The tobacco budworm/bollworm complex (Heliothis virescens (F.), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), respectively) is the most important insect pest in the post boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis (Bob.)) eradication period in South Carolina. Knowledge of the fruiting habits of full- and short-season cottons might suggest strategies to improve host plant resistance and allow for production with less insecticide. For example, in the mid-south it has been determined that early-maturing rapid-fruiting genotypes tolerate tobacco budworms better than full-season types (2, 3). Elimination of the boll weevil in South Carolina as an economic pest may provide a longer time frame during which bolls can be set and matured. Thus, the objectives of this study were to: 1) determine fruiting sites and flowering dates of harvestable bolls in several elite full- and short-season genotypes. 2) relate plant phenology and time of fruiting in genotypes planted early (May 1) and late (May 9) to bollworm/budworm pressure. 3) assess potential modification strategies of fruiting habits to help avoid bollworm/budworm damage.