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Yield Effects of Genetically Modified Crops in Developing Countries
Abstract
Onfarm field trials carried out with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton in different states of India show that the technology substantially reduces pest damage and increases yields. The yield gains are much higher than what has been reported for other countries where genetically modified crops were used mostly to replace and enhance chemical pest control. In many developing countries, small-scale farmers especially suffer big pest-related yield losses because of technical and economic constraints. Pest-resistant genetically modified crops can contribute to increased yields and agricultural growth in those situations, as the case of Bt cotton in India demonstrates.
... As a result, insecticide use to control resistant PBW increased, and by 2012 when hybrid Bt cotton adoption was > 90%, insecticide use surpassed pre-Bt 2002 levels ( Fig. 1B), but now targeted induced hemipteran pests (e.g., whiteflies, jassids, mealybugs) that are unaffected by Bt toxin(s) [13] (see inset Fig. 1B). Hence, despite early projections based on industry data positing an ~ 80% increase in yield [16], the hybrid Bt cotton technology in India began to unravel. The data from India indicate the benefits from hybrid Bt cotton were limited to the early years of adoption and were geographically variable with meager benefits documented after 2008 in the major cotton-producing regions of India. ...
... A key question ignored in prior analyses [3,4,[16][17][18] is why average national seed cotton yields (kg ha −1 ) in India based on > 90% hybrids are among the lowest globally ( Fig. 2, [21]). Although India is the second largest producer of cotton with ~ 40% of the global cultivated area, average 2020/2021 national yield ha −1 was far below the global average, and below those of other economically aligned BRICS nations and of some African countries having far less developed scientific infrastructure. ...
... The dominant time-place limited econometric analysis paradigm attempted to provide scientific expertise but overlooked alternatives to the hybrid Bt cotton technology (e.g., [16,18,19]), overvalued panel data on current production practices used to estimate factors contributing to yield and profit, and lacked well defined agroecological background on ecological disruption and agronomic factors. Agricultural economists failed to recognize the inherent obsolescence of the Bt construct under Indian conditions as resistance to Bt toxins quickly evolved in PBW increasing costs, economic distress and systematic dispossession of resource-poor households, and appropriation of their meager resources by other economic actors (see [15]). ...
This paper reviews the ongoing failure of hybrid transgenic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton unique to India. The underlying cause for this failure is the high cost of hybrid seed that imposes a suboptimal long-season low plant density system that limits yield potential and has associated elevated levels of late-season pests. Indian hybrid Bt cotton production is further complicated by the development of resistance to Bt toxins in the key pest, the native pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders, PBW), resulting in increased insecticide use that induces ecological disruption and outbreaks of highly destructive secondary pests. Rainfed cotton production uncertainty is further exacerbated by the variable monsoon rains. While hybrid cotton produces fertile seed, the resulting plant phenotypes are highly variable preventing farmers from replanting saved seed, forcing them to buy seed yearly (i.e., market capture), and effectively protecting industry Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). The lessons gained from the ongoing market failure of hybrid Bt cotton in India are of utmost importance to its proposed introduction to Africa where, similar to India, cotton is grown mainly in poor rainfed smallholder family farms, and hence similar private–corporate conflicts of interest will occur. Holistic field agroecological studies and weather-driven mechanistic analyses are suggested to help foresee ecological and economic challenges in cotton production in Africa.
High-density short-season (HD-SS) non-hybrid non-genetically modified irrigated and rainfed cottons are viable alternatives for India that can potentially produce double the yields of the current low-density hybrid system.
... Bt. cotton has been genetically engineered with the insecticidal gene from the soil bacterium B. thuringiensis. It is assumed that the trans-gene produces a protein that paralyzes the larvae of pest insects, including cotton bollworm and borers and is highly specific to the target organisms (Qaim & Zilberman, 2003;Bennett et al., 2004). ...
... The coefficient for this variable (ln X 7 ) was 0.315 and was significant at one percent level indicating that Bt. cotton varieties growers have higher yield than conventional cotton growers. Qaim et al. (2003): Qaim and Zilberman (2003) also used Bt. cotton as dummy variable to estimate the yield difference between Bt. and conventional cotton. ...
... The coefficient for this variable (ln X 7 ) was 0.315 and was significant at one percent level indicating that Bt. cotton varieties growers have higher yield than conventional cotton growers. Qaim et al. (2003): Qaim and Zilberman (2003) also used Bt. cotton as dummy variable to estimate the yield difference between Bt. and conventional cotton. ...
A survey was carried out to check the impact of Bt. cotton varieties on productivity in district Vehari of Punjab province. Primary data was collected from 6 villages of Vehari district. From each village, ten respondents each from Bt. cotton and conventional cotton growers were selected randomly. Thus the sample size for the present study was 120 respondents. The data was analyzed by using well renowned Cobb-Douglas Production Function (CDPF). Study revealed that Bt. cotton varieties had significant and positive impact on productivity.
... On the environmental front, benefits related to adoption of GM seeds have been argued based on findings about pesticide use and agricultural practices (Klümper and Qaim, 2014;Datta et al., 2019;Kranthi and Stone, 2020). Insect resistant (IR) cotton has been found to reduce the use of insecticides and therefore to produce environmental, health and safety gains (Huang et al., 2002;Qaim and Zilberman, 2003;Qaim and Janvry, 2005;Qiao, 2015;Veettil et al., 2017). Tabashnik and Carrière (2017) analyze the global monitoring data reported during the first 2 decades of transgenic crops and identified the increase of pest resistance to Bt proteins (Cry and Vip) 1 . ...
