1928 Boll development and seed rot

Boll rot is a common term used to describe a variety of diseases that influence the appearance of the mature cotton boll, even though the causal agents may differ substantially from each other. Approximately 170 organisms are described as causing “boll rot” (Anonymous, 2001). Generally, the boll will not mature completely, or if it matures under an area of high humidity, fungal organisms may attack the boll before it can open and the fibers dry. Very young bolls (0-5 DPA) tend to be sterile inside the ovary if it has not been penetrated by an insect. However, we have observed that plants under greenhouse culture produce ovaries that are much “cleaner” than plants grown under field conditions (unpublished observation). Although not examined specifically, this is probably due to the multitude of insect pests encountered in the field that feed upon the young bolls.