Abstract

Sorghum is one of the most important cereal crops in West Africa, and the head bug, Eurystylus immaculatus Odh. (Hemiptera: Miridae) is the key pest of grain sorghum in this region. A range of sorghum genotypes were evaluated for resistance to sorghum head bug at Sotuba (Mali) and Kamboinse (Burkina Faso). Genotypes CSM 388, IS 14332, Malisor 84-7, Sakoika. S 29 and Kamboinse local were resistant to head bugs. both under natural and headcage screening. Head bug resistant genotypes had a lower percentage of head bug damaged grain. The food quality of head bug damaged grain was very poor and unacceptable. Cultivar non-preference was identified as a component of resistance to head bugs. and CSM 388 was nonpreferred compared to E 35-1. Panicle compactness was positively associated with head bug numbers and grain damage. However, genotypes with loose panicles were also susceptible to bugs. Long glumes (>5 mm), days to glume opening (>20 days after anthesis), >50% covering of the grain by the glumes, and grain hardness contribute towards resistance to Eurystylus immaculatus. This information will be useful for developing a programme to breed for resistance to this insect in West Africa.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.