The interaction of four factors: pest (pink bollworm and bollworm), predator (eight groups), plant (phenology) and weather (five factors) were tested in the TEXCIM model on two cotton cultivars (Pima and Acala) with two sampling methods (visual and vacuum).

A comparison was made between the expected and observed data. Most of the validations produced results that were in reasonable agreement with the observed data. However, higher prediction accuracy was found only when forecasts were made for 7-10 days (short range predictions), while poor accuracy occurred with longer forecasts (one month). The forecasts were more accurate, when the trends of the population peaks were compared than when actual population densities were compared. Unsatisfactory results were obtained when the field data was sparse. Predictions explained only 2 % of the variability with low field insect density counts. The Insectavac vacuum sampler can be used to sample predators for TEXCIM.

In general, no computer model can make perfect forecasts; however, we can use the TEXCIM model successfully to help make insect control decisions in cotton fields.