YOGENDRA PAREEK, PUNAM SHARMA AND K.C. KUMAWAT

Different packaging materials and storage structures were evaluated against infestation of Callosobruchus chinensis (Linn.). The minimum adult emergence was recorded in the metal bin (3.00 to 7.67) in which the cowpea seeds were free from adult beetle infestation upto 90 days of storage. This was followed by plastic fibre bag (2.66–18.00), wherein the seeds were free from the adults infestation upto 60 days of storage. The maximum adult emergence was recorded in kuthla (2.00–45.67) that closely followed matka bin (2.33–43.67). Seed damage was minimum in the metal bin (4.00–11.67) as it could protect the seeds upto 90 days of storage. This was followed by plastic fibre bag in which the seed damage ranged from 4.00 to 21.33 per cent, and it was able to protect the seeds upto 60 days of storage. The maximum seed damage was recorded in the kuthla (3.02–47.33%) followed by matka bin (4.00–47.00%). The quantitative loss caused by C. chinensis was minimum in the metal bin (1.67–4.33%) followed by plastic fibre bag (1.67–10.67%). The maximum quantitative loss was recorded in the kuthla (0.67 to 20.67%), followed by matka bin (0.67 to 21.33%).