The bioefficacy evaluation of Capsicum chinense fruit powder against Callosobruchus chinensis attacking green gram seeds showed a dose-dependent adult mortality (16.67 - 55.00%) at 96 hours after treatment (HAT) with a positive correlation to the exposure period. The lowest LC50 value of 13.04 g/100.0 g of green gram seed was recorded at 96 HAT. Admixing of C. chinense fruit powder recorded the lowest adult emergence (36.00%) at a dosage of 10.0 g/100.0 g seed after 23 days of treatment suggesting strong ovicidal properties, as against 91.50% adult emergence in the control.

Highlights

• Pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis L. (Coleoptera : Bruchidae), is the most widely distributed insect pest causing up to 100% damage.
• The insecticidal properties of Capsicum sp. has successfully been demonstrated against several insect pests.
• The highest of 55.00% adult mortality at dosage of 10 g per 100 g seed with a LC50 values of 13.04 g/100 g seeds.