Modeling of Fusarium and Verticillium wilt diseases of cotton has shown both similarities and differences in the host-pathogen interactions. Cotton species as well as cultivars within species can differ in their mode of resistance or susceptibility to these wilt diseases, reflecting the pathotypes and virulence of the fungal and nematode pathogens. Cotton roots of both resistant and susceptible cultivars are readily colonized by both Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, the causal agents of the wilt diseases. Mechanisms of resistance are most apparent in cotton after the pathogens breech the endodermis and begin to colonize the vascular tissues. Various biochemical and physiological events caused by the pathogens lead to vascular gelation which underlies foliar symptom development, plant stunting and often plant death. Noteworthy progress has been made in understanding the effects of propagule density and physiological time of infection on disease development and cotton yields. Additionally, the management of both Fusarium and Verticillium wilt diseases can be done effectively by implementing new knowledge on cultivar performance, water management, nitrogen and potassium fertilization, row spacing, crop rotations, and the use of cultural practices such as soil solarization in cropping systems.