Effects of early square removal on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) development were evaluated in normal, late and extremely late plantings in Arkansas. Squares were removed either by feeding by tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris Palisot de Beauvois) or manually by crushing. Injury treatments were initiated when first squares were visible, approximately 36 days after planting and continued for 2 to 3 weeks. All visible squares were crushed on each treatment date. For plant bug treatments, 3 nymphs, 2 ^nd to 3 ^rd instar, were released per plant. Plant response was monitored using COTMAN in-season with final plant mapping done using COTMAP. Square shed of 1 ^st position squares at 1 ^st flowers ranged from 4% in uninjured (protected) cotton to 40 and 50% following Bug or Crush treatments. Significant crop delay as measured by days to physiological cutout (nodes above white flower = 5) was noted for insect induced injury compared to plants protected by insecticide in 2 of the 3 dates of planting. There was no significant difference in days to cutout between manual injury and protected treatments. Time-dependent compensation was measurable by yield in 2 of 3 dates of planting. Differences in final plant structure and crop compensation following plant bug induced square abscission compared to manual square removal are discussed.