Evaluation gamma radiation effects on life cycle of Callosobruchus maculatus (F) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Callosobruchus maculatus is an important cowpea pest in stored condition. The longer effects, safeness of gamma radiation doses are less hazardous for both human and environment. Effects of different gamma radiation (Co60) doses on amount of nitrogen, protein, pest damage, life cycle, fecundity were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Results of gamma radiation doses increased found ineffectual on cowpea nitrogen and protein contents. Insect larvae damage on cowpea in comparison to controlled treatment at different interval and during 21 days sampling period observed significant (f=17.89, df=5, 2) P=0.0001). Max. (29.8%) and Min. (2.46%) larvae damages recorded at 1st and 21st days after hatching. Effects of different gamma radiation doses (5to 50 Gy) on viability of 100 eggs in each treatment showed that significant (f=7.57, df=4, 8) P=0.0001). While least effects recorded for 5 and 10 Gy, hatchability reduced to 57% and 56% for influence of 20 and 25 Gy radiation, with increasing more gamma radiation complete eggs mortality recorded. Results of 20 to 80 Gy radiation on cohort population of adults found significant (f=5.27, df=6, 7) P=0.0001). Min. control recorded for 20 Gy in group a of Duncan method and with increasing gamma doses radiation, reduction on rate of insect fecundity observed and maximum 44.68% recorded for 70 and 80 Gy doses in comparison to control treatment. The positive controlof gamma radiations doses on cowpea seed beetle developmental stages seems to be a safe protective technique against this store insect pest.