Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.3, 134-144 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 134 Research Report Open Access Impact of Seedling Diseases on Cotton Crop Establishment and Yield Shanjun Zhu, Mengting Luo Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: mengting.luo@jicat.org Field Crop, 2024, Vol.7, No.3 doi: 10.5376/fc.2024.07.0014 Received: 10 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 20 Apr., 2024 Published: 10 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhu and Luo, 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. Preferred citation for this article: Zhu S.J., and Luo M.T., 2024, Impact of seedling diseases on cotton crop establishment and yield, Field Crop, 7(3): 134-144 (doi: 10.5376/fc.2024.07.0014) Abstract The establishment and yield of cotton crops are significantly impacted by seedling diseases, which are influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors. This study examines the effects of different pathogens, environmental conditions, and management practices on cotton seedling health and subsequent crop yield. Key pathogens such as Thielaviopsis basicola, Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp., and Verticillium dahliae have been identified as major contributors to seedling diseases, leading to reduced plant growth and yield losses. The role of cover crops, particularly winter legumes, in managing soilborne pathogens and their mixed effects on different pathogens is also discussed. Additionally, the impact of insect pests like thrips and the cotton-leaf crumple virus on seedling health and yield is considered. Biological control methods, including the use of endophytic fungi and Trichoderma spp., show promise in mitigating these diseases and improving yield. This study highlights the importance of integrated disease management strategies, including crop rotation, resistant cultivars, and biological control, to enhance cotton crop establishment and productivity under varying environmental conditions. Keywords Cotton seedling diseases; Soilborne pathogens; Biological control; Crop yield; Integrated disease management 1 Introduction Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is a globally significant fiber crop, cultivated extensively for its economic value and utility in producing textiles, oil, and animal feed. It ranks first among fiber crops and second among oilseed crops worldwide, with an annual production of approximately 119.8 million bales (Hasan et al., 2019). The cultivation of cotton has a profound historical and economic impact, particularly in countries like the United States, where it has shaped agricultural practices and contributed to significant historical events such as the westward expansion and the industrial revolution (Koenning et al., 2004). In India, cotton is a crucial crop, with vast areas under cultivation and significant contributions to the agricultural economy (Refai et al., 2022). The health of cotton seedlings is critical for successful crop establishment and yield. Seedling diseases, caused by various soil-borne pathogens, can severely impact germination rates, root development, and overall plant vigor, leading to substantial yield losses. Pathogens such as Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium moniliforme, and Macrophomina phaseolina have been identified as significant threats to cotton seedlings, causing damping-off and other detrimental effects (Refai et al., 2022). The presence of these pathogens can lead to high mortality rates in seedlings, necessitating the development of resistant cultivars and effective disease management strategies (Refai et al., 2022). Additionally, diseases like boll rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii further complicate cotton cultivation by affecting the bolls and reducing market value (Mahadevakumar et al., 2016). This study aims to comprehensively examine the impact of seedling diseases on cotton crop establishment and yield. The objectives are to identify and describe the major seedling diseases affecting cotton; Assess the economic and agronomic impacts of these diseases on cotton production; Review current management practices and breeding strategies aimed at mitigating the effects of seedling diseases; Highlight future research directions and potential innovations in disease resistance and crop protection. By synthesizing findings from various studies, this study seeks to provide a detailed understanding of the challenges posed by seedling diseases in cotton cultivation and to propose actionable insights for improving crop resilience and productivity.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODY0NQ==