Farmers' knowledge on pest management and pesticide use in Bt cotton production in china

•This study uses data collected in 2006 and 2007 in China's Yellow River valley.•Farmers' knowledge on pest management is correlated with their pesticide use.•The pesticide use could be reduced by 10-15% if farmer' knowledge is improved.

Even though both empirical studies and field evidences show that Bt cotton can significantly reduce pesticide use, Chinese farmers are still spraying excessive pesticide in field production. Based on primary household surveys in the North China Plain, this study shows that farmers' lack of knowledge on pest management and pesticide use is strongly correlated with their excessive pesticide use. According to this study, improving farmers' awareness and knowledge could potentially reduce pesticide use by 10-15%. The paper concludes with policy implications.