This study evaluated the direct effect of, and interactions between, pesticides used as seed treatments on germination, seedling growth, and field survival of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Six nonmercurial protectant fungicides, N‐[(trichloromethyl)thio]‐4‐cyclohexene‐1,2‐dicarboximide (captan), bis(dimethylthiocarbamoyl)disulfide (thiram), 2‐(thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole (Busan 72), combinations of pentachloronitrobenzene + 5‐ethoxy‐3‐trichloromethyl‐1,2,4‐thiadiazole (Terracoat L21), tetrachloroisophthalonitrile + sodium‐p‐(dimethylamino) benzene diazosulfonate (chlorothalonil + Dexon), and pentachloronitrobenzene + sodium‐p‐(dimethylamino) benzene diazosulfonate (PCNB + Dexon); two systemic fungicides, 1,4‐dichloro‐2,5‐dimethoxybenzene (chloroneb) and 5,6‐dihydro‐2‐methyl‐1,4‐oxathiin‐3‐carboxanilide (carboxin); and the systemic insecticide, 0,0‐diethyl S‐[2‐(ethylthio)ethyl]phosphorodithioate (disulfoton), were used alone and in all combinations of the pesticide types. When used in a treatment, the protectant fungicide was applied first, followed by the systemic fungicide and the systemic insecticide. Evaluations included germination tests at standard conditions, at constant 20 C, and constant 30 C. Dry weight transfer (DWT) determinations were also made at 20 and 30 C. Percent seedling survival in the field 42 days after planting was determined.Use of a protectant fungicide either significantly improved germination and seedling growth or did not affect these factors. A significant increase in seedling survival, 22 to 42%, resulted from the use of the various protectant fungicides. The inclusion of a systemic fungicide in the treatment combinations tended to reduce germination and DWT values but improved stands by 40%. Inclusion of the systemic insecticide in the treatment combinations resulted in reduced germination, DWT, and seedling survival (13%). Where the systemic insecticide was used, the inclusion of a systemic fungicide further reduced germination values but often resulted in significant increases in seedling survival. Significant interactions among the different types of chemical treatments and suggestions that temperature affected the treatment response indicate the need to identify combinations of chemicals for seed treatment that are safe and effective under various environmental conditions.