The go-to reference for diagnosing and managing cotton diseases—now expanded to include arthropod pests.

Trusted by researchers, crop consultants, and growers worldwide for more than 40 years, Compendium of Cotton Diseases and Pests returns for a third edition with significant updates and new content. This essential edition delivers the most up-to-date information on cotton diseases, arthropod pests, and abiotic disorders—making it the most comprehensive guide of its kind to date.

New to this edition is an expanded focus on entomology, including 14 expertly written chapters covering key arthropod pests that impact cotton production. Readers will also find new insights on emerging diseases such as target spot and areolate mildew, as well as updated information on lesion nematodes and other challenges facing today’s cotton industry.

Hundreds of new and revised high-resolution images enhance identification and diagnosis, while a newly added glossary and a detailed appendix of cotton diseases and pests increase usability in the field or the lab.

Whether you're a plant pathologist, agronomist, Extension professional, or grower, Compendium of Cotton Diseases and Pests, Third Edition will equip you with the knowledge needed to protect yields, improve plant health, and make informed management decisions.

Thank you to the organizations that sponsored this new edition!

Gold Level
AgLogic Chemical LLC
Cotton Foundation
Nutrien Ag Solutions, Dyna-Gro Seed, and Loveland Products

Silver Level
Cotton Incorporated

Bronze Level
AMVAC Chemical Corporation
FMC Agricultural Solutions

Compendium of Cotton Diseases and Pests, Third Edition

Introduction

Origin and Diversity of Cotton
Development of the Cotton Plant

Part I. Infectious Diseases

Cottonseed Losses and Mycotoxins

Free Fatty Acid Content
Aflatoxins
Other Toxins
Planting Seed

Seedling Diseases

Diseases Caused by Globisporangium and Pythium Species
Diseases Caused by Rhizoctonia solani
Black Root Rot
Diseases Caused by Fusarium Species
Occasional or Minor Seedling Diseases
Management of Seedling Diseases

Fungal Leaf Spots and Blights

Alternaria Leaf Spot
Cercospora Leaf Spot
Ascochyta Blight and Cotton Stem Canker
Stemphylium Leaf Spot
Target Spot
Areolate Mildew
Occasional Foliar Fungal Diseases

Rusts

Southwestern Cotton Rust
Tropical Cotton Rust
Tumblegrass Rust

Stem and Root Diseases

Fusarium Wilt
Verticillium Wilt
Phymatotrichopsis Root Rot
Charcoal Rot
Crown Gall

Season-Long Diseases

Anthracnose
Bacterial Blight

Boll Rots
Diseases Caused by Nematodes

Root-Knot Nematodes
Reniform Nematode
Lance Nematodes
Lesion Nematode
Sting Nematode
Nematode–Fungal Interactions
Nematode Resistance

Viral Diseases

African Cotton Mosaic Disease
Cotton Anthocyanosis (Vermelhão or Reddening Disease)
Cotton Blue Disease/Cotton Leafroll Dwarf Disease
Cotton Bunchy Top Disease
Cotton Leaf Crumple Disease–Americas
Cotton Leaf Curl Disease–Africa
Cotton Leaf Curl Disease–Asia
Cotton Yellow Vein Disease (Texas Cotton Vein Clearing)
Terminal Stunt Disease of Cotton

Phytoplasma Diseases

Flavescence
Flower Virescence and Phyllody
Psyllosis
Small Leaf

Disease of Unknown Etiology

Bacterial Stunt of Cotton

Part II. Cotton Pests and Their Management

History of Cotton Pest Management in the United States
Major Arthropod Pests of Cotton

Wireworms
Cutworms
Thrips
Aphids
Whiteflies
Spider Mites
Cotton Fleahopper
Tarnished Plant Bug and Western Tarnished Plant Bug
Bollworm and Tobacco Budworm
Fall Armyworm
Beet Armyworm
Pink Bollworm
Stink Bugs
Boll Weevil

Other Pests Infesting Cotton
Insecticides

Part III. Abiotic or Noninfectious Disorders

Nutritional Deficiencies and Toxicities
Environmental Disorders

Water-Related Stresses
Temperature-Related Stresses
Light Environment
Soil-Related Stresses
Miscellaneous Factors

Herbicide Injury

Photosynthesis Inhibitors
Amino Acid Synthesis Inhibitors (ALS Inhibitors)
Glyphosate
Growth Regulators
Pigment Inhibitors (Carotenoid Biosynthesis Inhibitors)
Cell Membrane Disruptors (Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase [PPO] inhibitors)
Seedling Growth Inhibitors (Root and Shoot)
Nitrogen Metabolism Inhibitor
Nucleic Acid Inhibitor

Appendix: Diseases and Pests of Cotton (Gossypium spp.)
Glossary
Index