Aims: * Determine the economic impact of thrips on cotton and evaluate new means of control. * Evaluate the range and possible mechanisms of plant resistance to thrips and mites. * Investigate host preferences of thrips and manipulation of hosts to increase thrips predation. * Investigate further the impact of thrips on mites through predation, induced resistance and effects on plant quality. * Refine action thresholds for the control of two-spotted spider mites on cotton. * Evaluate the efficacy of new acaricides and investigate novel technologies for controlling mites. * Determine resistance levels in mites to acaricides and factors influencing development of resistance. * Evaluate the effect of early season insecticides on mites and their predators.