Evaluation of plant-based grain protectants for post-harvest management of pulse beetle in stored chickpea

Abstract

For centuries, Mediterranean farmers mixed dried herbs with stored grain to ward off beetles. This research tested five plant-based protectants neem leaf powder, turmeric, eucalyptus oil, black pepper, and clove powder against pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis) in chickpea at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (2022-2023). After 21 days, neem at 5% caused the highest mortality (96.7%), followed by eucalyptus oil at 3% (93.1%) and clove at 4% (90.4%). Oviposition was suppressed by 78-92%. Grain weight loss in neem-treated lots was 1.3% versus 12.7% in controls. Seed germination remained above 88%. Plant-based protectants offer a practical, residue-free alternative for smallholder pulse storage.