The effect of early season square removal with ethephon applications on cotton fruiting patterns and production efficiency was investigated. Ethephon was applied at two rates (0.2 lb ai/A and 0.4 lb ai/A) at two application timings (fourth and sixth fruiting branch emerging in the terminal). Ethephon treatments effectively altered cotton fruiting patterns from that of the control.Bloom initiation was delayed from 8 to 16 days. Daily bloom rates and total blooms were significantly enhanced over a shortened bloom period. Boll opening rate was significantly enhanced and the duration of the boll opening period shortened. Seasonal crop maturity was significantly delayed from three to nine days. The interval from first open boll to crop maturity was significantly shortened by seven to eleven days for ethephon treated plants. Lint cotton yields were not enhanced by early season square removal. The implications of altered cotton fruiting patterns as a potential aid in boll weevil management are discussed.