Based on existing information about root-knot nematodes, meloidogyne incognita [(Kofoid & White) Chitwood] and the Fusarium wilt fungus, Fusarium oxysporum f. vasinfectum [(Atk.) Synd. & Hans.] and their relationship in causing the fusarium wilt-root-knot disease complex in cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., a scheme of breeding for resistance to this complex is proposed. Accumulated evidence indicates that high root-knot resistance alone would provide adequate resistance to both root-knot and fusarium wilt disease when root-knot is the predisposing agent associated with fusarium wilting.