What is the main approach for treating target spot in cotton?

Applying fungicide as soon as possible is the main approach for treating target spot in cotton. This fungal disease, caused by the pathogen Corynespora cassiicola, can lead to significant yield loss if not managed promptly. Early intervention with fungicide application is crucial to limit the spread of the disease and protect healthy tissues of the plant.

Timely fungicide treatment not only helps to control existing infections but can also prevent further outbreaks, enhancing the overall health and productivity of the cotton crop. Effective fungicides specifically designed to manage target spot can provide significant benefits when applied early, leading to better recovery of infected plants and improved yield outcomes.

In contrast, delaying treatment until more symptoms appear may allow the disease to progress and worsen, making it harder to manage and potentially leading to greater economic losses. Sole reliance on organic methods may also not provide the necessary control in all cases, and simply removing affected plants is often impractical and may not effectively mitigate the issue across larger fields. Therefore, proactive fungicide application remains the most effective management strategy for target spot in cotton.