Marker‐Assisted Introgression of QTLs Conferring Shoot Fly Resistance Traits and Phenotypic Evaluation for Identification of Stable, High‐Yielding and Resistant Genotypes Based on AMMI and GGE Biplot Analysis in Sorghum ( <scp> <i>Sorghum bicolor</i>

ABSTRACT Post–rainy season sorghum cultivation is significantly challenged by various biotic and abiotic stresses, with shoot fly ( Atherigona soccata ) emerging as the most destructive biotic constraint. This study aimed to identify and evaluate shoot fly–resistant introgression lines (ILs) from the bc ₂F₂ to bc ₂F₄ generations. These ILs were developed by crossing three elite recurrent parents—SPV2217, BJV44 and SVD0806—with two resistant donor lines, J2614‐5 and J2799, known to possess QTLs linked to leaf glossiness and trichome density, respectively—traits associated with shoot fly resistance. Molecular screening of bc ₂F₂ ILs using SNP markers confirmed the successful introgression of shoot fly resistance QTLs in the progeny. Subsequent phenotypic evaluations of the bc ₂F₃ generation led to the identification of several high‐yielding and resistant families across different crosses, notably family numbers 25, 30, 42 (SPV2217 × J2614‐5); 8 (SPV2217 × J2799); 1, 8, 11 (BJV44 × J2614‐5); 12, 13, 14, 21, 26 (BJV44 × J2799); 14, 21, 22, 29, 37 (SVD0806 × J2614‐5) and 2, 9, 12, 23 (SVD0806 × J2799). In the bc ₂F₄ generation, 304 ILs were screened using the interlard fish meal technique, revealing several highly resistant lines across all crosses. These ILs consistently exhibited key resistance traits including reduced egg laying, lower dead heart incidence, enhanced leaf glossiness, higher trichome density and improved seedling vigour—indicating successful introgression of resistance traits from donor to recurrent backgrounds. AMMI and GGE biplot analyses further identified genotype SF 5 as a stable, high‐yielding and shoot fly–resistant line. The tolerant genotypes identified in this study represent a valuable resource for developing shoot fly–resistant sorghum varieties for post–rainy season cultivation in future plant breeding programs.