Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.4, 212-221 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 213 Cotton crops are susceptible to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses that can significantly impact yield and fiber quality. Biotic stresses include bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases, as well as infestations by nematodes, insects, and mites (Razzaq et al., 2023). These diseases and pests can cause substantial economic losses by reducing both the quantity and quality of cotton fibers. Abiotic stresses such as temperature extremes, drought, and salinity further exacerbate these challenges (Razzaq et al., 2023). Effective management strategies, including the use of biotechnology and integrated pest management, are essential to mitigate these impacts and ensure sustainable cotton production (Razzaq et al., 2023). This study assesses the impact of various cotton diseases on fiber quality and production. By synthesizing current research findings, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of how different diseases affect cotton crops and to identify effective management strategies; explores the genetic and biotechnological advancements that have been made to improve cotton resilience and fiber quality, thereby offering insights into future directions for research and development in the cotton industry. 2 Major Cotton Diseases Affecting Fiber Quality 2.1 Bacterial Blight Bacterial blight of cotton, caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum, is a significant disease that affects cotton fiber quality and production. This disease has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly in the United States, leading to substantial cotton losses. The pathogenicity of the bacteria and the host's response are critical areas of study to develop effective disease management strategies. Current research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of resistance and susceptibility in cotton plants, as well as exploring biological control methods to mitigate the impact of bacterial blight (Cox et al., 2019). 2.2 Verticilliumwilt Verticilliumwilt, caused by the soil-borne fungus Verticillium dahliae, is another major disease that affects cotton. This disease leads to wilting, chlorosis, and necrosis of the leaves, ultimately reducing fiber quality and yield. Advances in molecular breeding and marker technology have facilitated the identification of resistant cotton cultivars through quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping. These biotechnological tools are essential for developing cotton varieties that can withstand Verticillium wilt, thereby improving overall cotton production (Javed et al., 2019). 2.3 Fusariumwilt Fusariumwilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporumf. sp. vasinfectum, is a persistent threat to cotton crops worldwide. Similar to bacterial blight, Fusariumwilt has re-emerged in various regions, including the United States, causing significant damage to cotton fields. Research efforts are directed towards understanding the disease's recurrence and developing resistant cotton varieties through molecular breeding techniques. The use of QTL mapping and marker-assisted selection (MAS) has shown promise in identifying and cultivating Fusariumwilt-resistant cotton strains (Cox et al., 2019; Javed et al., 2019). 2.4 Cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV) is one of the most devastating viral diseases affecting cotton, particularly in Pakistan, north-western India, and parts of Africa. The disease causes severe curling and distortion of leaves, leading to reduced photosynthesis and stunted plant growth. Molecular markers and genome mapping have been instrumental in identifying resistant sources and developing CLCuV-resistant cotton varieties. These biotechnological advancements are crucial for mitigating the impact of CLCuV on cotton production (Javed et al., 2019). 2.5 Alternaria leaf spot Alternaria leaf spot, caused by Alternaria spp., is a fungal disease that affects cotton leaves, leading to the formation of dark, necrotic spots. This disease can significantly reduce the photosynthetic area of the plant, thereby impacting fiber quality and yield. While not as extensively studied as other cotton diseases, ongoing research aims to understand the pathogen's biology and develop resistant cotton varieties through traditional breeding and molecular techniques.
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