SWATI MEHRA, HARSH SHARMA, DALVINDER PAL SINGH, MEENU AND VIRENDER SINGH MOR
Department of Seed Science and Technology, Department of Entomology, Forage Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhiwani, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: swatimehra@hau.ac.in)
(Received: 6 December 2025; Accepted: 26 December 2025)
SUMMARY
The present study reports the first record of Conicobruchus albopubens (Pic) infesting stored cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub.) seeds from Haryana, India, along with documentation of the nature of infestation. Infested seed samples were collected from seed stores of CCSHAU, Hisar and farmer-saved seed lots from Bhiwani and Mahendergarh districts during 2025. Adult beetles were reared and identified using standard morphological taxonomic keys. The specimens were characterized by black body uniformly covered with white setae, bicoloured antennae, slender hind femur without denticles and subvertical pygidium. Larval feeding caused internal seed damage following oviposition on seed surfaces, leading to gum exudation, seed aggregation and deterioration of storage quality. This finding extends the geographical distribution of C. albopubens and highlights its potential as an emerging storage pest of guar. The study emphasizes the need for regular monitoring and appropriate management strategies to minimize post-harvest losses in guar seed storage systems.
Key words: Conicobruchus albopubens, cluster bean, taxonomic keys, Infested seed