Several different, normally harmless, pathogens (germs) that normally live on organic matter in the soil can attack cotton seedling roots in the spring. The ones most commonly found attacking cotton in Missouri are named Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Thielaviopsis. A plant may be attacked by one of these or by several at the same time

Seedling diseases cause dark, rotted areas on infected roots. The tap root may be destroyed, leaving only shallow-growing lateral roots to support the plant. Seedlings may wither and die after the disease kills the root. Plants that survive infection are often weak, more susceptible to other diseases and environmental stresses, yield poorly, and produce low-grade lint.

There is no way to eradicate the problem, but the following six practices will help protect cotton against seedling diseases.