ABSTRACT

Fusarium wilt and black root rot are important diseases of cotton in Australia. These diseases are having a significant impact on the health of cotton seedlings soon after emergence. Previous studies have shown that foliar applications of acibenzolar-S-methyl could induce a systemic resistance and provide some control of other foliar and vascular diseases of cotton. However, the pathogens that cause Fusarium wilt and black root rot infect soon after emergence and before foliar applications are practical. The incidence of Fusarium wilt and the severity of black root rot were significantly reduced when acibenzolar-S-methyl was applied to seed prior to sowing. While not providing complete control, systemic induced resistance is seen as a potentially important component of an integrated disease management strategy for Fusarium wilt and black root rot of cotton.