Abstract

The effects of panicle compactness and host plant resistance on the rate of population increase of sorghum midge (Contarinia sorghicola Coq.), head bugs (Calocoris angustatus Leth.) and head caterpillar (Helicoverpa armigera Hb.) in large concentric plots over three sequential sowings during the 1985–86 rainy seasons were studied. Early‐planted crops suffered less damage than the late‐planted crops. H. armigera damage was negligible in genotypes with loose panicles. Calocoris angustatus population increase was lower in genotypes with loose panicles. Panicle compactness did not affect the damage caused by C. sorghicola and Campylomma spp. Host plant resistance had a marked effect on the rate of population increase across sowing dates in the case of sorghum midge and head bugs. Thus, cultivars with resistance to insects and/or with loose panicles can help to reduce the losses caused by panicle‐feeding insects in sorghum.

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