Cotton diseases can begin to affect young plants from the moment the planted seed first absorbs moisture from the soil. Seed and soil-borne pathogenic fungi and bacteria, may attack seed from the inside and outside causing rot. The tap root may be destroyed as it emerges from the seed and the germinated seedling never makes it to the soil surface. This relentless disease activity continues throughout the seedling and pre-squaring phases of plant development. The extent and intensity of pathogen attack is governed by forces that in some cases can be controlled or modified by judicious management.