Cotton was planted in Weslaco, TX into a Raymondville clay loam soil on 26 Mar. 1999 to evaluate the potential use of a particle film and of VA mycorrhizal (Gomes intaradices, L.) inoculation in reducing abiotic plant stress. Four treatments consisting of control, ‘Surround'-sprayed plants, mycorrhizal-treated seed, and the combination of the later two treatments were evaluated for their effect on plant water status, phenology, and lint yield. ‘Surround' applications reduced canopy temperatures and increased leaf transpiration rates compared to control plants. Plants grown from mycorrhizal-treated seed had higher transpiration rates than control plants, improved plant stand, and higher levels of mycorrhizae associated with their root system when compared to untreated seed. ‘Surround', mycorrhizae, or in combination, significantly reduced whole plot canopy temperatures and improved lint yields, when compared to the control treatment. Plant phenology, soil water profile, leaf chlorophyll, and leaf blade nutrient content were not affected by any of the treatments.