There is a desired balance between vegetative and fruit growth. This ideal balance between sinks may not be the same in all environments. For optimum production in a given environment there must be an optimum quantity of vegetative growth. Height to node ratio (HNR) and vegetative growth rate (change in height divided by change in nodes between two sample dates) provides a rapid quantitative measure of vegetative vigor. This information along with fruit retention data can assist growers in making management decisions regarding the use of Pix, irrigation schedules, and the possible need for additional nutrients. Both measurements are reasonable estimates of the ability of the plant to sustain vegetative growth during boll set. Fields with low HNR have fewer NAWF at first flower and cut out at a higher value of NAWF than fields with high HNR.