Resistance to Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) and other Cajanus species

Seeds of 24 accessions of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) and four other species of Cajanus (formerly Atylosia) were evaluated for their resistance to infestation by Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). None of the pigeonpea accessions was resistant but resistance was evident in three species of Cajanus. In C. platycarpus most of the larvae failed to enter the hard seed coats but the few which did enter the seeds, developed normally. Adults did not emerge from the seeds of C. scarabaeoides, even though most of the larvae entered the seeds. In A. sericeus, the number of larvae entering the seeds as well as adult emergence was significantly reduced.