Jiamin Wang , Jin Zhang

Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Field Crop, 2024, Vol. 7, No. 4   
Received: 27 May, 2024    Accepted: 09 Jul., 2024    Published: 30 Jul., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Cotton diseases significantly impact fiber quality and production, posing a major challenge to the global cotton industry. This study assesses the effects of various cotton diseases, including Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, and ramulosis, on cotton fiber quality and yield. Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae, leads to substantial reductions in photosynthesis rate, lint production, and fiber quality, with notable decreases in micronaire and maturity ratio. Fusarium wilt, particularly race 4, is another destructive disease, with genetic screening revealing significant genotypic variations in resistance, indicating potential for breeding resistant cultivars. Ramulosis, controlled traditionally by fungicides, shows promise for biocontrol using bacterial strains, which not only reduce disease incidence but also improve yield and fiber quality. Additionally, biotechnological advancements, including transgenes, RNAi, and gene editing, offer sustainable solutions for managing these diseases. This study highlights the critical need for integrated disease management strategies combining genetic resistance, biotechnological innovations, and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate the adverse effects of cotton diseases on fiber quality and production.

Cotton diseases; Fiber quality; Verticillium wilt; Fusarium wilt; Biotechnological solutions