author(s)
Shulammite Amubieya, Luke C Nwosu, Usman Zakka, Owolabi M Azeez, Victor C Okereke, Akubuike N Eluwa, Gerald M Ugagu, Godfrey M Petgrave, Uwaoma O Aguwa, Oyinlola A Ajayi and Christian C Iwuagwu

abstract
Effectiveness of X-ray irradiation at 60, 70 and 80 KeV solely and in combination with oven-drying against Acanthoscelides obtectus Say infesting common bean seeds in storage were investigated in the laboratory at temperature and relative humidity of 29.7 ^oC and 76.5%, respectively. The results showed that the maximum number of eggs oviposited per day by A. obtectus is 2.20 and this is comparatively low for bruchinae females. Restricted fecundity in the female individuals of A. obtectus is strongly attributed to effect of X-ray irradiation. The results further revealed that X-ray irradiation caused 37% maximum mortality of A. obtectus adults after 24 hours. Mortality was highly significant (minimum of 86.67%) after 7 days of exposure. In combination with oven-drying, there were significant reductions in daily and accumulated emergence of new progenies of A. obtectus, seed damage and powder production. The study recommends integrated application of X-ray irradiation and oven-drying in order to cope with A. obtectus infestation in stored bean. X-ray irradiation did not adversely affect the viability of bean seeds after the pest control process.