Cotton leaf curl virus disease and its management

摘要

Cotton is the world's leading fibre crop, extensively cultivated in Northern, Central and South India. In Northern India, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan are the prominent states. In Punjab, the cultivation of cotton is done mainly in the South-Westernregion of the state i.e. Bathinda, Mansa, Fazilka, Abohar, Muktsar, Malout, Faridkot, Bamala, Ferozepurand Sangrur. Various bioticand abiotic constraints are major hindrances in the production/ productivity of the cotton crop. The diseases caused by theplant pathogens i.e virus, fungus and bacteria are considered as the major biotic constraints in addition to the attack of pests. Cotton leaf curls virus disease (CLCuD), having the vector whiteflies, is one of the serious constraints in the cultivationof cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) in North India. Some of the cotton varieties/hybrids earlier resistant or tolerant to CLCuD have become susceptible in the Southwestern region of Punjab.