Assessing the resistance of soybean genotypes to Callosobruchus chinensis L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Ethiopia.

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a globally significant crop, valued for its high protein content and vegetable oil, which serve vital roles in both food and industrial applications. However, the soybean bruchid (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) infests soybean seeds in Ethiopia, especially during storage, and this infestation threatens their post-harvest quality. This study evaluated the resistance of 50 soybean genotypes against C. chinensis by analysing oviposition rates, adult emergence, and seed weight loss. Results revealed substantial genetic variation among genotypes for their resistance. Two genotypes (G-44 and G-38) exhibited strong resistance, and 16 showed moderate resistance, while the rest were susceptible. The vulnerability of released cultivars in Ethiopia underscores the critical importance of integrating bruchid resistance into future breeding programmes. Addressing this challenge is critical for sustaining soybean productivity and ensuring post-harvest seed integrity in bruchid-prone regions.