A cotton stalk destruction campaign conducted in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas (1982-1987) demonstrated the feasibility of regionwide cultural management of boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman. Research conducted during the program clarified the ecological significance of cultivated cotton and crop residue as overwintering habitat for boll weevil, and elucidated the demographic effects of an extended cotton-free period. Among tie principal accomplishments of the 6-year program was enactment of new legislation designed to facilitate the implementation of regionwide pest management programs in the various production regions of Texas.