Data from 22 field tests conducted in the Texas Coastal Bend over a 7-year period were combined for analysis of the effects of soil applied granular, planter box, and early-season foliar systemic insecticides on cotton. In these tests plant stand, early season insect pests, fruiting rate, lint yield, production earliness, fiber characteristics and economic impacts were measured. Early season insect pest numbers were reduced, no effect was observed on plant stand or earliness, fiber characteristics were not altered, and significant yield increase with positive economic returns were observed due to insecticide. Aldicarb (Temik at 0.51 lb ai/acre) provided the most favorable economic return and in the 22 comparisons lint yield increase averaged 58 lb/acre. Lint yield from foliar acephate (Orthene) and granular carbofuran (Furadan) treated plots was numerically lower but not significantly different from that in Temik treated cotton.