An insecticide resistance management plan for the mid-south states (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee) has been developed for 1996. The plan is designed to help maintain full season control of all cotton insects on Bt and non-Bt cotton. Specific treatments are recommended during discrete intervals or phases. For non-Bt cotton, the plan recommends that bollworm/tobacco budworm populations be managed with foliar Bt products plus an ovicide between planting and July 1 (Phase I). After July 1 (Phase II), bollworm/tobacco budworm populations should be managed with pyrethroid tank mixtures. Tank mixture partners for pyrethroids are selected based upon the insect pest spectrum present at application. After August 15 or a pyrethroid control failure, organophosphate tank mixtures should be used for bollworm/tobacco budworm control. Management options for boll weevil, cotton aphid, and tarnished plant bug also are included. To forestall resistance development to Bt cotton, additional recommendations (beyond those of Monsanto Chemical Co.) are included. The plan recommends that no more than 200 acres of contiguous Bt cotton be planted without separation by refugia.