Biochemical bases of resistance against stem borer in sorghum

Abstract

A study was conducted at Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during kharif seasons of year 2021 and 2022 to assess the relationship between biochemical traits in sorghum and susceptibility to the stem borer (Chilo partellus). The results showed a significant correlation between stem borer infestation and various biochemical factors. Among twenty-five different genotypes/ varieties genotype IS-2205 exhibited the lowest levels of moisture (73.05%), nitrogen (3.18%), protein (19.87%), and total soluble sugars (7.48 mg/g), correlating with its resistance to stem borer. In contrast, genotype DJ-6514 and variety Swarna had higher levels of nitrogen (4.48%), protein (28.02), and TSS (10.98 mg/g), contributing to their higher susceptibility. Total phenol content showed an inverse relationship with infestation, with the highest phenol levels (4.85 mg/g) in DS-318 linked to lower pest incidence. The findings highlight the critical role of moisture, nitrogen, protein, TSS, and phenols in influencing the resistance or susceptibility of sorghum genotypes to C. partellus.