Sources and Mechanisms of Resistance to Sorghum Head Bug, Eurystylus-Immaculatus Odh in West-Africa

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.