K.C. SHARMA, N.K. JAIN, B.K. MISHRA AND SUNIL KUMAR

Insecticidal activity of custard apple (Annona squamosa (L.) plant derivatives viz., leaf powder, seed powder, cake power and oil was studied against the pulse beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus L.) for adult mortality, oviposition inhibition and ovicidal effects. It was revealed that the maximum mortality (9.67) was observed in custard apple oil treatment followed by custard apple seed powder (8.67) and custard apple leaf powder (8.0) out of 10 up to 72 h. The maximum hatching inhibition was recorded in custard apple oil treatment (91.67%) followed by custard apple seed powder (71.76%) and custard apple leaf powder (37.87%) while minimum in custard apple cake powder (16.67%). The deterrency per cent increased with the increase in the dose of plant derivatives. The maximum deterrency (72.67%) was recorded in oil treatment followed by seed powder (52.67%) and leaf powder (30.0%) at highest dose (1.0 g or ml/100g). The minimum larvae (0.6 larvae/seed) emerged in the oil treatment followed by leaf powder (1.0 larvae/seed) and seed powder (1.6 larvae/seed) while maximum in cake powder (2.8 larvae/seed). This indicates that the plant derivatives had ovicidal activity.The plant derivatives had no harmful effect on the germination of pigeon pea seeds up to 180 days of storage.