We have isolated cDNA clones representing mRNAs encoding chitinase and 1,3-beta-glucanase in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) leaves. The chitinase clones were sequenced and found to encode a 28,806 Da protein with 71% amino acid sequence similarity to the SK2 chitinase from potato (Solanum tuberosum). The 1,3-beta-glucanase clones encoded a 37,645 Da protein with 57.6% identity to a 1,3-beta-glucanase from soybean (Glycine max). Northern blot analyses showed that chitinase mRNA is induced in plants treated with ethaphon or salicylic acid, whereas the levels of 1,3-beta-glucanase mRNA are relatively unaffected. Southern blots of cotton genomic DNA and genomic clones indicated chitinase is encoded by a small gene family of which two members, Chi 2;1 and Chi 2;2, were characterized. These genes share 97% sequence identity in their transcribed regions. The genes were found to have three exons which are 309, 154 and 550 bp long, and two introns 99 and 154 bp in length. The 5'-flanking regions of Chi 2;1 and Chi 2;2 exhibit a large degree of similarity and may contain sequences important for gene response to chemical agents and fungal attack.