Cotton Root Rot & Wilt: Diagnosis, Bark Shredding & Control
Rhizoctonia and Fusarium root rot in cotton. How to detect shredded bark, taproot decay, and apply biological soil drenches.
Visible Symptoms
Sudden wilting and drooping of cotton plants in circular patches across the field; leaves dry up while remaining attached; bark of taproot shreds easily.
Primary Causes
- Soil-borne fungi Rhizoctonia solani, Rhizoctonia bataticola (Macrophomina phaseolina), and Fusarium oxysporum.
- High soil temperature (> 35°C) combined with moisture stress or sudden heavy rainfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cotton plants recover once taproot bark has shredded?
No. Plants with shredded taproots have lost vascular capacity. Focus immediately on spot-drenching neighboring healthy plants to build a protective biological barrier.