Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in Southern Tamaulipas, Mexico has declined significantly from the 1960's due to poor prices and costs associated with control of the bollweevil (Anthomonas grandis Boheman), bollworm [Helicoverpa zea (Boddie)], and tobacco budworm [Heliothis virescens (F.)]. This study was conducted to compare commercial cultivars and breeding lines possessing different degrees of plant pubescence and maturity for lint yield and earliness. Cultivars differed in yield, especially for first harvest. Five of the six highest yielding cultivars possessed the glabrous trait, which is associated with resistance to the tobacco budworm/bollworm complex. A highly significant relationship between first harvest (141 days after planting) and total yield (r=0.86, P<0.01) demonstrated the advantages of earliness under this environment. From these results, it appears that early maturing, glabrous cultivars are well adapted to cotton production in southern Tamaulipas.