It is said that pesticide residual is the biggest problem regarding the safety of vegetables,which ultimately depends on how every farmer uses the pesticide in vegetables.Based on the field survey conducted in Xinxiang,Henan province,which is representatively one of the general rural areas of China,this study firstly investigates the present condition of farmers behavior and cognition in relation to pesticide use in vegetable production,and then analyzes what factors are affecting the pesticide use behavior of farmers.Econometric analysis is applied to figure out the major influencing factors. The results show that the behavior of vegetable farmers is chaotic and unrestricted in general,with a low-level cognition towards pesticide related matters.As the direct cause of pesticide residue,farmers pesticide use behavior is mainly affected in a positive way by the following factors: the area size of vegetable cultivation,their satisfaction degree with agricultural support policy of government,technique training offered by local government as well as the farmers awareness of pesticides impact on environment.Besides,farmers cognition about the relationship between own behavior and pesticide residue and their education level are also positive influencing factors with a weak impact.Meanwhile,public administration of government seems unsound in every phase from pesticide production,sales to vegetable production and distribution,and may foster the improper behavior of farmers.Thus,it is supposed that the consolidation of farmland and the cooperative organization may play important roles to standardize the farmers pesticide use behavior.Additionally,more strict administration and financial support on production of safe vegetables are required to improve the safety of vegetables in China.