... The most straightforward reason is related to savings in insecticides applications (which spans savings in labor time, machinery use, aerial spraying etc.) targeted to bollworm killing. Specifically, in regions with high insect infestation, typical less developed countries in tropical weather regions, and high rates of insecticide use, the potential for reduction is conversely high (Qaim and Zilberman, 2003;Kathage and Qaim, 2012;ISAAA, 2018). ...
... Those results are consistent with the current state of the literature on environmental effects of IR seeds. Studying IR cotton seeds in India, Qaim and Zilberman (2003) found reduction of 1 kg/ha on average use of insecticides (70% compared with the baseline conventional field) while Qaim and Janvry (2005) found reductions between 1.2 kg/ha and 2.6 kg/ha of active ingredients used in Argentina, which represents about 50% reduction in comparison with conventional plots. For China, Huang et al. (2002) found even bigger reductions of about 49 kg/ha of average insecticide use (80.5% compared to the average of 60.7 kg/ha in conventional fields). ...
Genetically modified (GM) seeds have had relevant impacts on worldwide agriculture, even with a limited number of essential traits launched in the markets. The focus on platforms crops has favored the combination of traditional breeding, GM insertion, and diffusion in agriculture. One of the remarkable features of the GM traits has been the close link with pest and weed control systems. We investigate the environmental effects due to pesticides for two different GM seeds: insect resistant (IR) cotton and herbicide tolerant (HT) soybeans in a particular period of Brazilian agriculture, 2009–2013. We use a dataset on commercial farms' use of pesticides and biotechnology in Brazil to document environmental effects of GM traits. We explore within farm variation for farmers planting conventional and GM seeds to identify the effect of adoption on the environmental impact of pesticides measured as the quantity of active ingredients of chemicals and the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) index. The findings show that the IR trait reduces application of insecticides by 22% and the associated environmental impact by 20% the environmental impact of insecticides. However, for HT traits, we find that application of herbicides increases by 55.8% and the associated environmental impact by 44.4%, showing a significant increase in the EIQ. The HT results are driven by an increase of less toxic herbicides elevenfold larger than the decrease in less toxic ones, which we interpret as evidence of weak substitutability between herbicides of different toxicity levels. Addressing what happened in the last decade, the paper also presents a view of the transformations in GM usage in Brazil, focusing on the considerable success in adopting stacked genes. Future perspectives point to a more diversified menu of technologies, crops, and adopting countries, going beyond platform crops and more prominent agriculture exporters.
... Furthermore, several studies have reported the agronomic and economic advantages of GM crops in terms of higher yields and cost savings in agricultural production (e.g. Barrows, Sexton, & Zilberman, 2014;Huang, Hu, Rozelle, & Pray, 2008;Kalaitzandonakes, 2003;Phipps & Park, 2002;Qaim & Zilberman, 2003). A number of meta-analyses (Areal, Riesgo, & RodrÍGuez-Cerezo, 2012;Carpenter, 2010;Finger et al., 2011;Klümper & Qaim, 2014) have confirmed that farmers have benefited from the adoption of GM crops in different parts of the world. ...
... A number of meta-analyses (Areal, Riesgo, & RodrÍGuez-Cerezo, 2012;Carpenter, 2010;Finger et al., 2011;Klümper & Qaim, 2014) have confirmed that farmers have benefited from the adoption of GM crops in different parts of the world. A meta-analysis by Klümper and Qaim (2014) and the study by Qaim and Zilberman (2003) documented the major agronomic impacts and significant economic advantages of cultivating GM crops. A recent study conducted by Lusk, Tack, and Hendricks (2017) using data from 28,000 observations in 800 counties in the US between 1980 and 2015 has found that the use of GM corn varieties can lead to better output (after controlling for weather). ...
... Direct benefits (mostly cost reductions to the farmer and yield increase) and the facilitation of changes in farming systems (Brookes & Barfoot, 2013) Adoption of GM seeds lowered prices Increased area of cultivation (Lichtenberg & Zilberman, 1986) Most of the benefits distributed to farmers and consumers and less to seed producers (National Research Council, 2010) Increased yields (Qaim & Zilberman, 2003) Farm cost reduction (National Research Council, 2010;Piggott & Marra, 2008) Literature has addressed issues regarding intellectual property rights (Stirling & Mayer, 1999) Affects farmers' rights (Conway, 2000;Qaim, 2009) Adopting GM seeds on a large scale will increase the chances of constructing monopolies (Frewer et al., 2004) Reduced freedom of choice (Wibeck, 2002) There is a public welfare debate on the use of GM technology (Peterson et al., 2000) Ethical concerns ...
This thesis contributes to knowledge about consumer decision-making and risk
perception related to the use of biotechnology in food production. Paper I presents a
meta-analysis that examined the systematic evidence from existing research on
consumers’ evaluation of biotechnology in food products. The results indicated that
genetically modified (GM) food with agronomic benefits is considered an inferior
alternative to unmodified food products, but its direct consumer benefits were considered
more desirable. Furthermore, consumer evaluation of biotechnology was largely
insensitive to the type of food product. However, the type of gene modification was
important for consumers’ evaluation. Using artefactual field experiments, Papers II-IV
explore the effect of context on Swedish consumer behaviour in relation to a GM food
with direct tangible benefits. Papers II and III examine the interdependency in consumer
decision-making, with the focus of Paper III shifting towards satisfaction as the outcome
of the decision-making process. Paper II shows that the policy regulations in place had a
decisive influence on consumer acceptance and that the policy context itself may induce
opposition to GM food. The greatest consumer opposition was found in the most
restrictive policy scenarios. The aim of Paper III was to extend the Kano model of
satisfaction and use it to assess consumer satisfaction in relation to decisions taken by
upstream actors in the food value chain (FVC) with respect to GM food. The findings
suggest that both consumer choices and satisfaction were dependent on the degree of
unanimous stances adopted by upstream food value chain actors in supporting the GM
food product. Actors’ consistent rejection of GM food resulted in lower consumer
acceptance of GM food and greater overall satisfaction. In contrast, consumers were
more receptive to and satisfied with GM foods when the FVC actors consistently took
supportive stances. This suggests that being pro-GM food is probably not a stable trait.
