Late season diseases, such as boll rots, Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, nematodes and Phymatotrichum root rot cause considerable loss throughout the cotton growing region of the United States. The type and severity of each disease is controlled by the climate, soil-type and pathogens present. Control practices must be aimed specifically at the major disease problems of an area. Cultural practices should be adopted to promote thrifty plants so that the cotton passes through its most susceptible phases when pathogens are least abundant and active. In the future cotton producers must use practices which are well-researched and that are fuel efficient to be able to stay in business.