Effects of four varieties of Lathyrus sativus (Fabaceae) seeds on the bionomics of Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The effect of four varieties of Lathyrus sativus Linnaeus (Fabaceae) seeds (Bio L 212 Ratan, Nirmal B-1, WBK-14-7, and WBK-13-1) on the bionomics of Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) was studied under laboratory conditions. Total larval developmental time was longer on WBK-13-1 than Bio L 212 Ratan. Adult emergence was highest on Bio L 212 Ratan followed by Nirmal B-1, WBK-14-7, and WBK-13-1. The development and fecundity were related with nutrient and antinutritional factors of khesari seeds. Total carbohydrates and proteins were highest in Bio L 212 Ratan and Nirmal B-1 while lipids and nitrogen were highest in Bio L 212 Ratan and least in WBK-13-1. Amino acids were higher in Nirmal B-1 and WBK-13-1. Phenols were greatest in Nirmal B-1 and least in Bio L 212 Ratan and WBK-14-7. beta-ODAP was higher in Bio L 212 Ratan and Nirmal B-1. The lower levels of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nitrogen, water content, and higher trypsin inhibitor activity of WBK-14-7 and WBK-13-1 may explain the higher developmental time and lower fecundity of C. mac ulatus on these varieties. These results suggest that infestations of C. maculatus may be easier to manage on WBK-14-7 and WBK-13-1 than on the other varieties of khesari seeds.