In addition, the analysis lent support to a general preference for and higher satisfaction
under a mandatory labelling regime. Paper IV explores the role of food policy regulations
in cognitive information processing and deliberation of consumers’ own risk
responsibility related to GM food, and whether the effect is dependent on the type of risk.
The findings suggest that consumers who have health concerns show less willingness to
assign responsibility to themselves in situations where GM products are introduced.
... To estimate the values of the elasticities, we adopt the values found by Naimy et al. (2008) for α, γ, and δ in their study conducted on apple cultivation in the Sannine region [51]. For the β coefficient, we assign a value of 0.5 based on the research conducted by Qaim and Zilberman (2003) [52] on the yield elasticity of genetically modified cotton (0.4) and the study by Krishna and Qaim (2012) [53] on the income elasticity of demand for genetically modified maize (which was found to be close to 0.7). In our study, we conducted simulations considering three hypothetical adoption rates of GM technologies in the apple cultivation of the Sannine region. ...
... To estimate the values of the elasticities, we adopt the values found by Naimy et al. (2008) for α, γ, and δ in their study conducted on apple cultivation in the Sannine region [51]. For the β coefficient, we assign a value of 0.5 based on the research conducted by Qaim and Zilberman (2003) [52] on the yield elasticity of genetically modified cotton (0.4) and the study by Krishna and Qaim (2012) [53] on the income elasticity of demand for genetically modified maize (which was found to be close to 0.7). In our study, we conducted simulations considering three hypothetical adoption rates of GM technologies in the apple cultivation of the Sannine region. ...
This study assesses the potential impact of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on poverty reduction and agricultural development in Lebanon, against a backdrop of economic crisis and agricultural uncertainties. GMO adoption is considered a viable strategy to enhance food security, spur economic growth, and alleviate poverty. Simulating various GMO adoption scenarios, specifically in the apple agriculture sector of Mount Lebanon’s Sannine–Baskinta area, this research examines their effects on poverty rates. The findings demonstrate a substantial reduction in poverty rates, from 55% to 36%, with a simulated GMO adoption rate of 70%, underscoring the transformative potential of GMOs in poverty alleviation. The study highlights the critical importance of well-informed decision-making and evidence-based policymaking to address challenges in the agriculture sector. It serves as a foundational pilot project for the introduction of genetically modified crops in Lebanese agriculture, with a focus on the Sannine–Baskinta region. The identified GMOs offer prospects for enhanced resilience to weather conditions and pests, reduced pesticide usage, elimination of chemical fertilizers, increased yield, and improved nutritional value. Future research endeavors aim to extend the project to encompass other crops and regions in Lebanon, as well as in other Arab countries.
... Genetically modified plants have great resistance to environmental stresses such as high temperature, pressure and great potential as compared to the ordinary growing plants. These genetically modified plants also possess the large gene pool of genes that increases the chances production of new varieties [1,2]. Genetically modified genetically plants pass through diverse domestication from wild species and many generations of selection by humans for desirable traits. ...
... The new traits also helpful for breeding and cross selection among different groups of plants. [1,2,3] Gene transformation Induction of the characteristics in the form of genetic traits that also increase the demand of newly developed varieties. ...
... We find that cultivation of GM varieties significantly increases yields, particularly cotton yields. The yield gains are larger in countries with low incomes and many frost-free days, as warmer climates make pests and weeds more prevalent and poorer farmers have less resources to keep them in check (Oerke et al. 1994;Qaim and Zilberman 2003). Like NASEM (2016), we find no effect of GM adoption on maize and soybean yields in countries with climates and incomes similar to that of the United States, but the null finding cannot be extrapolated to poorer countries with warmer climates. ...
... The estimate implies that after GM cotton is introduced, cotton yields increase 4.6 percent faster per year in our ten-year estimation window than yields of untreated crops. Such a large effect is not implausible: on-farm field trails in India found Bt cotton to have 80 percent higher yields than conventional varieties (Qaim and Zilberman 2003). We also find a substantial effect on maize yields, whereas effects on soybean and rapeseed are small and insignificant. ...
We estimate the impact of genetically modified (GM) crops on countrywide yields, harvested area, and trade using a triple-differences rollout design that exploits variation in the availability of GM seeds across crops, countries, and time. We find positive impacts on yields, especially in poor countries. Our estimates imply that without GM crops, the world would have needed 3.4 percent additional cropland to keep global agricultural output at its 2019 level. We also find that bans on GM cultivation have limited the global gain from GM adoption to one-third of its potential. Poor countries would benefit most from lifting such bans. (JEL O13, Q15, Q16, Q17, Q18)
... In these countries, yield losses in conventional cotton are low, so that Bt is mainly pesticide reducing at constant output levels. These relationships support Qaim and Zilberman's ( 2003 ) hypothesis that Bt yield effects be higher in situations where crop damage is not effectively controlled through chemical pesticides. Similar results were also obtained by Thirtle et al. ( 2003 ) from South Africa and by Qaim and Zilberman ( 2003 ) from India. ...
... These relationships support Qaim and Zilberman's ( 2003 ) hypothesis that Bt yield effects be higher in situations where crop damage is not effectively controlled through chemical pesticides. Similar results were also obtained by Thirtle et al. ( 2003 ) from South Africa and by Qaim and Zilberman ( 2003 ) from India. , 1990, Arizona (Compiled from Ellsworth et al. 2007 ...
