Half a Century Dynamics and Control of Cotton Diseases: Federal Research (ARS)

Philip A. Miller


 
ABSTRACT

Past research has been very effective in reducing losses from diseases and nematodes in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Over the past 30 years estimated losses rom Fusarium wilt and bacterial blight have been reduced dramatically. Disease agents are dynamic and resilient, however, and the struggle against these pests continues.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is a problem solving agency. Major disease problems across the Cotton Belt include the seedling disease complex, the boll rots, and nematodes. Verticillium wilt is a major problem from Mississippi west. Phymatotrichum root rot is a problem in Arizona and Texas. Modified cultural practices, host plant resistance, and the use of biological and chemical controls will continue to be the primary management strategies. APS is giving special emphasis to host plant resistance and biological controls. New biotechnical tools are emerging which will enable researchers to accelerate the development of more effective and precisely directed controls. Future pathology research will include use of these tools with particular emphasis on integrating the entire array of management strategies into a total production system for cotton growers. The Cotton Disease Council will continue to provide leadership in identifying priority needs and conducting research for the benefit of the Cotton industry.



Reprinted from 1986 Proceedings: Beltwide Cotton Production Research Conferences pp. 52 - 55
©National Cotton Council, Memphis TN

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Document last modified Sunday, Dec 6 1998