Is it true that target spot disease is not too severe during the first 40 days?

Target spot disease, caused by the fungus Corynespora cassiicola, typically manifests on cotton plants with characteristic leaf spots. During the early stages of plant development, particularly the first 40 days, the disease is generally less severe. This period corresponds to the early vegetative stage when plants are not as conducive to the spread of the disease due to factors such as lower humidity and the plant's natural defenses being more effective.

In the initial weeks of growth, cotton plants are also developing their canopy, and the leaf structure is not yet as dense, which can limit the conditions that favor the spread of pathogens. As the season progresses and environmental conditions change, particularly as plants mature and during wet or humid periods, the incidence and impact of target spot can significantly increase. This is why it is valid to state that the severity of target spot disease is typically lower during the first 40 days of growth, making the assertion true.