Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.3, 134-144 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 141 9.2 Policy recommendations To effectively manage seedling diseases in cotton, policy recommendations should emphasize the importance of developing and disseminating resistant cotton cultivars. Governments and agricultural bodies should support breeding programs that focus on host plant resistance (HPR) to ensure the availability of disease-resistant varieties to farmers (Egan and Stiller, 2022). Additionally, policies should encourage the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that combine cultural, biological, and chemical control methods to manage seedling diseases sustainably. Investment in farmer education and extension services is crucial to ensure that farmers are well-informed about the latest disease management practices and resistant cultivars. 9.3 Role of global collaboration in disease management Global collaboration is essential in addressing the challenges posed by seedling diseases in cotton. International research partnerships can facilitate the exchange of knowledge, germplasm, and technologies, thereby accelerating the development of resistant cotton varieties (Egan and Stiller, 2022). Collaborative efforts can also lead to the establishment of global surveillance systems for emerging pathogens, enabling timely interventions and reducing the spread of diseases. Furthermore, joint initiatives can promote the standardization of disease management practices and policies across different cotton-growing regions, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to seedling diseases. By focusing on these future directions, the cotton industry can enhance crop establishment and yield, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and profitability of cotton production worldwide. 10 Concluding Remarks The impact of seedling diseases on cotton crop establishment and yield is profound and multifaceted. Various pathogens and pests contribute to significant losses in cotton production. Thrips, for instance, are a major insect pest that affects cotton seedlings, causing distortion, malformation, and reduced growth, which can lead to a 30-50% reduction in lint yield potential. Similarly, soil-borne pathogens such as Pythium spp. and Rhizopus oryzae cause preemergence damping-off, significantly affecting seedling survival rates. The cotton-leaf crumple virus (CLCV), transmitted by the sweetpotato whitefly, also leads to reduced growth and yield, with infected plants showing a 24% reduction in seed-cotton yields. Additionally, pathogenic fungi like Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium moniliforme, and Macrophomina phaseolina have been identified as detrimental to cotton seedlings, reducing germination rates and increasing mortality. The practice of stale seedbed production has been shown to increase the incidence of seedling diseases, although the application of in-furrow fungicides can mitigate these effects. Continuous cropping of cotton further exacerbates soil-borne diseases, altering soil bacterial communities and reducing plant health. Continuous monitoring and management of seedling diseases are crucial for maintaining cotton crop health and optimizing yield. The variability in pathogen presence and severity across different regions and years necessitates regular surveillance and tailored management practices. For instance, the application of insecticides is essential for controlling thrips, as no resistant cotton varieties are currently available. Similarly, seed treatments with fungicides like Metalaxyl can control diseases caused by Pythium spp., although they are less effective against Rhizopus oryzae, highlighting the need for integrated disease management strategies. The use of biological control agents, such as Trichoderma spp., has shown promise in managing preemergence damping-off. Moreover, understanding the impact of agricultural practices, such as tillage and continuous cropping, on soil health and disease incidence is vital. The adoption of conservation tillage practices, coupled with appropriate fungicide applications, can help manage seedling diseases effectively. Continuous cropping requires careful management of soil microbiomes to prevent the proliferation of soil-borne diseases. Enhancing cotton crop establishment and yield in the face of seedling diseases requires a multifaceted approach. Breeding for disease-resistant cultivars remains a long-term goal that could provide sustainable solutions to many of the challenges posed by seedling diseases. In the short term, integrated pest and disease management strategies, including the use of chemical, biological, and cultural controls, are essential. The application of insecticides and fungicides, combined with practices such as crop rotation and the use of cover crops, can help manage pest and pathogen pressures. Additionally, advancements in soil health management, including the use of soil amendments
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