Correlation studies for shoot fly [Atherigona soccata (Rondani)] resistance traits in F₃ generation of Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Field screening of 120 F₃ families of sorghum lines against shoot fly resistance was carried out at Millet Breeding Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University during Summer 2018. Leaf trichome density on adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces showed significant negative correlation with oviposition preference of shoot fly on 14 and 21 days after emergence and dead heart incidence on 21 and 28 DAE. Leaf glossiness and seedling vigour rating scale showed high significant positive correlation with shoot fly oviposition and dead hearts. Genotypic correlation confirmed that the number of trichomes on both surfaces of lamina, leaf glossiness and seedling vigour contributed resistance to shoot fly. Thus these characters can be used as selection criteria for breeding shoot fly resistance genotypes.