Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) presents a major biosecurity threat to the Australian industry. The exotic Cotton blue disease (CBD) is also of concern.

Viral diseases of cotton are of economic significance in many parts of the world. Only two virus diseases have been reported from Australian cotton crops, Cotton bunchy top (CBT) and Tobacco streak virus (TSV).

Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) is caused by a complex of different begomoviruses and DNA-β satellite molecules. Both the viruses and the satellites are transmitted by the Silverleaf whitefly (SLW).

Worldwide, virus diseases, especially Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) cause serious economic losses to cotton production.