Performance of hermetic bags in green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] storage for managing pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis)

Green gram is extremely vulnerable to insect attack during storage. Hermetic storage provides an important insect management strategy. We have conducted laboratory studies using hermetic bags like PICS (R), Grain Pro (R) (GPB), SaveGrain (R)(SGB), Ecotact bags (R)(EHB), and conventional storage bags like White Polypropylene (WPB) and Jute Bags (JB). The insect used for the study was Pulse Beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis). Variables like moisture content, damaged grains, weight loss, and grain color were observed to assess the impact of storage for six months in the said bags. There is reduction in oxygen level for all hermetic bags under infested condition (6.4%) and non-infested (7.0%) condition from initial level of 20%. The grain moisture content and grain weight loss due to damaged caused by insects increased in WPB and Jute bags, but remains unchanged in hermetic bags. There was a significant (F-6,F-14 = 2164; p < 0.001); (F-6,F-14 = 111.8; p < 0.001) grain damage observed in artificially infested samples in hermetic bags than the un infested seeds stored, where natural infestation was not observed. Over the six months storage period, the seed germination was not significantly affected in all hermetic bags; however, germination decreased significantly after four months in WPB and JBs stored with infested samples. There was significant (F-6,F-14 = 3.86; p < 0.05) changes in Delta E under infested storage conditions. Hermetic bags maintained the consistency and viability of stored green gram and shielded them against the insects especially pulse beetles. The use of hermetic bags for grain storage may be prescribed to farmers for safe storage, without applying any insecticides.