Cassandra Klotz-Ingram, Sharon Jans, Jorge Fernandez-Cornejo, and William McBride
ERS/USDA

Herbicide-tolerant and Bt cotton varieties may offer farmers many benefits, including decreased pesticide use, increased yields, and greater planting flexibility. Farmer benefits appear to outweigh costs, translating into rapid adoption of these cotton varieties. USDA survey data was used to estimate the effect of GM cotton on crop yields, profits, and pesticide applications.

Key words: Biotechnology; Bt cotton; herbicide-tolerant cotton; pest management; crop yields