Analyzing The Spatial Pattern And Benefits Of Transgenic Cotton In The Yangtze River Valley

The Yangtze River Valley (YRV), one of the three important regions for cotton production in China, is of great importance in China’s agriculture and even the entire economy. The YRV is a region where sunlight is ample and soil is rich, and therefore is favorite for cotton growth. However, the favorite climatic condition is also favored by pest reproduction, which has caused enormous yield and economic loss to cotton. Pest-resistant transgenic cotton, which aims to control pest, reduce insecticide sprays and increase ecological and economic benefits, has been planted in YRV for12years, now it is time to know whether the goals have been achieved.This thesis first analyzed the structure of cotton production in YRV. Based on some natural and economic indexes the six provinces in YRV were classified into three sub-regions: Region1:Jiangsu alone. Region2:Anhui, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hunan together. Region3: Sichuan alone. Statistical analyses showed that there were significant differences in cotton production among the three sub-regions in YRV. Region2was the best for cotton production, region1was the second followed by region3.Next, the ecological benefits from transgenic cotton in YRV were analyzed. Data analyses showed that after planting transgenic cotton, target pest was put under control; pest population density declined significantly, compared to that before transgenic cotton was introduced. At the same time, the number of insecticide sprays had also significantly declined. There were no significant differences in the decline of pest density and insecticide sprays among the three sub regions. Because reduction in insecticide sprays could reduce the risk of water and soil pollution, increase biodiversity in field, the ecological benefits were increased.Finally, this thesis analyzed the economic benefits from transgenic cotton in YRV. Analyses showed that cotton yield per unit of cotton planting area after transgenic cotton was introduced was significantly higher than before transgenic cotton was introduced. There were significant differences in cotton yield per unit of cotton planting area among the three sub regions. In addition, decline in pest population density and number of insecticide sprays reduced the general cost of cotton production. In summary, although there were some differences between the sub regions, it is clear that transgenic cotton brought significant ecological and economic benefits into the Yangtze River Valley.