Adopting monocultures of traditional cotton enhances activity of pest insects and reduces the activity of predatory insects. Cultivating cotton with other crops such as sunfl ower ( Helianthus annuus ) and sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor ) served as refugia for predators of pests on cotton. Thus, increased habitat diversity by strip cropping in monocultures of cotton increases the population of predators. Transgenic cotton ( Bt ) largely suppressed populations of lepidopteran pests. Insecticidal sprays reduced populations of predators both on non- Bt and Bt cot-ton. Bt cotton alters the arthropod community by reducing the abundance of Helicoverpa populations. Bt cotton may also have indirect effects on the abun-dance of parasitoids and predators that specialize on lepidopteran pests. A 6-year research revealed that the impact of Bt cotton on minor pests and non-intended species was of less importance, particularly when compared to insecticides. Cotton ecosystem is uniquely characterized by secondary pest outbreaks, geneti-cally engineered plants, changing arthropod communities and extrafl oral (EF) nectaries. Each characteristic infl uences arthropod communities and crop pro-ductivity in turn in different ways. Although reduction in insecticidal use in some regions may alleviate the pest problems, much of the problems can be tackled by adopting integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
... The rhizospheric microbial communities are directly or indirectly associated with the modulation and maintenance of productivity and health of plants under normal or stress conditions (Kloepper et al., 1978). Recently, genetic engineering has emerged as a prominent approach for enhancing microbial strains in rhizosphere engineering, and it has been widely adopted in recent years (Qaim and Zilberman, 2003;Godfray et al., 2010). Introducing specific genes, individuals, or heterologous traits into selected microbial strains yields promising and fast results. ...
... Reducing the use of chemical pesticides due to use of bt crops can result in a more sustainable agriculture system because their use can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. For instance, according to a study done in India, the use of pesticides overall was reduced by 45% and the use of insecticides was reduced by 50% resulting from the adoption of Bt cotton (Qaim & Zilberman, 2003). The toxicity of the pesticides used was reduced by 35% as a result, which may benefit the health of farmers and their families. ...
Bt crops, or genetically modified (GM) crops, have revolutionized
agriculture by providing a sustainable solution to pest-related crop losses.
Incorporating the Bt gene into plant DNA makes the plants toxic to pests,
reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Bt crops offer numerous
advantages over traditional crops, including increased yields, reduced
pesticide use, and lower production costs. However, concerns have been
raised about potential environmental impacts and the development of
resistant pests. This abstract explores the process of creating Bt crops, their
mode of action, different types of Bt genes, and the existing Bt crops such as
cotton, corn, soybeans, potatoes, rice, brinjal, and sugarcane. The benefits of
Bt crops include increased yields, enhanced food security, reduced
production costs, decreased pesticide poisoning risks, environmental
sustainability, and indirect economic benefits. However, challenges include
the development of resistance in pests, potential non-target effects, and high
initial costs. Overall, Bt crops have gained popularity despite controversy and
have the potential to contribute to sustainable farming practices and global
food security.
... A signifi cant body of peer-reviewed research on the introduction of Bt cotton in India, with evidence from all cotton-cultivating states, shows positive yield gains, reduced pesticide applications, and higher profi ts (Crost et al 2007;Kathage and Qaim 2012;Herring and Nuthalapati 2012;Plewis 2019;Peshin et al 2021). The advent of Bt cotton increased yields in India because the bollworms were not effectively controlled earlier (Qaim and Zilberman 2003). Bt cotton adoption also contributed to poverty reduction (Subramanian and Qaim 2010) and employment creation (Subramanian and Qaim 2009;Nuthalapati and Dev 2009). ...
The Indian government's decision to move ahead on the much-delayed genetically modified mustard developed by the University of Delhi signifies a turnaround and bodes well for the country's food system. Numerous tests over the last 20 years prove its safety for food, feed, and the environment in the Indian context. The resultant hybrid DMH-11 gives a yield advantage of 37% with the same level of inputs. Our analysis shows that the farming community will get 99% of the additional monetary gains, leaving only 1% to the seed companies. Establishing a hybrid seed production system through this approval is a breakthrough, and several new hybrids with higher yields and desirable characteristics might follow in the next few years that can lead to a turnaround in mustard production.
... In 2002, biotech cotton (IR(Bt)/HT cotton) achieved commercial approval in India after four years of a field trial where Biotech hybrids showed an average yield advantage of 60% over conventional varieties. Since then, farmers have started to adopt the new hybrid variety more easily due to the huge benefits of GM Cotton all over India (Qaim and Zilberman 2003). India has earned higher planting of the officially approved biotech cotton to 11.6 million hectares in 2018-19, planted by over 6 million farmers. ...
Main conclusion
Simultaneous application of two sustainability approaches such as the application of biofertilizers to GM plants and microbe bioengineering to enhance physiological response and beneficial interaction with GM plants may have a significant impact on strengthening global food security amid climate change and the pandemic.
Abstract
The second sustainable development goal (SDG 02, Zero Hunger) aims global agricultural sustainability and food security challenges. The agriculture sector has been an integral part of developing countries for millions of farmers and their families. Their contribution provides stability of raw matter related to food availability. But climate change, higher population growth and worldwide pandemics are the main obstacles to food quality, higher crop productivity and global food security. Scientists are concerned with the manifestation of agriculture sustainability in the modern crop management approach to resolving the issues. It is the only way to higher yield productivity by protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, and slowing climate change. Several strategies can be an option to implement, yet the proposed two sustainability approach or 2S approach will be the significant way toward the goal of zero hunger. The first sustainability approach is an application of genetically modified (S1: GMO) Plants and the other is an application of beneficiary plant growth-promoting microbes (S2: Biofertilizers) to the plants for both higher crops and maintenance of the environment. This study summarizes the essential points of S1 and S2 for the widespread utilization of the 2S approach in agriculture and recommends the potential alternatives to be implemented to produce food for all. Graphical abstract Simultaneous application of the 2S approach can defeat all threats to gain sustainability in agriculture.
