PNABD246.pdf

(P. vulgaris L.) and cowpea [Vigna slnensis (L.) Walp]. Each food commodity was
offered in four different forms: whole grain, whole grain flour, whole grain
flour plus 5% brewer's yeast and autoclaved whole grain flour plus 5% brewer's
yeast. The average developmental period, percent adult emergence and growth
index were computed to compare tne dietary effeciency of individual food
material. Results showed tnat larvae were unable to develop on whole blackgram
gtain and whole lentil grain while on grains of other commodities developmental
period was prolonged considerably. Faster development of the larva was observed
on flours of all the commodities tested. Addition of 5% brewer's yeast to
maize, bjra or mungbean improved the quality of the diet. Similarly,
autoclaving of French bean or blackgram flour fur 30 minutes at 10 lbs pres3ure
also improved the dietary value of these commodities. It is also established
that soybean is susceptible to this pest. [AS]
*0776 Gujar, G.T. 1976. Studies oa the quantitative and qualitative feeding
of brucbids, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabriclus) and C. chineusis (Linnaeus).
ENTOMOLOGISTS' NEWSLETTER, v.6(2):23. [En] (REP.MB-2757)
Feeding Callosobruchus waculatus and C. chinensis on mungbean, measured by
weight loss of mungbean seeds, was studied at different humidities under
laboratory conditions in India. There were three distinct stages of feeding
cycle in developing larva of bruchid. The first stage, 12 days in C. maculatus
and ) days in C. chinensis, was marked by very slow feeding. The next stage,
iasting for 27 days iaC. maculatus and 22 days in C. chinensis, was
characterized by very rapid feeding and the highest gain in larval weight.
During the final stage, 4 days in C. maculatus and C. chinensis, bruchid weight
declined. The rate of feeding measured by regression equation was not very
different. Utilization of food varied from 29.92 to 51.10% in C. maculatus
under different humidities and 26.0 to 45.6% in C. chinensis. C. maculatus was
heavier than C. chinensis, but was less injurious. Significant loss in
germination was associated in the first 9 to 12 days after ovipisition by both
bruchids. [THH]
*0777 Kundra, S. 1976. Some observations on the biology of Dinarmus
vagabundus Timberlake (Pteromalidae: Hymenoptera). BULLETIN OF GRAIN
TECHNOLOGY, v.14(2):126-129. [En] [En Abst] (REP.MB-2840)
Dinarmus vagabundus Timb. is a parasite on the larvae of species of
Callosobr~ichus which attack different edible pulses. The parasite is commonly
seen in the infested pulses during the hot months while its activities are
slowed down during winter. The copulation lasts for about 15 to 45 seconds
before which thE male pursues the female for some time till a successful mating
occurs. A single wale can copulate with as many as 38 females. The copulated
female lays its eggs on the surface of the larva by piercing its ovipositor
through the seed coat. The unmated individuals live for about double the time
as the mated ones. The average life span of the copulated females and males is
about 4 days in summer and 8 days in winter. The proportion of males: females
is about 1:1 during moderate temperature and relative humidity whereas it
approaches 1:2 at higher temperatures. LAS]
*0778 Singh, Y. 1976. Studies on rL-tive resistance of important pulses to
Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) and Callosobruchus chinensis (Linnaeus).
ENTOMOLOGISTS' NEWSLETTER, v.6(2):18-19. [En] (REP.HB-2756)
204