Effect of bean Bruchid infestation on selected improved common bean genotypes

Abstract

The bean bruchid is a serious pest in the most bean-growing areas of the world. Host plant resistance is considered to be the most feasible, sustainable and appropriate method for the management and control. However, a quick and effective method for screening bean genotypes for resistance against the bruchid is to facilitate selection and development of resistant genotypes, which is lacking. The major objective of this study was to determine the level of damage and generate information on the resistance of the different improved bean genotypes to get the sustainable management of the bruchid and to know about the genotypes that are resistant and those that are susceptible. The two checks or control genotypes were used that is Nabe 6 which was susceptible and Nabe 7 which was resistant in order to asses resistance and susceptibility by determining the weight, adult insects and holes created on the seeds after infestation and a given generation. The results of the study indicated that adult insects significantly affected the bean genotypes where Nabe 7C and Naro bean 3 had no insects (Acanthoscelids obtectus) and Nabe 17 had the fewer insects (Zabrotes subfasciatus). More research needed on the resistance of these genotypes