Bioefficacy of Promising Botanicals against Pulse Beetle, callosobruchus Chinensis L. Infesting Stored Seed of Moong Bean

The efficacy of some botanicals powder viz., Neem leaf powder (Azadirachta indica), soapnut powder (Sapindus trifoliatus), turmeric powder (Curcuma longa) @ 10 and 20 g/ kg seed, Vasambu rhizome powder (Achorus calamus) @ 5 and 10 g/ kg seed along with a chemical insecticide, Deltamethrin @ 40 mg /kg seed of moong were evaluated as post harvest grain protectants against pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis. Based on parameters like seed germination, seed moisture and insect infestation, Vasambu rhizome powder @ 10 g /kg seed and Deltamethrin @ 40 mg /kg seed were observed most effective against pulse beetle infesting moong bean up to twelve months of storage without deteriorating the viability of seed while Neem dry leaf powder, soapnut powder and turmeric powder were least effective.