Maturity and Disease Presence Association in Corynespora "Target Spot" Cotton Research

Corynespora cassiicola, an ascomycete plant pathogen, has been affecting cotton production in the southeastern U.S. the part several decades. Fungal infections resulting from this pathogen appear as brown circular lesions, commonly known as "target spot". Premature defoliation, which may be mild or severe, can lead to yield loss.

In 2013, a two-year field study funded by the Alabama Cotton Commission was initiated to study the effects of fungicide treatment and variety response on target spot appearance.