Diversity and distribution of sorghum shoot fly in western Vidarbha

The diversity and distribution studies of shoot flies revealed that, across the five districts surveyed, three species belonging to the genus Atherigona were recorded: Atherigona soccata, Atherigona simplex, and Atherigona oryzae. In addition, four other dipteran flies were identified, representing the families Anthomyiidae, Platystomatidae, Lonchaeidae, and Chloropidae. Within Anthomyiidae, the genus Delia was observed, though only in very low numbers in certain parts of Western Vidarbha. Among all identified species, Atherigona soccata was the most prevalent. The study also revealed a higher female-to-male ratio of shoot flies across the five surveyed districts. In all surveyed fields, shoot fly damage was recorded above the economic threshold level. The highest incidence of shoot fly infestation was observed in Akola, Buldhana, and Washim, whereas comparatively lower incidence was recorded in Amravati and Yavatmal districts.