Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 200-208 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 206 7.4 Global policy implications and regulatory challenges Regulatory frameworks for GM crops vary widely across regions, creating challenges for global trade and technology adoption. Inconsistent regulations, particularly between developed and developing countries, delay the commercialization of new GM traits. Additionally, public skepticism and resistance to GM crops complicate policy decisions. Harmonizing global regulatory standards and fostering public trust through transparent communication are essential to realize the potential of GM technology for food security and sustainability (Huesing et al., 2016). 8 Concluding Remarks This study highlights the transformative role of Genetically Modified (GM) crops, particularly Bt cotton, in managing cotton bollworm populations and reducing pesticide reliance. Innovations in biotechnology have demonstrated significant economic and environmental benefits by improving crop yields, lowering pest damage, and reducing pesticide use. However, challenges such as pest resistance to Bt toxins have emerged, requiring effective resistance management strategies, including the use of refuges and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches. Non-compliance with IPM strategies, especially in regions like India, has exacerbated the resistance problem, underscoring the importance of regulatory support and farmer education. Moreover, socio-economic challenges, such as seed access and intellectual property concerns, remain significant obstacles for smallholder farmers in adopting GM technologies. Future research must focus on developing new GM crop varieties with stacked traits, combining multiple insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant genes to mitigate the risks of resistance. Advances in gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 should be explored for creating more precise and sustainable pest-resistant traits. Additionally, there is a need for more extensive monitoring systems to detect early signs of resistance, supported by molecular diagnostics for tracking resistance alleles in pest populations. From an implementation perspective, greater emphasis should be placed on IPM practices that incorporate biopesticides, crop rotation, and cultural controls to complement GM crops. Educating farmers on refuge management and fostering public-private partnerships can enhance the sustainable use of GM crops. Harmonizing global regulatory frameworks will also be critical in facilitating trade and the adoption of new technologies, especially in developing countries. Long-term research should further investigate the socio-economic impacts of GM crops, ensuring that smallholder farmers can access and benefit from these innovations equitably. Acknowledgment We thank the anonymous reviewers for their insightful comments and suggestions for the manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Abudulai M., Boachie Chamba, E., Nboyine J.A., Adombilla R., Yahaya I., Seidu A., and Kangben F., 2018, Field efficacy of genetically modified FK 95 Bollgard II cotton for control of bollworms, Lepidoptera, in Ghana, Agriculture and Food Security, 7: 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-018-0232-y Akhtar Z., Anjum A.A., Saeed Z., and Khalid J., 2018, Resistance development in bollworms against Bt proteins deployed in genetically modified cotton, Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 6: 1260-1264. Alugoju N., Malavath R., Kota S., Thirupathi I., Sravanthi U., and Bollaveni S.K., 2022, IPM-An ecofriendly approach to manage the pink boll worm (Pectinophora gossypiella) in Bt cotton of Mancherial district, Telangana state, International Journal of Plant and Soil Science, 34(24): 269-275. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2022/v34i242638 Anderson J.A., Ellsworth P.C., Faria J.C., Head G., Owen M., Pilcher C., and Meissle M., 2019, Genetically engineered crops: importance of diversified integrated pest management for agricultural sustainability, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 7: 24. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2019.00024 Azadi H., Samiee A., Mahmoudi H., Jouzi Z., Khachak P.R., de Maeyer P., and Witlox F., 2015,. Genetically modified crops and small-scale farmers: main opportunities and challenges, Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 36: 434-446. https://doi.org/10.3109/07388551.2014.990413
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