Maintaining the health of plants throughout the growing season will make it possible to approach the full genetic potential of quality and quantity. Increased levels of resistance to pests and stresses are needed in cotton to maintain plant health. The multi-adversity resistance (MAR) genetic improvement program has made a steady progress in developing cottons with broad resistance to pests and stresses in addition to increased yield and quality. Further progress in improving fiber characteristics, yield potential, and resistance to insects, plant pathogens and water stress in the MAR germplasm has been made and is discussed. New elite MAR-5 germplasm are LBBCHUS-2-85, BLLCABS-2-86 (normal leaf, glabrous) CABUCD3H-1-86, CDP37HPIH-1-1-86, C4HUGBEH-1-1-86 (normal leaf, hairy), and BC2HUBRS-1-1-86 (normal leaf, glabrous, frego bract). These strains have a broad range of resistance to pests equal to or greater than Tamcot CD3H, are early, and have a high yield potential and improved fiber quality.