Screening of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] genotypes against shootfly [Atherigona soccata (Rondani)] in correlation with physico-chemical traits

Abstract

Field screening of 20 sorghum genotypes against shoot fly resistance was carried out at Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Kovilpatti during Rabi 2016 - 2017. Based on six parameters viz., Trichome density, glossiness, seedling vigour, number of eggs per seedling, seedling with eggs and dead hearts, four entries viz., IS 2205, IS 2660, IS 2952 and IS 18551 were found to be highly resistant to shoot fly. Susceptibility to shoot fly was associated with high soluble sugars and fat composition while highest leaf glossiness, trichome density, seedling vigour and tannin content were associated with resistance to shoot fly.

Keywords

• field screening
• sorghum genotypes
• shoot fly
• physico- chemical traits