Ethylene is a plant hormone produced in response to physical stresses encountered during the growing season. Increases in plant ethylene levels due to stress are known to lead to retarded vegetative development and reduction in fruiting potential and fruit retention. Environmental stresses in cotton lead to increased ethylene production, which can decrease fruit retention, cause reduction in seed numbers, and reduce fiber quality thereby significantly inhibiting cotton’s ability to reach maximum yield potential and ginning quality. 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is an ethylene perception inhibitor with proven benefits for reducing the effects of ethylene in fruits, vegetables, and floral crops. Timely applications of 1-MCP in cotton can counteract the effects of high temperature and moisture stress preserving boll set, boll weight and seed numbers for increased yield potential. The effects of 1-MCP applications in cotton are being investigated at AgroFresh and through public/private research partnerships. The potential for 1-MCP applications in cotton to counter the negative impacts of environmental stresses on fruit retention and yield will be discussed.