In 1995, some cotton varieties showed symptoms of a sudden wilt complex on a wide scale across the Midsouth. This complex was termed "bronze wilt" or "copper top". Some varieties were found to be more susceptible than other cultivars and it appeared that the short-season cultivars, that fruit early, were more susceptible to the complex. In 1998, the "bronze wilt complex" (BWC) was again observed throughout the Midsouth and was observed in varieties that were not thought to be susceptible. The 1998 Mississippi Cotton Variety Trials were rated for susceptibility. Ratings of the susceptibility were taken at the Delta Research and Extension Center, Stoneville, MS and at the Tribbett, MS locations. The results indicated that varieties from several seed companies were susceptible.