EVALUATION OF MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS AND PROTEIN CONTENT OF CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM) IN REALTION TO RESISTANCE AGAINST PULSE BEETLE (CALLOSOBRUCHUS CHINENSIS)
Twelve genotypes with variation in seed size, seed weight, seed coat colour and seed shape were included for the study. Genotype RVSSG-44 recorded maximum percent loss in seed weight. Genotype RVSSG-43 had minimum percentage of seed infestation, which was significantly less than rest of the genotypes, except JG-130 seed infestation. Susceptibility index of pulse beetle on different genotypes of chickpea showed that there were no significant differences among different genotypes. Infestation percentage positively and significantly associated with protein content in fresh seed and infested seed. However, other parameters were not associated with infestation by beetle. It ranged from 11.7 to 13.0 adult on angular and pea shape seeded genotypes, respectively. Seed size and seed shape of the genotypes did not influence the fecundity, adult emergence, total development period and susceptibility index of pulse beetle.