Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 200-208 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 200 Feature Review Open Access FusariumBoll Rot in Cotton: Pathogen Dynamics and Control Options ZhenLi Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: 3657572350@qq.com Molecular Pathogens, 2024, Vol.15, No.4 doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0019 Received: 09 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 28 Jul., 2024 Published: 12 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Li, 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: Li Z., 2024, Fusariumboll rot in cotton: pathogen dynamics and control options, Molecular Pathogens, 15(4): 200-208 (doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0019) Abstract Fusariumboll rot, caused by Fusarium spp., is a serious disease that has led to significant economic losses in global cotton production. The disease infects cotton bolls, resulting in reduced yield and quality, severely affecting the economic benefits of the cotton industry. Understanding the pathogen dynamics and its response to environmental conditions is crucial for developing effective control strategies. This study aims to systematically evaluate the lifecycle of Fusariumboll rot, its transmission pathways, and interactions with the host. It also analyzes the efficacy and limitations of current control methods, while exploring emerging control strategies. By summarizing existing control options and new technological applications, this study provides a scientific basis and recommendations for the long-term management of Fusariumboll rot in cotton. Keywords Wheat resistance; Transcriptomics; Pathogen interaction; Gene expression; Breeding improvement 1 Introduction Fusariumboll rot is a significant disease affecting cotton (Gossypiumspp.), caused by various Fusariumspecies, including Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium verticillioides. This disease leads to the decay of cotton bolls, resulting in substantial yield losses and reduced fiber quality. The economic impact of Fusarium boll rot is profound, as it not only diminishes the market value of the cotton crop but also increases production costs due to the need for additional disease management practices. For instance, Fusarium wilt, a related disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, has been reported to cause complete crop losses in severely infested fields in California, highlighting the potential severity of Fusarium-related diseases in cotton production (Davis et al., 2006; Chavez et al., 2022) Fusariumboll rot and related diseases have a long history of affecting cotton crops worldwide. Fusariumwilt of cotton was first identified in Alabama in 1892 and has since been reported in various countries, including Egypt, India, Tanzania, California, Sudan, Israel, Brazil, China, and Australia (Özer et al., 2022). The spread of Fusarium species has been facilitated by the movement of contaminated cotton seeds and favorable environmental conditions, such as high temperatures and moisture, which support the growth and survival of the pathogen (Mahadevakumar et al., 2016). The geographical spread of Fusariumspecies underscores the global threat posed by these pathogens to cotton production. To provide a comprehensive overview of the pathogen dynamics of Fusariumboll rot in cotton and to explore the various control options available for the management of the disease, and to synthesize current knowledge of the biology and epidemiology of Fusariumspecies affecting cotton, to examine the economic impact of the disease and to evaluate the effectiveness of different management strategies, including cultivation practices, chemical treatments and resistant varieties. By integrating existing research, this study aims to inform and guide future research and management efforts to mitigate the impact of Fusariumboll rot disease on cotton production. 2 Biology and Lifecycle of Fusariumspp. in Cotton 2.1 Pathogen characteristics and taxonomy Fusariumspecies are among the most destructive phytopathogenic fungi, affecting a wide range of economically important plants, including cotton. These fungi are known for their ability to produce various types of spores, which are crucial for their propagation and infection processes. Fusariumspp. primarily produce three types of
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