A relatively inexpensive, labor-saving method of rearing large numbers of bollworms. Heliothis zea (Boddie), and tobacco budworms, H. virescens (F.), was developed. Dosage-mortality data were obtained in the laboratory for both species from 3 locations in Oklahoma for DDT, Sevin (now carbaryl), and Telodrin (1,3,4,5,6,7,8,8-octachloro-1,3,3a,4,7,7a-hexahydro-4,7-methanoisobenzofuran). These data indicated that bollworms from the central part of the State were becoming resistant to DDTi Budworms were generally more tolerant than bollworms to all 3 insecticides; however, 1 strain of budworms was quite susceptible. Both species were extremely susceptible to Telodrin and showed relatively little, if any, resistance to Sevin.