One hundred and fifty sorghum genotypes collected from different sources were screened for earhead bug infestation during 2001–2002 and 2002–2003 on the basis of their population buildup in panicle. The screened sorghum genotypes were then segregated into 5 groups on the basis of different morphological plant characteristics imparting resistance to sorghum panicle and it was found that grain weight, length and breadth of panicle was inter related with mean number of bugs present on panicle. The lowest test weight was observed in RSU 158 (7.80 g) and maximum in AKENT 16 (43.58 g) and showed positive correlation (r = 0.290) with earhead bug population. Least panicle length was observed in genotype SRF 2102 (10.34 cm) and it was maximum in early SDSL 92131 (14.90 cm) and shown positive correlation (r = 0.123) with pest incidence and least panicle breadth was observed in genotypes ISCU 708 (2.5 cm) and maximum in SDSL 92131 (22.5 cm) and shown positive correlation (r = 0.465) with pest build up. Thus, morphological characters could be one of the tool of selection while selecting sorghum genotypes for earhead bug resistance for improvement programme which need further confirmation to understand the resistance in sorghum against bugs.
Sorghum, Earhead bug resistance, Germplasm screening
