VIEW ARTICLE

Root Distribution as a Factor Influencing Symptom Expression of Verticillium Wilt of Cotton. Douglas J. Phillips, Former Assistant Research Plant Pathologist, Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Berkeley 94720, Present address of senior author: ARS, USDA, Market Quality Research Division, 2021 South Peach Avenue, Fresno, California 93727; Stephen Wilhelm, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Berkeley 94720. Phytopathology 61:1312-1313. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-61-1312.

Acala SJ-1 cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., which is susceptible to Verticillium wilt, developed fewer major lateral roots deep in the soil than did the more resistant Waukena White cotton, G. barbadense L. The resistance of the Waukena cotton may, in part, be due to the ability of the plant to develop a root system below the high inoculum densities of the microsclerotial type of Verticillium albo-atrum found near the surface of the soil.