Diagnosis of Fusarium Oxysporum F. SP. Vasinfectum Race 4 Symptoms in Pima and Upland Cotton Cultivars

Fusarium wilt race 4 (FOV4) has been a threat to cotton production in the San Joaquin Valley of California for the last decade and recently has been identified in the El Paso, TX area. Progress has been made in identifying and developing resistant/tolerant Pimas. However, so far, no resistant/tolerant Upland cotton has been identified. In this presentation, the different responses to this pathogen infection will be addressed between Pima and Upland cotton. In addition, experiences in breeding for disease resistance/tolerance will be shared and how diagnosing symptoms of FOV4 are important during this process. With the recent identification of FOV4 in Texas, this pathogen is threatening the largest Upland cotton state producer in the US. It is important to increase the resistance/tolerance level of the Upland gene pool to stop any vulnerability of the cotton industry.