COTMAN (COTton MANagement) is a computerized plant monitoring system developed to assist with management decisions during the growing season. The usefulness of the COTMAN system of plant monitoring as an aid for terminating cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) insect control has been validated in the Mississippi Delta, but its use for other crop management decisions has had only limited study. COTMAN data were collected on a weekly basis from seven high-yielding fields in the central Mississippi Delta in 1997. Actual crop growth patterns were compared with the COTMAN generated target development curve. Growth pattern charts adequately reflected delayed early growth rates due to cold, wet conditions that occurred in April and May. COTMAN predictions of growth stage node above white flower equal to 5 were acceptable, with most fields reaching this stage between 29 July and 1 August. COTMAN appears to be a relatively simple and useful crop management tool, although further validation is necessary in the Mississippi Delta. Key benefits of COTMAN are its focus on earliness and insecticide termination at node above white flower equal to 5 + 350 heat units (base 60ºF).