A procedure is described that uses the number of nodes between the uppermost white bloom and the first expanded leaf to assess crop status and the onset of cut-out. After a field average of 4 nodes the percentage of blooms that became harvestable bolls was low and the contribution to overall yield was estimated to be less than 2%. The amount of lint from harvestable bolls set after an average of 4 would not return the cost of insecticide application(s); therefore, late season insecticide applications should be made only to protect bolls already set on the plants. Experience shows that a boll 16 to 18 days old is safe from severe attack by small and medium sized Heliothis larvae and safe from severe attack by boll weevil adults. Using the proposed procedure, insecticides would be applied as needed during a 10 day period for established Heliothis larvae and during a 16 day period as needed for boll weevil adults after the field average was 4 nodes. Use of the node count procedure would be a valuable addition to cotton pest management programs through more cost effective use of late season insecticides without a major loss in yield.