Effects of Phaseolus vulgaris (Fabaceae) seed coat on the embryonic and larval development of the cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

- Phaseolus vulgaris seed coat is an effective chemical barrier to Callosobruchus maculatus penetration.
- P. vulgaris seed coat interfered in larval post-embryonic development.
- Larvae fed with seed coat FITC-labeled showed a strong fluorescence in the gut.
- A weak fluorescence in feces may indicate retention of the seed coat proteins in the gut.
- The larvae fed with seed coats showed decreases in digestive enzymes activities.