The northeastern half of Mississippi sustained devastating populations of tobacco budworm during the summer of 1995. Second generation moths oviposited one to two eggs per plant per night in cotton fields beginning in mid-July and continued unabated through August 5. Third generation eggs and larvae were 5 to 10 times more numerous than were the second generation. Five factors are cited as probable causes for the outbreak and subsequent loss of control: near ideal climatic conditions for pest development, resistant insects, attractiveness of the crop, variety, and insecticide availability and use patterns.