Evidence of shoot fly Atherigona soccata Rondani (Dipt., Muscidae) oviposition response to sorghum seedling volatiles

: The effects of shoot fly resistant (IS 18551) and susceptible (CSH 5) sorghum seedling volatiles on oviposition of shoot fly were investigated by exposing mated females to various treatments under greenhouse conditions. It is hypothesized that shoot fly susceptible genotype and younger [5–10 days after emergence, (DAE)] seedlings emit different quantities and/or blends of volatiles than resistant or older (14–21 DAE) ones. Shoot fly response was greater to host plant odour alone than to host plant plus fishmeal. Transparent trap with 10 day‐old susceptible seedlings was found to be more effective and efficient for adult attraction than the other two types of traps [live fly trap and black trap]. The present study indicated that shoot fly females are attracted both to the volatiles emitted by the susceptible seedlings, and that phototactic (optical) stimuli that may facilitate orientation to its host for oviposition, but volatile blends associated with adult attraction will be reported in due course to confirm these results.