Abstract:
The repellent effects of ten oils, Domba (Calophyllum inophyllum L), Batu (Solanam indicum L), leaf oil
and bark oil of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum Presl.), Mustard oil (Brassica juncea Cross.), Neem oil
(Azadiracta indica A.Juss), Mee oil (Maduka longifolia Koenig.), Castor oil (Ricinus communis L.), Cit ronella oil (Cymbopogon nardus L.) and Sesame oil (Sesamum indicum L.) were tested for pulse beetle
(Callosobruchus maculatus L.) in the laboratory conditions. Data were recorded on distribution, ovi position and adult emergence. Ventilated containers each with five pairs of newly emerged adults with
20 green gram seeds were exposed to different oil vapours at the rate of 200µml. Each container was
fixed to a device that provided a tunnel for pulse beetle to escape from or enter into any container. Cit ronella oil, Neem oil, Cinnamon leaf oil and Cinnamon bark oil vapours recorded significantly lowest
number of pulse beetles after infestation and their oviposition and adult emergence indicating the high est repellent action and toxic effects. Mustard oil, Domba oil, Mee oil, Castor oil and Batu oil show indi cations of higher repellent effect at 4DAT on the distribution of the C. maculatus. Mustard oil and
Domba oil showed a lower rate oviposition than that of Mee oil, Castor oil and Batu oil. All the treat ments except Sesame oil had significantly reduced adult emergence at 18DAT. Sesame oil showed posi tive effect on distribution, oviposition and adult emergence and no repellent activity against the C.
maculatus.
