Selection of accessions in the genus Pisum L. for resistance against pulse beetle ( Callosobruchus chinensis L. )

Seeds of pea (Pisum sativum L.) are damaged by some seed beetles during storage resulting in quality and quantitity. Pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) is one of the most important seed beetles, and one of the best options to control of pulse beetle is selection for resistant cultivars. The aim of the present study was to screen and select of accessions in the genus Pisum L. for resistance to pulse beetle under storage conditions. Seeds of four Pisum species including two accessions each of P. sativum L. (ACP 11, ACP 15), P. elatius M. Bieb. (AWP 442, AWP 449), P. fulvum Sibth. & Sm. (AWP 600, AWP 601) and one accession of P. abyssinicum A. Braun. (ACP 100) were evaluated using both free-choice and no-choice test methods for resistance to pulse beetle under laboratory conditions. Resistance was evaluated by measuring oviposition by the seed beetles (number of eggs per seed), adult emergence (number of holes per seed), damaged seed rate and seed weight loss (%). According to the results, two accessions of P. fulvum, one accession each of P. elatius and P. sativum had no holes in both tests indicating that no adult emergence occurred. In addition, no seed weight loss occurred in the seeds of these accessions. P. sativum (ACP 11) could be suggested for healthy food without the use of insecticides under storage conditions, whereas wild species consisting of P. elatius and P. fulvum could be used in breeding studies for the improvement of resistant cultivars.