Correlation studies for shootfly resistance traits in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

A field experiment was conducted to study the relation of different plant characters and shoot fly resistance in sorghum. Leaf glossiness showed high positive correlation with shootfly oviposition and dead hearts. The oviposition percentage on 14th and 21st days after seedling emergence exhibited significant positive correlation with dead hearts. Leaf trichome density on adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces showed significant negative correlation with shootfly dead hearts. The leaf trichome density revealed higher magnitude for resistance due to non-preference for oviposition. Seedling vigour recorded weaker association with dead heart percentage. Genotypic correlation confirmed that the number of trichomes on both surfaces of lamina and leaf glossiness contributed resistance to shoot fly. Thus these characters can be used as selection criteria for breeding shootfly resistance genotypes.