Abstract: Evaluation of different planting modes is one of the hot spots in today’s cropping system research. In terms of western Liaoning Province’s natural characteristics and diverse planting modes, this paper evaluated six typical planting modes adopted in this region, based on experimental studies and expert questionnaire surveys and by the method of gray relational analysis. The results showed that whether under average or variable correlation of ecological indices or economic indices, the planting mode of Nanguo pear with pumpkin was most closely related to reforence pattern, with the correlation being 0.867, 0.920, and 0.841, followed by the planting mode of Nanguo pear with peanut, the correlation being 0.848, 0.901, and 0.821, indicating that the planting modes of Nanguo pear with pumpkin or peanut had the best ecological and economic benefits, being the optimal planting modes in western Liaoning Province. The planting mode of corn intercropped with soybean was less related to referential pattern, with the ecological and economic benefits being comparatively worse. This study would provide a theoretical support in protecting the ecological environment, developing the multi-dimensional agriculture, and enhancing the sustainable development of regional society and economy in western Liaoning Province.

Key words: Cotton agroecosystems, Pest insects, Natural enemies, Edge effect