Other pests include budworm, cutworms, beet armyworm, spider mites, whiteflies, and other foliage feeders. Bt cotton is genetically altered to naturally control the bollworm as the insect feeds on the plant. All planting seeds treated with a fungicide to reduce seedling diseases. Cotton diseases include bacterial blight, cotton root rot, and fusarium wilt but are not treated. Nematodes are a major problem but chemicals are not economical in most situations.
Crop rotation helps alleviate disease and nematode problems.
Weeds Weeds reduce yields and quality, and hamper mechanical harvesting. Weeds delay fruiting and prolong crop exposure to insect and disease pests. Hand hoeing works but is costly. Cultivation and rotations supplement chemical weed control but are not an alternative for herbicides. Genetically-enhanced seed, such as Roundup Ready and Bt traits help reduce the number and volume of pesticides in cotton.