The efficacy of natural enemies for control of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), and the cotton bollworm, (=Heliothis) zea (Boddie), in cotton has potential for enhancement. Early-season releases of Microplitis croceires in geranium can be targeted at the Fl generation. Subsequent generations can be the target of releases made in strip crops in cotton. These approaches, along with judicious use of insecticides can influence the effectiveness of natural enemies by preserving populations, providing a reservoir of hosts, attracting beneficial species from disturbed areas, and by maintaining a haven for parasitoid propagation from which these beneficial insects can disperse.