Insecticidal effect of some spices on Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) in black gram seeds

The experiment was conducted to investigate the insecticidal potency of some spices eg. clove ( Syzygium aromaticum ), black pepper ( Piper nigrum ), ceylon cinnamon ( Cinnamomum zeylanicum ), black cardamom ( Amomum subulatum ), nutmeg ( Myristica fragnans ), black cumin ( Nigella sativa ), turmeric ( Curcuma longa ), red pepper ( Capsicum frutescens ), cumin ( Cuminum cyminum ), green cardamom ( Elettaria cardamomum ) and bay leaf ( Cinnamomum tamala ), against the pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) on stored black gram ( Phaseolus bengalensis L.). Data were recorded on days to 100% mortality; number of adults emerged and weight loss (%) of black gram. All the spices were effective as protectants of black gram seeds. However, clove and black pepper were most effective. Key words: Callosobruchus maculatus , stored black gram, mortality, adult emerge, extent of damage. doi:10.3329/ujzru.v27i0.1953 Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 27, 2008 pp. 47-50