... Crop yields have grown by 21% thanks to GM technology. According to Qaim and Zilberman (2003), these yield increases are not the result of increased genetic yield potential but rather of more efficient pest control that results in less crop damage. GM crops have simultaneously reduced pesticide expense by 39% and quantity by 37%. ...
Microbes have a variety of functions in food production and agriculture, including fermentation, nutrient cycling, and organic material management. Plant growth- promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are microbial groupings that have the ability to colonize plant roots. The use of PGPR has been proven to be an environmentally acceptable approach to increasing agricultural yields by encouraging plant development either directly or indirectly. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria typically either indirectly promote plant growth and development by reducing the effects of various pathogens on plant growth and development in the form of biocontrol agents or directly promote plant growth by assisting in the acquisition of resources (essential minerals and nitrogen, phosphorus) or by modulating plant hormone levels. These helpful rhizobacteria groupings may reduce the world's dependency on harmful agricultural chemicals that harm agroecosystems. Additionally, in agriculture, PGPR can be a great tool to combat the destructive consequences of abiotic stress, such as excessive salinity and drought, and thus can become a key component in sustainable agricultural systems under changing climatic scenarios.
... Crop yields have grown by 21% thanks to GM technology. According to Qaim and Zilberman (2003), these yield increases are not the result of increased genetic yield potential but rather of more efficient pest control that results in less crop damage. GM crops have simultaneously reduced pesticide expense by 39% and quantity by 37%. ...
The field of agriculture has undergone remarkable advancements and transformative changes in recent years, driven by scientific and technological innovations. These trends have played a pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture, addressing global food security challenges, promoting sustainable practices, and maximizing crop productivity. This compendium, titled "Current Trends in Agricultural Sciences & Technology", endeavors to offer a comprehensive exploration of the latest trends, research findings, and emerging paradigms in agricultural sciences. It seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, providing valuable insights into the transformative potential of scientific innovations in the agricultural domain. The chapters encompassed within this volume encompass a diverse array of subjects, encompassing Nano technology, smart farming systems, Natural Farming, water saving techniques, millets, Agroforestry for climate and more. These contributions delve into cutting-edge trends, unveiling their implications for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
The authors of this compendium comprise a distinguished cohort of researchers, scientists, and experts, each hailing from specialized fields within agriculture science and technology. Their invaluable expertise and profound insights provide nuanced perspectives on the present state and future directions of the agricultural landscape.
... Crop yields have grown by 21% thanks to GM technology. According to Qaim and Zilberman (2003), these yield increases are not the result of increased genetic yield potential but rather of more efficient pest control that results in less crop damage. GM crops have simultaneously reduced pesticide expense by 39% and quantity by 37%. ...
Microbes have a variety of functions in food production and agriculture, including
fermentation, nutrient cycling, and organic material management. Plant growth-
promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are microbial groupings that have the ability to colonize
plant roots. The use of PGPR has been proven to be an environmentally acceptable
approach to increasing agricultural yields by encouraging plant development either
directly or indirectly. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria typically either indirectly
promote plant growth and development by reducing the effects of various pathogens on
plant growth and development in the form of biocontrol agents or directly promote plant
growth by assisting in the acquisition of resources (essential minerals and nitrogen,
phosphorus) or by modulating plant hormone levels. These helpful rhizobacteria
groupings may reduce the world's dependency on harmful agricultural chemicals that
harm agroecosystems. Additionally, in agriculture, PGPR can be a great tool to combat the
destructive consequences of abiotic stress, such as excessive salinity and drought, and
thus can become a key component in sustainable agricultural systems under changing
climatic scenarios.
... Crop yields have grown by 21% thanks to GM technology. According to Qaim and Zilberman (2003), these yield increases are not the result of increased genetic yield potential but rather of more efficient pest control that results in less crop damage. GM crops have simultaneously reduced pesticide expense by 39% and quantity by 37%. ...
Microbes have a variety of functions in food production and agriculture, including
fermentation, nutrient cycling, and organic material management. Plant growth-
promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are microbial groupings that have the ability to colonize
plant roots. The use of PGPR has been proven to be an environmentally acceptable
approach to increasing agricultural yields by encouraging plant development either
directly or indirectly. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria typically either indirectly
promote plant growth and development by reducing the effects of various pathogens on
plant growth and development in the form of biocontrol agents or directly promote plant
growth by assisting in the acquisition of resources (essential minerals and nitrogen,
phosphorus) or by modulating plant hormone levels. These helpful rhizobacteria
groupings may reduce the world's dependency on harmful agricultural chemicals that
harm agroecosystems. Additionally, in agriculture, PGPR can be a great tool to combat the
destructive consequences of abiotic stress, such as excessive salinity and drought, and
thus can become a key component in sustainable agricultural systems under changing
climatic scenarios.
... For example, the use of crops with the Bt gene, which gives plants resistance to insects, reducing the use of insecticides, increasing the biodiversity of natural enemies and environmental sustainability (Lu, Wu, Jiang, Guo, & Desneux, 2012). From an economic point of view, the use of GMOs, in addition to increasing crop yields by up to 21%, reduced spending on pesticides by 40%, and raised the average profit of farmers to 69% (Klümper & Qaim, 2014;Qaim & Zilberman 2003). These conditions are essential, even more so nowadays, with the devaluation of the real against the dollar, and the increase in the price of inputs used in agriculture. ...
