarh. Rewari has the greatest infestation, followed by the districts of Hisar and Mahendergarh, according to the findings of the sample analysis. In 2017 and 2018, the majority of farmers stored their chickpea grains in metal bins (51.45, 40.11%), followed by gunny bugs (31.79, 31.64%), plastic bags (16.76, 15.82%), earthen pots (6.51, 7.91%), and earthen pots + sand (2.35, 4.52%). Gunny bag samples accounted for 70.91 and 53.63 percent of all bruchid-infested samples in both years, followed by plastic bags (48.28 & 20.29%), metal bins (11.24 & 15.94%), and clay pots (9.80 & 10.14%). The samples that were kept in clay pots with sand showed no signs of pulse beetle infection. In compared to August, September and October showed higher grain moisture percentages and pulse beetle infestations. Metal bins were shown to have lower qualitative and quantitative seed/grain losses among the frequently used storage structures.