The Inter relationship between Infestation with some Bruchid Beetles and their Requirements of Certain Chemical Components in Leguminous Seeds.

Abstract

Adults of Callosobruchus maculatus, C. chinensis or Bruchidius incarnatus were allowed to oviposit on seeds of field beans (Vicia faba), lentil and soyabean for one week and the resulting eggs were then incubated. After adult emergence, seeds were analysed for carbohydrates, total nitrogen, free amino-acids and fatty acids. The maximum numbers of emergence holes per seed were 2, 3 and 12 for lentil, soyabean and field bean, respectively. C. chinensis caused the greatest loss of carbohydrate and protein from field bean seeds, while C. maculatus caused the greatest loss of each component from soyabean seeds.