The objective of this review is to bring information about innovations and technologies that, through genetic improvement, are being used to improve the sustainability and productivity of agricultural crops, improve human nutrition, as well as conservation and decontamination of soils. Bioremediation consists of using microorganisms that have the ability to modify or decompose certain pollutants, with the possibility of increasing their activity through genetic engineering, building new strains for the transformation of pollutants into inert substances. Genetic improvement is seeking to develop cultivars that are more tolerant to periods of water deficit. Plant biofortification consists of varieties of improved plants that have a higher content of vitamins and minerals, which are obtained through genetic improvement. Thus, biotechnology is once again essential for world agricultural production and can bring a series of other benefits to society.
... Crop legumes cultivated in cold or temperate climates are exposed to insects that are serious global pests of legumes because they cause severe damages when they feed directly, additionally since they transmit dangerous bacteria and fungi (Qaim and Zilberman, 2003;Hubert et al., 2004;Zayed, 2012;Heie, 2013). In Egypt cowpea is a significant legume crop and a major source of protein, it is used of dry seeds, fodder and green pods as well as it is tolerant drought, heat and improving soil fertility. ...
... For nearly 20 years, microbial preparations of Bt spores and crystals have been employed as commercial pesticides. Individually, the Bt proteins employed in transgenic crops have specific activity against small groups of pest species while having little or no direct effect on non-target species like beneficial insects (Qaim and Zilberman, 2003). As instruments for integrated pest management, this differentiation gives significant advantages over conventional pesticides. ...
Biological control of crop pests is considered a good alternative or
complement to the use of pesticides. Intraspecific genetic variation in
arthropods is frequently examined in the context of ecology and evolution.
However, this knowledge can also be utilised very well to biological pest
control. Choosing genotypes with the best trait values could be a helpful
approach for creating more potent biocontrol agent i.e., selective breeding
(choosing parents with particular characteristics to breed together and
produce offspring with more desirable characteristics). This technique has
been applied to a variety of traits, with the majority of studies concentrating
on enhancing the effectiveness of natural enemies in ecologically relevant
situations. However, this strategy is still infrequently used in the current
commercial development of arthropod agents for pest management, although
being repeatedly proposed due to several reasons. This chapter discuss on
how biological control can be enhanced through selective breeding.
... For example, new breeding technologies can contribute to improved crop yields, lower application of fertilizers and pesticides, and an increased resilience of crops to extreme climate events. Important breeding goals to increase pest and disease resistance will lower the need for pesticides and reduce yield variability (Bailey-Serres et al. 2019, Qaim & Zilberman 2003. A further focus is on developing crops with increased nutrient use efficiency so that fertilizer use (and its losses to the environment) can be reduced while maintaining or increasing crop yields (Bailey-Serres et al. 2019, Miao & Khanna 2020. ...
Agroecology is often considered as the ultimate and most comprehensive solution to the many challenges of the agricultural and food system, also referred to as the agri-food system. This review investigates to what extent agroecology can become the mainstream model for transforming agriculture toward more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems within the given economic and political context. We find that enhancing agroecology will require a fully integrated multiscale systems approach from farm to region to globe. The approach must consider relevant processes and relationships, actors and stakeholders as well as drivers, sustainability indicators, and the respective assessment methods across all scales. Giving specific attention to drivers related to economy, technology, and policy we point out that agroecology needs to be economically viable for farmers and other food system actors. In particular, new and emerging technologies related to digitalization and breeding should be given more consideration in agroecological transformation. We stress the need for an analytical and operational framework and adequate multiscale policy design and suggest six areas of needed attention to support the large-scale adoption of agroecology.
Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Resource Economics, Volume 15 is October 2023. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
... Argentina to China (Qaim and Zilberman 2003;Thirtle et al. 2003;Ismael et al. 2001;Traxler et al. 2001;Marra, Pardey, and Alston 2002;Qaim et al. 2006). ...
... Bt cotton and Bt maize are transgenic varieties having genes from Bacillus thuringiensis which makes them insect resistant. In developing countries like India, pest-resistant Bt cotton has boosted harvests [55]. The development of Genetically Modified (GM) crops is targeted towards achieving drought and salinity tolerance, improving yield and efficiency of nitrogen utilization and resistance to pests and diseases. ...
Microbes have been employed by humans since ancient times for brewing and fermenting purposes. The knowledge about the potential of microbes has increased tremendously over the past century, wherein it has acted as a savior of human populace by providing antibiotics and vaccines. Microbial biotechnology has expanded ever since and found immense application in the areas of food and industrial processes. Enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, organic acids, alcohols, genetically modified crops and single cell proteins are only few of the vast array of products that have been provided by microbes. Chemical production of these products is not only expensive, but also generates toxic waste by-products which are dumped into the environment. Due to excessive waste generation, pollution and unaccountability towards the environment, we are currently facing a crisis, because of which our renewable resources are endangered, and the environment is deteriorating. To address these issues, microbiologists have been conforming and contributing towards the development of environmentally safe, sustainable and economical production of energy and food alternatives, so that sustainable development goals can be achieved. This review highlights the developments in the field of food and industrial microbiology and their contribution to production of sustainable alternatives.
... Bt cotton has been successfully used in China, Mexico, and India to significantly reduce yield losses due to pest attacks (Qaim and Zilberman. 2003;Toenniessen et al., 2003). In 1996, Bt cotton was introduced in the United States, Australia (as Bollgard), and China (as Ingard) to control lepidopteran pests. Since its introduction, it has produced significant environmental and economic benefits (Huang et al., 2002;Lu et al., 2012;Wu and Guo, 2005;Wu et al., 2008) and has been introdu ...
