Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), a tropical grass originating from Africa, serves as a staple food source for both humans and livestock. The global expansion of sorghum cultivation, particularly in Brazil and the United States, has facilitated the spread of the sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a highly adaptable pest. This study evaluated adult fecundity and nymphal development of M. sacchari in 12 sorghum genotypes to identify potential sources of resistance, given the lack of environmentally friendly control strategies. A single sorghum seedling was used per replicate, each infested with 10 first-instar nymphs in a no-choice experiment, with ten replicates per genotype. Key parameters measured included the duration of the pre-reproductive and nymphal stages, total and daily nymph production, nymph viability, adult emergence rate, and leaf wax content. After 5 days of containment, the number of adults per plant was recorded. All genotypes negatively affected the biological performance of M. sacchari, with 84P68, CHR 2042, DKS 3707, HG35W, M60GB31, SP73B12, and 95207 causing 100% nymphal mortality. No significant differences in leaf wax content were detected among genotypes. These findings provide valuable insights into the population dynamics of M. sacchari and provide a foundation for future breeding programs aimed at improving sorghum resistance to aphids.
