Title:	Biological performance of Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald, 1904) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on different host plants.
Authors:	SANTOS, D. G. REZENDE, K. A. S. SILVA, T. F. SILVA, B. L. MARQUES, V. M. SANTOS, N. M. PEREIRA, P. S. TARDIN, F. D. AUAD, A. M. SIMEONE, M. L. F. MENDES, S. M.
Affiliation:	UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SAO JOAO DEL-REI; UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SAO JOAO DEL-REI; UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SÃO JOAO DEL-REI; UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE LAVRAS; UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SÃO JOAO DEL-REI; UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE LAVRAS; UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SAO JOAO DEL REI; FLAVIO DESSAUNE TARDIN, CNPMS; ALEXANDER MACHADO AUAD, CNPGL; MARIA LUCIA FERREIRA SIMEONE, CNPMS; SIMONE MARTINS MENDES, CNPMS.
Date Issued:	2026
Citation:	Phytoparasitica, v. 54, art. 73, 2026.
Description:	The sorghum aphid, Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald, 1904) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a significant pest. This study classified the host suitability of seven Poaceae genotypes: commercial and wild sorghum (S. bicolor, S. sudanense, S. bicolor verticilliflorum), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), and maize (Zea mays). Aphid biological performance was assessed via leaf-disc bioassays under controlled conditions (24±2 °C, 60±10% RH). Infestation progression and plant injury were evaluated in greenhouse trials. Plant cell wall composition was analyzed using NIRS spectroscopy. Results established a clear host suitability gradient. All Sorghum genotypes were suitable hosts, supporting positive population growth. The commercial hybrid AG1090 exhibited the highest net reproductive rate (R₀=16.17). Pearl millet and maize were non-hosts, with reproduction virtually absent (R₀≤0.08). Greenhouse data confirmed this pattern, with sorghum genotypes (e.g., S. sudanense, S. bicolor verticilliflorum) reaching infestation levels above 84%, while pearl millet and maize remained below 24% with no visible injury. Statistical analysis revealed that plant susceptibility was positively correlated with leaf hemicellulose content. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) segregated susceptible sorghum genotypes from the non-host species based on this biochemical factor. It is concluded that pearl millet and maize are not hosts for M. sorghi. The cell wall composition, specifically hemicellulose content, is a key factor influencing aphid infestation levels. These findings provide a basis for developing sorghum cultivars with reduced susceptibility.
Thesagro:	Sorgo Praga de Planta Pulgão Sorghum Bicolor
Keywords:	Espectroscopia Infravermelho próximo Interação inseto-planta
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-026-01406-7
Type of Material:	Artigo de periódico
Access:	openAccess
Appears in Collections:	Artigo em periódico indexado (CNPMS)