Strategies for pest control in sorghum in India

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Abstract
Host‐plant resistance in conjunction with natural enemies and cultural practices should form the backbone of future pest control programmes. Sources of resistance to Atherigona soccata Rond., Chilo partellus Swin. and Contarinia sorghicola Coq. have been identified. Efforts should be made to incorporate resistance into plants with good agronomic background and to strengthen the level of resistance. Resistance to pests and grain yield should be given equal consideration in the development and release of new cultivars. Cultivars with loose panicles may be developed for areas endemic to head bugs and head caterpillars. Pest avoidance through timely planting as decided by pest‐population dynamics and rainfall patterns, balanced fertilizer application, clean cultivation, and proper crop combinations should be popularized among the farmers to reduce crop losses. Readily available and inexpensive insecticides may be used as and when necessary based on economic thresholds