Fungal disease management in cotton using plant protection products: An Australian perspective

Cotton production faces persistent challenges from pathogens that compromise plant establishment, yield, and fibre quality. In Australia, seedling diseases and vascular wilts are the most widespread constraints, whereas foliar diseases and boll rots may exert further pressure when environmental conditions are conducive. Effective management of these diseases remains limited despite the availability of plant protection products. This review critically examines plant protection products, including fungicides and plant defence activators, currently registered for Australian cotton, while integrating perspectives from international approaches to cotton disease management. Particular attention is given to the characteristics of target diseases, products commonly applied in Australian cotton, and challenges regarding availability of efficacy data. We emphasize that realistic expectations are essential, as most products provide suppression rather than complete control, and their efficacy is shaped by multiple factors within integrated management frameworks. Future progress will depend on collaborative integration of existing and novel chemistries with complementary approaches, including pathogen diversity assessments, inoculum quantification tools, fungicide sensitivity screening and long-term, multilocation trials. Continued advances in resistance breeding, soil health management and precision agriculture will be critical to achieving sustainable, evidence-based disease management and strengthening cotton resilience in Australia and globally. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.