EFFECT OF SEED DENSITY OF TWO EGYPTIAN VARIETIES OF MUNGBEAN SEEDS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF CALLSOBRUCHUS CHINENSIS (COLEOPTERA: BRUCHIDAE) AND THEIR SUSCEPTIBILITY TO INFESTATION.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Egypt

2 Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

The number of eggs laid by individual fermales of Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) on mungbean seeds of the two varieties (Vc 2010 and Vc­1000) under a non-choice situation depended on the number of seed available. The insect laid significantly more eggs on 20 than on either 5 or 10 seeds. But showed no further increase when offered 40 or 80 seeds. The number of adult beetle production of each individual female increased steadily with the increase of the seed number. However, the percentage of hatched eggs was not significantly affected by seed den­sities. The mean developmental period was prolonged at low seed densi­ties of 5 and 10 in both varieties. Susceptibility of the two mungbean varieties estimated from Howe's growth index showed significant varia­tion in respect to seed densities. Seeds of Vc 1000 are more sensitive to attack by C.chinensis than Vc 2010. The study indicated that 40 seeds and more are required as an optimum condition for determination of the maximum fecundity, and progeny production and an accurate growth index of the insect. This is of particular importance when data are to be used in population modelling for this pest species.

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