Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.2, 45-57 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 45 Review Article Open Access The Use of Genetically Modified Maize in Sustainable Agriculture Renxiang Cai Zhejiang Agronomist College, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: rxcai@sina.com Field Crop, 2024 Vol.7, No.2 doi: 10.5376/fc.2024.07.0006 Received: 02 Jan., 2024 Accepted: 13 Feb., 2024 Published: 01 Mar., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Cai, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Cai R.X., 2024, The use of genetically modified maize in sustainable agriculture, Field Crop, 7(2): 45-57 (doi: 10.5376/fc.2024.07.0006) Abstract Genetically modified (GM) corn has a significant impact in modern agriculture and plays a crucial role in sustainable agricultural practices. Related case studies have shown that genetically modified corn can increase crop yield by an average of 22%, reduce the use of chemical pesticides by 37%, and have also been proven to increase farmers' profits by 68%. In regions such as Spain and Portugal, genetically modified corn reduces the environmental impact of herbicide and insecticide use by 21%. In addition, genetically modified corn has shown resistance under drought conditions, especially in some temperate regions, thereby stabilizing yield under different rainfall gradients. This technology also promotes better weed management and reduces the adverse effects of maize continuous cropping. Incorporating genetically modified corn into sustainable agricultural practices brings enormous benefits, which contribute to environmental sustainability and food security. However, the widespread adoption of genetically modified corn still faces challenges. Solving these issues through scientific research and effective communication is crucial for maximizing the potential of genetically modified corn in sustainable agriculture. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating genetically modified corn into sustainable agricultural practices and provides insights for future progress, aiming to enhance the role of genetically modified corn in promoting sustainable agriculture. Keywords Genetically modified maize; Sustainable agriculture; Agricultural benefits; Economic impact; Environmental impact 1 Introduction Genetically modified (GM) maize has been a significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology since its first commercialization in 1996. The adoption of GM maize has been rapid, particularly in the United States, where by 2012, 88% of maize was planted with GM hybrids (Chavas et al., 2014). These modifications typically involve the incorporation of traits such as herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, and improved nutritional quality, which have collectively contributed to increased maize yields and reduced agricultural risks (Yassitepe et al., 2021). The development of GM maize has also been facilitated by advances in plant transformation technologies, which have significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of genetic modifications (Yassitepe et al., 2021). Sustainable agriculture aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves practices that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible. The use of GM maize plays a crucial role in sustainable agriculture by enhancing crop yields, reducing the need for chemical inputs such as insecticides and herbicides, and minimizing the environmental impact of farming practices (Brookes, 2019). For instance, the adoption of GM insect-resistant maize in Spain and Portugal has led to a significant reduction in insecticide use and associated environmental impacts, while also increasing farmers' incomes (Brookes, 2019). This study aims to systematically evaluate the role of genetically modified maize in promoting sustainable agriculture. This includes assessing the agronomic, economic, and environmental impacts of GM maize cultivation. Specifically, this study analyzes the yield performance and risk mitigation associated with GM maize compared to conventional varieties; evaluates the environmental benefits of reduced chemical inputs and their implications for ecological sustainability; investigates the socio-economic benefits for farmers, including income gains and resource savings and addresses the potential health and environmental risks associated with GM maize and propose strategies for mitigating these risks. By comprehensively examining these aspects, the study seeks to provide a balanced perspective on the use of GM maize in sustainable agriculture and offer insights for future research and policy development.
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