author(s)
MK Chakravarty, SJ Prasanthi, SK Jha and Rajesh Kumar

abstract
Experiment was conducted under storage conditions to evaluate the efficacy of eight plant oils viz.,. Neem oil (Azadirachta indica), Sesame oil (Sesamum indicum), Clove oil (Syzium aromaticum), Castor oil (Ricinus communis), Mahua oil (Madhuca longifolia), Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera), Mustard oil (Brassica juncea), and Karanj oil (Pongamia pinnata) at 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 per cent concentrations against pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis L. in chickpea. Altogether five parameters namely parent mortality, fecundity, emergence of F₁ progeny, developmental period and weight loss were considered to determine the efficacy. The results revealed that the efficacy of oils was directly proportional to the concentration applied and all the treatments were significantly superior to control. Amongst various oils, the maximum adult mortality (63.89 & 61.89%), minimum oviposition (10.00 & 22.44 eggs/20g seed) and F₁ adult emergence (12.20 & 15.43%), and delayed developmental period (67.67 & 48.84 days) have been observed in the seeds treated mahua and neem oils, respectively. All the oils have extended protection to chickpea seeds up to 3 months after treatment. Minimum weight loss was found in the chickpea seeds treated with mahua (1.78%) and mustard (2.81%) oils followed by neem oil (3.15%).