Archaeoentomological assessment of weevil (Coleoptera, Bruchidae) infestation level of pea (Pisum sativum) at the Late Bronze Age settlement Hissar

A find of 2572 charred seeds pea (Pisum sativum L.) was detected at the Late Bronze Age tell settlement Hissar near Leskovac, in Serbia, belonging to Brnjica cultural group, 14-10 cent. BC. Two types were observed: apparently healthy and damaged by activity a weevil (Coleoptera, Bruchidae). At least two-fifths all finds have been infested most probably (Bruchus pisorum L.), one important pests worldwide, especially medium-moist dry climates, such as Southern Europe Australia. large amount indicates developed production on small plots, strongly indicating that cultivating this ancient pulse crop must well-rooted field conditions. Previous DNA analyses placed an intermediate position between extantly cultivated (P. L. subsp. var. sativum) wild, winter hardy, 'tall' elatius (Steven ex M. Bieb.) Asch. et Graebn.). Based assumption its late harvest time combined with life cycle stage seeds, it possible estimate season during which carbonized, namely, second half July or first days August latest. Older, final instars predominant before seed carbonization. The infestation rate is highest noted among pulses Old World peas, so far.