Assessment of Qualitative Losses by Pulse Beetle Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) in Different Soybean Genotypes under Storage Conditions

Introduction: Soybean crop (Glycine max (L.) Merill) is considered to be the main source of oil and is commercially an important oilseed crop. Oils in soybean is polyunsaturated containing important omega -6 and omega – 3 fats. Soybean also provides a rich source of supplementary protein of daily diets of vegetarian population. Aim: The study assessed qualitative losses due to infestation by pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) in nine soybean genotypes under storage kept for 90 days. Study Design: The experiment was conducted by using Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out under laboratory conditions at College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal during 2024. Methodology: Protein and oil content were analyzed using the Kjeldahl method and Soxhlet ethanol extraction, respectively. Results: Results revealed significant variations in decrease of protein and oil among soybean genotypes due to bruchid infestation. Maximum protein loss (7.90%) and oil loss (7.3%) occurred in JS 335, indicating high susceptibility. These losses critically affect the nutritional quality and storage viability of soybean seeds. In contrast, CAU MS-1 and CAU MS-2 showed the lowest protein losses (1.69% and 1.90%) and oil losses (3.5% and 1.6%), respectively. Conclusion: The results confirmed genotype-dependent variation in resistance, with CAU MS-1 and CAU MS-2 showing highest resistance to pulse beetle. The study emphasizes the importance of resistant genotypes for minimizing post-harvest damage by pulse beetles.