Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.6, 308-316 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 311 In summary, the case study of pesticide residue levels in wheat in the Beijing suburbs highlights the need for improved agricultural practices and monitoring to ensure food safety. By adopting advanced application methods, integrated pest management, and regular monitoring, the region can reduce pesticide residues and promote safer wheat production. Figure 1 Average annual pesticide use intensity (kg ha-1 yr-1), on arable and permanent cropland from 2005 to 2009 (Adopted from Zhang et al., 2015) 5 Technological and Sustainable Approaches for Improving Wheat Food Safety 5.1 Adoption of precision agriculture for pesticide and fertilizer management Precision agriculture offers a sustainable approach to managing pesticides and fertilizers by tailoring applications to the specific needs of different field areas. This method reduces the environmental impact of excessive chemical use and enhances crop yield stability. For instance, precision nitrogen management in wheat has been shown to improve nitrogen use efficiency significantly, reducing the need for fertilizers by up to 80% without compromising yield or grain quality (Diacono et al., 2012). Additionally, precision agriculture systems have demonstrated the ability to reduce temporal yield variation, contributing to greater resilience against climate variability (Yost et al., 2017). 5.2 Use of biofertilizers and biopesticides as safe alternatives Biofertilizers and biopesticides present eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, promoting sustainable agriculture. These biological inputs enhance soil fertility and plant health while minimizing environmental contamination. Studies have shown that biofertilizers can increase wheat growth and nitrogen accumulation, although the impact on grain yield may be modest (Cortivo et al., 2020). The use of microbial consortia as biofertilizers and biopesticides has been highlighted as a cost-effective and sustainable method to improve crop yields and maintain soil health (Seenivasagan and Babalola, 2021). 5.3 Role of genetic improvement in enhancing wheat resilience to pests and diseases Genetic improvement through advanced technologies such as genome editing can significantly enhance wheat's resilience to pests and diseases. This approach addresses the challenges posed by climate change and the need for sustainable food production. Genome editing technologies, along with other molecular breeding strategies, facilitate the development of wheat cultivars with improved resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses (Figure 2) (Li et al., 2021). The integration of genetic improvements with management innovations can lead to more resilient wheat production systems, capable of thriving under diverse environmental conditions (Beres et al., 2020). Adopting precision agriculture, utilizing biofertilizers and biopesticides, and leveraging genetic improvements are key strategies for enhancing wheat food safety. These approaches not only improve yield and resilience but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on chemical inputs.
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