Jiefu Lin , Yuexin Zhu

Hainan Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, China
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Microbiology Research, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 4   
Received: 05 Jun., 2024    Accepted: 19 Jul., 2024    Published: 06 Aug., 2024

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.

Alternaria leaf spot (ALS) is a significant disease in cotton cultivation, affecting both yield and quality. The pathogen responsible for ALS has a complex life cycle, and its spread is influenced by environmental conditions, with various inoculum sources contributing to disease proliferation. Visual symptoms on cotton leaves and laboratory diagnostic methods are crucial for early detection and control. This study provides a detailed analysis of ALS, focusing on pathogen identification, biological characteristics, and disease management strategies. It discusses effective management approaches, including cultural practices, chemical and biological controls, and the development of resistant cotton varieties through breeding programs. Case studies from major cotton-growing regions demonstrate successful control methods and compare the effectiveness of different strategies. This study highlights the importance of integrated disease management (IDM) to ensure sustainable cotton production and offers recommendations for farmers and researchers to enhance disease control efforts.

Alternaria leaf spot; Cotton cultivation; Pathogen identification; Biological characteristics; Integrated disease management (IDM)