Physico-Chemical Mechanism of Resistance to Shoot Fly [Atherigona Soccata (Rondani)] in Sorghum

Host plant resistance is one of the important components for minimizing the losses caused by sorghum shoot fly, Atherigona soccata (Diptera: Muscidae) attack. Studies were undertaken to study the physico-chemical mechanism of resistance against shoot fly, Atherigona soccata (Rondani) in sorghum and to identify lines with diverse mechanism of resistance to shoot fly to strengthen host plant resistance for sustainable crop production. Twenty sorghum genotypes with different levels of resistance to A. Soccata were evaluated to identify lines with diverse mechanism of resistance. There was significant variation in leaf surface wetness, leaf glossiness, trichome density, seedling vigour. In Sorghum genotypes high trichome density, total phenols and high enzyme activity showed resistance to shoot fly. Sorghum genotypes with high amounts of total sugars, soluble proteins, more leaf surface wetness and higher seedling vigour and glossiness scale were susceptible to shoot fly.