Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology

Browntop millet is a short-duration, drought-adapted crop of increasing importance in dryland production systems, but information on its interaction with shoot fly (Atherigona spp.) remains limited. This study evaluated five browntop millet genotypes under field conditions for shoot fly infestation and examined leaf wax and chlorophyll contents in relation to infestation. Shoot fly response varied markedly among genotypes. GPUBT7 consistently showed the lowest infestation and recorded 1.48% dead-heart incidence at 28 DAE, leading to its classification as highly resistant. HBR2 and NBR2 were resistant, whereas GPUBT6 and GPUBT8 were susceptible. Adult emergence was also lowest in GPUBT7 and highest in GPUBT6. Significant genotypic variation was observed in total chlorophyll and leaf wax contents. GPUBT6 and GPUBT8 generally exhibited higher values for both traits, whereas GPUBT7 showed the lowest chlorophyll and wax contents. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed significant positive associations of leaf wax content with egg count, dead-heart incidence, and tiller infestation, and significant positive associations of chlorophyll content with the same infestation parameters. Associations with adult emergence were positive but non-significant. Overall, the contrasting genotypic responses indicate that leaf wax and chlorophyll content are associated with shoot fly infestation in browntop millet. These findings provide a basis for further evaluation of these leaf functional traits in relation to host suitability and for their potential use in selecting shoot fly-resistant germplasm.