Genetics of traits associated with shoot fly resistance in post-rainy season sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

Abstract

Generation mean analyses were carried out to study genetics of traits associated with shoot fly resistance in three crosses using male sterile susceptible female and resistant male parents (104B x IS18551, 104B x IS2312 and 104B x RSE03) during 2006-07 at two locations. The mean performance of families showed that resistance as indicated by lower deadheart percentage is governed by recessive genes. Both additive and nonadditive gene actions were important for resistance, and this trait is influenced by environment. The line RSE 03 was a better source of resistance with relatively simple genetics for shoot fly resistance and component traits. Indirect selection through the component traits such as glossiness and seedling height which were under the control of additive genes would be effective for developing sorghum varieties resistant to shoot fly infestation.