Insecticidal crystal proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are toxic to specific insect pests. They are used as alternatives to chemicals for controlling insect pests using transgenic plants and biopesticides. Three strains of Bacillus thuringiensis expressing cry1 and cry2 genes were identified in soil samples collected from different locations in India. The full-length cry1, cry1I, and cry2 type genes (3.5, 2.1, and 1.9 kb, respectively) were cloned and sequenced. The full-length clones of the three genes were sub-cloned in the E. coli expression vector, and expressed proteins were analysed. The expression of cry1, cry1I, and cry2 resulted in 132, 81, and 70 kDa proteins, respectively. The expressed proteins were tested against secondinstar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera. The expressed proteins of cry1 and cry2- type from BRI-86 exhibited the highest toxicity to H. armigera larvae with an LC50 of 2.34 and 0.2 µg/ml diet, respectively. The LC50 exhibited by the test proteins was two and four-fold lower than the reference Btk HD-1 proteins. Thus, the spore preparation or the genes can be used individually or in combination to control insect pests.
... The potential change in the burden of ZnD with the consumption of ZAB staple crops was estimated by calculating the efficiency (e) of agronomically biofortified cereal consumption as stated in Equation 2. The efficiency is calculated by comparing the improved Zn intake after intervention (BI) to the baseline Zn intake before intervention (CI) against the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) (37,68 ...
Background
Inadequate dietary zinc (Zn) supplies and Zn deficiency (ZnD) are prevalent in Ethiopia, where cereals are major dietary sources, yet low in bioavailable Zn. Zinc agronomic biofortification (ZAB) of staple crops through application of Zn fertilizers may contribute to alleviating ZnD. However, large-scale promotion and adoption of ZAB requires evidence of the feasibility and public health benefits. This paper aimed to quantify the potential cost-effectiveness of ZAB of staple crops for alleviating ZnD in Ethiopia.
Methods
Current burden of ZnD among children in Ethiopia was quantified using a disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) framework. Evidence on baseline dietary Zn intake, cereal consumption, and fertilizer response ratio was compiled from existing literature and secondary data sources. Reduction in the burden of ZnD attributable to ZAB of three staple cereals (maize, teff, and wheat) via granular and foliar Zn fertilizer applications was calculated under optimistic and pessimistic scenarios. The associated costs for fertilizer, labor, and equipment were estimated in proportion to the cropping area and compared against DALYs saved and the national Gross Domestic Product capita –1 .
Results
An estimated 0.55 million DALYs are lost annually due to ZnD, mainly due to ZnD-related mortality (91%). The ZAB of staple cereals via granular Zn fertilizer could reduce the burden of ZnD by 29 and 38% under pessimistic and optimistic scenarios, respectively; the respective values for ZAB via foliar application were 32 and 40%. The ZAB of staple cereals via granular fertilizer costs US$502 and US$505 to avert each DALY lost under optimistic and pessimistic scenarios, respectively; the respective values for ZAB via foliar application were US$226 and US$ 496. Foliar Zn application in combination with existing pesticide use could reduce costs to US$260–353 for each DALY saved. Overall, ZAB of teff and wheat were found to be more cost-effective in addressing ZnD compared to maize, which is less responsive to Zn fertilizer.
Conclusion
ZAB of staple crops via granular or foliar applications could be a cost-effective strategy to address ZnD, which can be integrated with the existing fertilizer scheme and pesticide use to minimize the associated costs.
... Accusations of farmer suicides associated with growing Bt cotton in India (Ho 2010) have proven to be incorrect (Gruère and Sengupta 2011). Another study has shown that using Bt cotton in fact increases returns to labour, especially for hired female workers, increases incomes, including for poor and vulnerable farmers and so concluded that Bt cotton contributes to poverty reduction and rural development (Qaim and Zilberman 2003;Subramanian and Qaim 2010). Comparison of Bt cotton grown either as official or unofficial hybrids (i.e. ...
Food and feed has been produced from genetically modified (GM) crops for 25 years. It is timely to review whether this technology has globally delivered the expected benefits and whether the ongoing debate on risks is justified. Expected benefits associated with GM include increased crop yields, reduced pesticide and insecticide use, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, improved soil structure, improved crop nutritive quality/value, and decreased costs of production. Concerns focus on food safety linked to toxicity and allergenicity, environmental risks associated with potential chances of gene flow, adverse effects on non-target organisms, evolution of resistance in weeds and insects, and genetic perturbations resulting in unintended compounds, new diseases, or antibiotic resistance. This review focusing on benefits and risks of GM crops concludes that they are a valuable option for delivering improved economic and environmental outcomes by providing solutions for many of the challenges facing mankind. GM technologies like many non-GM technologies can bring risks, but these can and have been monitored and quantified, allowing decisions balancing commercial, societal and environmental benefits against measurable risks. While ‘checks’ and ‘balances’ are required, regulatory schemes must focus on balancing risks and benefits and not on ‘checks’ alone which is the case for many countries.
... Similarly, the technologies that produce genetically modified organisms, introduce novel configurations of genetic materials typically derived from other organisms. These technologies are used to generate commercially attractive traits such as pesticide resistance (e.g., Qaim and Zilberman, 2003). Yet, traits such as drought resistance are, arguably, far more useful to farmers than pesticide resistance (Box 3). ...
This perspective article highlights the need for transformation in food and farming at three scales to promote a food system that meets UN Sustainable Development Goals. Food insecurity is still a persistent problem globally because of how food and farming sector is currently organized vs. how it should be organized if cultural traditions, environmental concerns, and nutritional needs of the world's growing population were foregrounded. The article argues that system-wide transformations are needed at different scales: landscape (macro), species (meso) and genes (micro). It suggests alternatives available for food and farming sector and identifies transformative pathways that are more sustainable in cultural, social and environmental terms. A better management of farming landscapes; diversification of the food system to include a wider range of species; and better use of neglected and underutilized species, varieties and cultivars of plants, and breeds of animals, in the food system can help to catalyze such a transformation. This can go a long way in promoting global sustainability by achieving three key UN Sustainable Development Goals: 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and 15 (Life on Land).
