Potential of plants for protecting stored pulses from Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera : bruchidae) infestation

The potential of 30 plant leaf or tuber extracts to protect pulses from att ack by Callosobruchus maculatus during post harvest storage was evaluated. Pulses were stored in gunny bags treated with 10% aqueous plant extract and kept in individual containers harbouring newly emerged adult C. maculatus. Mean number of eggs laid, adult emergence and seed weight loss were record ed. From the laboratory studies, ten plants were identified as effective in protecting pulses. Effective plants were tested in farmers fields. Aqueous extract from leaves of Melia azadirachta, Hyptis suaveolens and tubers of Cyperus rotundus effectively protected post harvest stored pulses without a ny infestation for up to 6 months.