The COTONS model simulates the growth and development of a plot of cotton plants defined by specific soil and climatic conditions, the variety cropped and the cropping techniques applied. This model provides a 3D image of an average plant corresponding to the plot in question, It is also possible to view the vegetative condition of the plant when the bolls start to open and therefore evaluate stickiness potential in relation to plant vegetation. This presentation describes the effects of the variety and cropping practices on stickiness potential. Earliness constitutes a varietal advantage in reducing the risk of stickiness. Different cropping techniques may result in very varied stickiness potential in the same variety even though seed-cotton yield remains constant.