Identification of forage sorghum lines having multiple-resistance to sorghum shoot fly and spotted stem borer

Sorghum shoot fly and spotted stem borer are the major pests that reduce fodder yields in forage sorghum. The present study aims at identifying resistant sources and characters that contribute resistance to this crop. The experiment consisted of 19 forage sorghum lines along with checks, studied during Kharif 2009–2012. The results indicated that seedling vigour, glossiness, shoot fly oviposition, shoot fly dead hearts, stem borer dead hearts were the most reliable parameters for characterization of multiple resistance/susceptibility to shoot fly and spotted stem borer among the damage parameters in sorghum. Based on principal component analysis, Katakhatav, Ramkel, Rampur Local depicted multiple resistances to sorghum shoot fly and spotted stem borer, while HC 308, NSSV 13, RSSV 9 and SL 44 exhibited moderate levels of resistance paving way for including them in forage sorghum improvement program.