GINSTAR^®, a new harvest aid developed by NOR-AM Chemical company, is a proprietary emulsifiable concentrate formulation containing thidiazuron. GINSTAR is a true defoliant that also inhibits cotton regrowth and performs well under cooler temperature conditions. Extensive field trials in Arizona and California over the last three years have demonstrated that GINSTAR is especially effective as a defoliant under the arid conditions of the Western states. Single applications of GINSTAR 1.5 EC 6-12 ounces per acre have resulted in cotton defoliation comparable or superior to tank mixtures or sequential applications of current commercial harvest aids. Preliminary results from field trials in Texas show excellent defoliation and indicate that GINSTAR may be an effective alternative to arsenic acid for defoliation of stripper cotton.