Results were reported from the 1997 area-wide management program with baculovirus in the Mississippi Delta. A circular study area encompassing approximately 40,500 ha was treated in early May with virus to coincide with the larval emergence of bollworms and tobacco budworms. Adult emergence, moth numbers, and virus persistence were monitored to assess the impact of the virus. Adult emergence was reduced significantly (82.7%) in naturally-infested enclosure cages treated with the virus. Pheromone trap data suggested that total moth emergence was reduced 47% when compared with moth emergence in untreated areas. Wild geranium treated with the virus retained >50% of the original activity 3 days after virus application. A projected cost analysis for a large area-wide program using a lower virus application rate in the Mississippi Delta is also addressed.