| Abstract: | Groundnut, coconut and mustard oil treated whole chick pea, mung bean and pigeon pea were infested with Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) and stored for six months. Samples were analysed at monthly intervals for selected B complex vitamins viz. thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. With increase in storage period, values for all the three vitamins decreased in untreated legues. After two months of storage slight decrease in thiamine, riboflavin and niacin content of coconut oil treated legumes was observed which continued till the end of six months as compared to the other two oil treated counterparts. The storage period was associated with insect infestation, which in turn influenced the B complex vitamins of legumes. Groundnut, mustard and coconut oils were able to protect legumes for six months against insect infestation when applied in small amount (0.5%), whereas coconut oil had protective effect against insect infestation only for four months. |
