Verticillium wilt of cotton is caused by a fungus (Verticillium dahliae) that infects the host plant via the roots and colonises the vascular system.

The fungal disease Verticillium wilt has been of sporadic importance in irrigated cotton for many years.

A disease can only occur when a virulent pathogen contacts a susceptible host under favourable environmental conditions. The incidence and severity of a disease reflects the occurence of these three factors.

With current Australian cotton production around 1.25 million bales this equates to C.R.C. research expenditure of A$3.2 to 3.5 million per year - allowing for reserves, administration, etc. These C.R.C.

From before the first seed is planted, everything that 1s done, 1.e. selection of seed variety, to all cultural practices and 1nsect control must have one aim and that is earliness.