Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 200-208 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 205 emphasize the effectiveness of combining these practices with mechanical controls, such as pheromone-based mating disruption and targeted handpicking of larvae, to minimize bollworm infestations. 6.4 Future directions in ipm for sustainable cotton production The future of IPM in cotton production lies in developing more sustainable and innovative pest management strategies. Increased adoption of mating disruption tools and bio-based products, along with greater education and farmer engagement, is essential to improve IPM practices. Furthermore, precision agriculture technologies, such as remote sensing and predictive pest modeling, offer potential to enhance pest monitoring and control efficiency. The integration of new technologies and continued collaboration among stakeholders will ensure the sustainability and resilience of IPM programs (Figure 2) (Anderson et al., 2019). Figure 2 Diagram of eggplant infestation by cotton bollworm and yield increase after farmer intervention (Adopted from Anderson et al., 2019) 7 Future Perspectives and Challenges 7.1 Innovations in genetic modification for pest resistance Advancements in biotechnology are enabling the development of genetically modified crops with more effective pest resistance. New techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, RNA interference (RNAi), and gene stacking, allow for precise genetic modifications and enhanced insect resistance, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides. Future genetically engineered crops may feature multiple pest-resistant traits to counter evolving resistance, and innovations such as drought tolerance and nitrogen-use efficiency are also being integrated into pest management strategies (Ricroch and Hénard-Damave, 2016). 7.2 Environmental and ecological concerns While Genetically Modified (GM) crops offer environmental benefits, such as reduced pesticide use, their long-term ecological impacts remain under scrutiny. Concerns include unintended gene flow to wild relatives, the development of herbicide-resistant weeds, and effects on non-target organisms, including beneficial insects. Studies also highlight the potential for reduced biodiversity in ecosystems dominated by GM crops. Policymakers emphasize the need for comprehensive risk assessments and environmental monitoring to address these concerns effectively (Tsatsakis et al., 2017). 7.3 Socioeconomic impacts of GM crops in cotton farming The adoption of GM crops has brought both benefits and challenges for smallholder farmers. Benefits include increased yields, reduced pesticide expenses, and improved occupational health due to fewer chemical applications. However, challenges persist, such as the high cost of GM seeds, limited access to technology, and concerns over market dependency on large agrochemical corporations. Intellectual property rights associated with GM crops can also disadvantage small-scale farmers, particularly in developing countries (Azadi et al., 2015).
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