The study determined the chemical components of cotton and alternative host plants that influence acceptance or rejection of such plants by adults and larvae of Helicoverpa spp. Fractionalised extracts of Plant X were assessed for bioactivity towards both adult and larvae of Helicoverpa spp. in the laboratory. The results showed that Plant X have shown oviposition and feeding deterrence towards Helicoverpa spp. and high toxicity towards larvae. In addition, different modes of action of Plant X extracts have been identified. We conclude that natural chemical tools such as Plant X can be used as part of IPM to manage Helicoverpa spp. in cotton.