Previous research in North Carolina has indicated that defoliation prior to 60 % open bolls is plausible if fruiting is compact.  However, if compact fruiting cotton is defoliated early, then harvest may need to be delayed to nearly 4 weeks after defoliation, in order for optimal yields to be achieved.  This experiment was designed to investigate if ethephon rates can be increased in defoliation mixtures to achieve optimal yields at an earlier harvest, to avoid complications in harvest scheduling, avoid excessive weathering, and avoid complications with regrowth.  Results indicate that an earlier harvest (2 weeks after defoliation) may achieve optimal yields if ethephon rates are increased from 1 quart to 2 quarts per acre.  Also, there is some evidence that this practice may improve fiber quality in some circumstances.