Pythium Seedling Disease of Cotton
Published: 08/18/2023
Seedling diseases caused by Pythium are more prevalent in cool and wet soil conditions, but some species can also cause damage at warmer soil temperatures. These diseases are often associated with soils with a greater clay content than well-drained sandy soils. Preemergence damping-off is a common symptom where the seed is infected before emergence. Pythium spp. are commonly found in cotton soils and can occur with other seedling pathogens, forming what is often called the “cotton seedling disease complex.”
To manage Pythium seedling diseases, use high-quality seed, delay planting until soil temperatures reach 20°C (68°F), plant on raised beds to increase soil temperature and improve drainage, and apply fungicide seed treatments with activity against Pythium.
Written and reviewed by Travis Faske, University of Arkansas; Tom Allen, Mississippi State University; Trey Price, Louisiana State University; and Terry Spurlock, University of Arkansas.
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