Pulses

Insect Pests Affecting Stored Pulses

Common Name	Scientific Name
Pulse Beetle	Callosobruchus chinensis
Lesser Grain Borer	Rhyzopertha dominica
Khapra Beetle	Trogoderma granarium
Rice Moth	Corcyra cephalonica
Red Flour Beetle	Tribolium castaneum

Major Insect Risks in Pulses

• Infestation by pulse beetles (Callosobruchus spp.)
• Contamination from insect residues and uric acid
• Fungal growth due to poor aeration and high moisture
• Reduced shelf-life and export rejection risks

Quality & Safety Parameters for Pulses

• Aflatoxin Levels – Should be below permissible food safety limits
• Uric Acid – Must not exceed 100 mg/kg
• Moisture Content – Ideally under 12% to prevent microbial growth
• Pesticide Residue – Compliant with domestic/export norms
• Foreign Matter & Broken Grains – Must be within grade specifications

Fumigation Guidelines for Pulses

Pulses are fumigated under strictly controlled conditions to eliminate insect pests and preserve grain quality.

• Standard Fumigation (NSPM-22): Aluminium Phosphide at 3 tablets/tonne or 2.25 g phosphine/m³, for a minimum of 5 days. Can extend up to 14 days depending on infestation level.
• Pre-shipment Protocols: For exports, methyl bromide fumigation may be used at 32 g/m³ for 24 hours at ≥21°C, as per importing country requirements.

All fumigation is carried out in compliance with India’s Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order and respective international standards.