Shoot fly resistance in sorghum

The present diallel analysis were undertaken to study combining ability for shoot fly (Atherigona soccataRondani) resistance and other related characters in sorghum. The results indicated predominance of additive gene action for these traits. The nature of gene action for seedling height, tillers/100 plants, effective tillers and yield/productive plant was predominantly non-additive. All resistant parents recorded desirable gca effects for dead heart (%), eggs/plant and plant recovery. Significant positive association between per se performance of parents and gca effects indicated that lines for breeding can be selected on the basis of parental performance. Predominance of additive genetic variance for shoot fly resistance indicated that exploitation of IS 5490, IS 5604 and 168 through biparental approach may be rewarding.