author(s)
Th. A Singha and P Rajkumari

abstract
Pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis is one of the major stored pests of pulses. There were various factors that influence the ovipositional behaviour of C. chinensis. The preference of host specificity for oviposition by the female pest is very important to lay maximum number of eggs and also for the survival of a species. Bigger size, smooth surface, deep coat and coloured seeds are the most suitable for oviposition. The combination of temperature and humidity also play important role in ovipositional behaviour of the pest. The numbers of egg deposition vary within the period of oviposition and the maximum eggs laid on the first day of oviposition decreases with the enhancement of period. Plant extracts may alter the ovipositional behaviour and could be one of best practical ability to control the destructive stored pest.