A Review on Biology of Pulse Beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis Linn) and their Management through botanicals on stored green grams (Vigna radiata)

Green gram (Vigna radiata) is one of the most important pulse crops and serves as a major source of dietary protein for a large portion of the population, particularly in developing countries. However, during storage, green gram seeds are highly vulnerable to infestation by storage pests, among which the pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis) is considered one of the most destructive. The pest causes serious quantitative and qualitative losses by feeding inside the seeds during its larval stage, leading to weight loss, reduction in seed quality, and decreased germination capacity. The concealed development of larvae within the grains makes early detection and management of the pest difficult. Traditionally, chemical fumigants and synthetic insecticides have been used to control pulse beetles in storage. Although effective, their continuous use has raised concerns regarding pesticide residues, environmental pollution, insect resistance, and risks to human health. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to eco-friendly and sustainable pest management methods. Botanical products, particularly plant-derived essential oils, have shown promising potential as alternatives to synthetic chemicals for managing storage pests. Essential oils obtained from aromatic plants possess various bioactive compounds that exhibit insecticidal, repellent, fumigant, and oviposition-deterring properties. This review focuses on the biology of the pulse beetle and highlights the efficacy of several essential oils, including citronella, camphor, sesame, clove, eucalyptus, mustard, and basil oils, in controlling Callosobruchus chinensis in stored green gram. These oils have been reported to cause significant adult mortality, reduce egg laying and progeny development, and minimize seed damage while maintaining acceptable seed germination. Therefore, the use of botanical essential oils represents a safer and environmentally sustainable approach for protecting stored green gram from pulse beetle infestation.