Field and field cage studies were conducted on the Plant Science Research Farm at Mississippi State University to compare feeding and ovipostion preference of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) and the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.) on several host plants. Preferred feeding and ovipostion hosts will be used as trap crops for tarnished plant bug and as a refuge crop for tobacco budworm genotypes susceptible to transgenic cotton expressing endotoxin proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis. Observations were made on caged plants exposed to adults of both species and on field plots exposed to natural infestations of insects. Redroot pigweed, Amaranthus retroflexus L. was the most preferred host for tarnished plant bug. Kenaf, Hibiscus cannabinus L. may also be a useful trap crop plant for tarnished plant bug. Velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti (medicus), was the most preferred host for tobacco budworm. Sesame, Sesamum indicum L. and pigeon pea, Cajanus cajan (L.)Huth may also have value as plants for a refuge crop. Screening results obtained in 1996 are reviewed relative to plans for testing trap crops in 1997.