DIVERSITY OF PHYTOPATHOGENIC FUNGI IN COTTON FIELDS OF UZBEKISTAN

This study investigates the diversity of phytopathogenic fungi affecting cotton (Gossypium spp.) in Uzbekistan, with a specific focus on identifying Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum (FOV) race 4. Soil and plant samples were collected from cotton fields across various regions, including Samarkand, Bukhara, Navoi, and Namangan. Morphological, systematic, biological, and molecular genetic analyses were conducted on the isolated fungal cultures. The results revealed the presence of multiple Fusarium species, including F. oxysporum, F. solani, F. brachygibbosum, F. verticillioides, F. globosum, F. equiseti, and F. proliferatum. Among the 20 FOV strains isolated, 11 were identified as race 4, indicating a significant threat to cotton production. The study highlights the urgent need for effective management strategies to control FOV and the importance of developing resistant cotton varieties to mitigate the impact of fusarium wilt on crop yield.