Objectives The dynamics of beneficial insect communities in cotton agroecosystems and the role of alternative crops in producing natural enemies for cotton * To quantify the seasonal phenology and abundance of key benefi.cials of cotton pests in other parts of the agroecosystem, including uncultivated habitats. * To evaluate the potential of a range of nursery crops for beneficials. some of which may also be effective trap crops for Helicoverpa, and explore methods of integrating them into cotton production systems