Comparative Evaluation Of Some Botanicals Against Khapra Beetle Trogoderma Granarium Everts (Coleoptera Dermestidae) On Stored Groundnuts

📄 Project Abstract

Khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts, is a serious storage insect pest of cereals and legumes in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. The study was carried out in the laboratory at prevailing temperature (25±50C) and relative humidity (65±5%). Six improved groundnut varieties, which include SAMNUT 14, SAMNUT 17, SAMNUT 18, SAMNUT 21, SAMNUT 22 and SAMNUT 23 were examined for their susceptibility to T. granarium. Susceptibility of these varieties to the dermestid was determined with respect to kernel damage assessment, mean kernel weight loss and total larvae population. The food preference of the T. granarium larvae for the groundnut varieties after six months storage period was also investigated. SAMNUT 22 variety was the most susceptible while the least susceptible was SAMNUT 17. Further preliminary laboratory experiments involved screening of nine indigenous plant powders (leaves/seeds) against T. granarium larvae. Methanol extracts of five promising plant powde...