Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.4, 212-221 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 212 Research Report Open Access Assessing the Impact of Various Cotton Diseases on Fiber Quality and Production Jiamin Wang, Jin Zhang Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: jin.zhang@hitar.org Field Crop, 2024, Vol.7, No.4 doi: 10.5376/fc.2024.07.0021 Received: 27 May, 2024 Accepted: 09 Jul., 2024 Published: 30 Jul., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang and Zhang, 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: Wang J.M., and Zhang J., 2024, Assessing the impact of various cotton diseases on fiber quality and production, Field Crop, 7(4): 212-221 (doi: 10.5376/fc.2024.07.0021) Abstract 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 Verticilliumwilt, Fusariumwilt, 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. Fusariumwilt, 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. Keywords Cotton diseases; Fiber quality; Verticilliumwilt; Fusariumwilt; Biotechnological solutions 1 Introduction Cotton is one of the most significant crops globally, both economically and agriculturally. It is a primary source of natural fiber, with an annual production of approximately 25 million tons worldwide (Khan et al., 2020). The top cotton-producing countries include India, China, the United States, and Brazil, among others (Khan et al., 2020). Cotton's economic importance is underscored by its role in the textile industry, which has a substantial economic impact estimated at over $600 billion annually (Khan et al., 2020). This crop is often referred to as "white gold" in many developing countries due to its contribution to foreign exchange earnings and its pivotal role in national economies (Khan et al., 2020). Cotton production is a cornerstone of the agricultural sector in many countries, particularly in developing regions. The crop's cultivation is concentrated in sub-tropical climates and requires significant water and agrochemical inputs to ensure high yields (Rosa and Grammatikos, 2019). Despite these challenges, cotton remains the dominant natural fiber in the textile market, surpassing other fibers such as silk, wool, and hemp (Rosa and Grammatikos, 2019). The genetic diversity of cotton, particularly in species like Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense, has been a focal point for improving fiber yield and quality, as well as enhancing resilience to environmental stresses (Hu et al., 2019). Fiber quality directly affects the market value and application scope of the product (Ding, 2024). Superior fiber quality, as seen in Gossypium barbadense, is highly sought after for producing high-end textile products (Hu et al., 2019). The quality of cotton fibers affects the efficiency of textile manufacturing processes and the quality of the final products. Therefore, improving fiber quality through genetic and biotechnological advancements is a priority for breeders and researchers (Hu et al., 2019). The development of Bt cotton, for instance, has been instrumental in managing insect-pest resistance, thereby reducing the need for chemical insecticides and improving overall fiber quality (Razzaq et al., 2023).
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