Screening of Sorghum Genotypes Resistance to Sorghum Shoot Fly ( <i>Atherigona</i> <i/> <i>Soccata</i> ) In West Hararghe, Oromia

Shoot fly (Atherigona soccata) is one of the major insect pests limiting sorghum production by causing severe seedling damage and significant yield losses. Although management options such as timely planting, seed treatment with systemic insecticides, and foliar insecticide applications are available, their effectiveness is often constrained by rainfall variability and the high cost of insecticides for resource-poor farmers. Therefore, host plant resistance offers an economically viable and environmentally sustainable approach for managing shoot fly infestations. This study aimed to identify sorghum genotypes with stable resistance to shoot fly under field conditions. The experiment was conducted at the Mechara Agricultural Research Center (McARC), Ethiopia, where eighty sorghum genotypes were evaluated for their response to shoot fly infestation. The results revealed substantial variation among genotypes in their level of resistance. Out of the eighty genotypes tested, fifty-nine exhibited resistant or tolerant reactions to shoot fly damage. These resistant/tolerant genotypes represent valuable genetic resources for sorghum improvement programs and can be utilized in future breeding efforts aimed at developing shoot fly-resistant varieties. The identified genotypes provide a sustainable option for enhancing sorghum productivity and reducing yield losses caused by shoot fly infestations.