Egg distribution on seeds by Callosobruchus subinnotatus (Pic.) (Coleoptera: Brauchidae)
1992
Mbata, G.N.
This study investigated the ability of the females of Callosobruchus subinnotatus (Pic.) to discriminate between seeds with differing egg loads. It established the presence of an oviposition marker in C. subinnotatus which enabled the female bruchids not only to distinguish between egg-laden and pristine control seeds, but also to assess egg loads quantitatively. Observations after the second and third days of setting up the experiments showed that the females tended to distribute eggs uniformly on the control and the treated seeds once the number of eggs on the control seeds equals that on the treated seeds. The oviposition marker was soluble in ether as egg-laden seeds could not deter oviposition after washing them twice with ether. Washing once with ether was not effective and this suggested that traces of the marker were effective in deterring oviposition. Males did not produce oviposition deterrents that could be recognised by the females. There was cross-effectiveness of the C. subinnotatus market for the females of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and vice versa.
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