These mats vary in size from 2 to 16 inches in diameter and are white to tan colored. They are composed of large celled, branched fungal strands that later produce conidia. The conidia are apparently sterile. Fungal behavior in different crops, soils and from year to year in the same field are so erratic that several approaches should be used. Research shows that rotations of 3 or 4 years with a monocotyledonous crop have reduced disease incidence up to 60 percent on cotton in some instances.
Shorter rotations are less effective.
Organic amendments . Significant control of cotton root rot has been achieved by using residues of various crops. A delay in infection of cotton is readily apparent and has resulted in up to 90 percent reduction in root rot. Wheat, oats, and other cereal crops are effective in delaying infection and reducing losses when incorporated in soil in the spring before cotton is planted. Deep plowing .