... On an average, the use of insecticide sprays against bollworm was lower for Bt cotton than for non-Bt cotton (Qaim and Zilberman, 2003;Bennett et al., 2004), and the savings in insecticides between 2004 and 2010 coincided with the large scale adoption of Bt cotton. The sharpest decline in insecticide use was from US$160 million in 2004 to US$25 million in 2010, an 85% decrease, equivalent to a saving of US$135 million. ...
Insect resistant Bt cotton has been rapidly adopted during the past twelve years since its introduction in 2002 in India with an additional increase of at least 30 lakh ha cotton area and has experienced a remarkable growth story over the last decade with an increased production of 257 Kg lint/ha and 232 lakh bales productivity. The cotton farmers, both large and small holders benefitted from this technology through reduced cost of cultivation, convenience of crop management and increased productivity. The yield increase in Bt cotton due to effective control of bollworms generally ranged from 31 to 63%, reduction in chemical sprays from 25 to 55% and increase in profit over non-Bt cotton from 50 to 110% equivalent to Rs.5,000 to 10,000 per hectare depending upon the weather factors and intensity of non target insect pests and diseases. India was estimated to have enhanced farm income from Bt cotton by US$14.6 billion in the 11-year period 2002 to 2012. The economic, environmental, and social benefits derived from adoption of this technology have very positive implications for the farmers, their surrounding communities, and the future of agriculture. Transgenic Bt cotton should be viewed as an useful technology with which the Indian farmer can protect his crop. Hence, considering the experiences of Bt cotton cultivation till now, necessary resistance management practices and appropriate refuge strategies are to be taken for long sustenance of this technology in an environmentally benign manner for the near future.
... Positive environmental impacts through less use of toxic herbicides and less tillage operations, positive economic impacts through higher yields (Qaim and Zilberman, 2003), and finally, improved welfare for farmers (Qaim and Traxler, 2005) were reported in previous studies in Argentina. Meanwhile, the study of Qaim and Traxler (2005) showed that farmers gained about 90% of the total trait benefits associated with GM HT soybeans in Argentina in 2001. ...
Genetic modification (GM) has been used as a method to produce higher yields for consumption. However, the impact of genetic modification technology on agriculture in developing countries at the farm level often remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the environmental, social and economic consequences of genetically modified (GM) crops at the farm level in developing countries. Using a meta-analysis on 40 empirical studies conveyed in developing countries, this article reports farmers’ reflections on the influences of GM crops in the framework of sustainability, including environmental, economic, and social impacts. Results indicate that genetic modification technology has been able to enhance the socio-economic and environmental efficiency of farmers in developing countries. This study showed genetic modification as a lifesaving technology in the short term, while in the long term, the sustainability of genetic modification production is reduced, according to farmers. Furthermore, this meta-analysis study showed that legal and administrative challenges and less access to relevant information are the main dilemmas of farmers dealing with genetically modified crops in developing countries. Accordingly, the study concluded that conducting meta-analysis can provide useful information for policy makers who plan for the development of genetically modified production.
... In the 2000s, Zilberman collaborated with agricultural economist Matin Qaim, applying the techniques of the models created for pesticide use to study productivity tied to genetically modified crops (10). "I suddenly was so excited about it, because I realized the potential of genetic engineering is unbelievable now." ...
... Fertilizer recommendations should be supported by data from trials conducted across numerous sites, years, and agricultural soils representative of the geographic area where the recommendations are to be made (Black, 1993). Crop yields vary spatially and temporally due to factors other than fertilization treatments (Evans, 1987) such as climate and weather, moisture availability, soil properties, plant genetics, pests, and management practices like tillage (Beckendorf et al., 2008;Gajanayake & Reddy, 2016;Karlen et al., 2013;Qaim & Zilberman, 2003;Slattery et al., 2013;Speirs et al., 2013). To combine soil test and crop yield data across sites and years for soil test correlation, researchers often convert measured yield to relative yield (RY) (Black, 1993). ...
The Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST) will perform correlations between soil nutrient concentrations and crop response to fertilization from user‐selected datasets in the FRST national database. Yield response for the nutrient of interest in a particular site‐year is presented as relative yield (RY), a ratio of unfertilized yield to the maximum attainable yield (A). Several methods exist in the literature for estimating A and calculating RY but the effect of method choice on soil test correlation outcomes is undocumented. We used six published methods to calculate RY from site‐year yield data for five published correlation datasets, and fit a generalized linear plateau (LP) model to each. The critical soil test value (at the LP join point) and RY intercept coefficients were not significantly affected by RY method for any of the datasets, and RY plateau was significantly affected by method for only one dataset. The top options after robust group discussions were the so‐called MAX and FITMAX methods. We selected the MAX method, which defines A as the numerically highest treatment yield mean, as the most appropriate method for FRST because MAX represents maximal yield in responsive sites, is inclusive of trial data having a range of treatment numbers, limits RY to 100% (which allows options for transforming data), and is simpler to implement than FITMAX, which requires a decision tree to calculate RY for diverse trials. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
... On average, GM technology has increased crop yields by 21% (Fig. 3). These yield increases are not due to higher genetic yield potential, but to more effective pest control and thus lower crop damage (Qaim and Zilberman 2003). GM crops have reduced pesticide quantity by 37% and pesticide cost by 39% (Klumper and Qaim 2014). ...
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms that have been altered using genetic engineering methods. Although genetic engineering is a common and essential practice in biotechnology, its specific use in crops is still controversial. The key steps involved in genetic engineering are identifying a trait of interest, isolating that trait, inserting that trait into a desired organism and then propagating or multiply that organism through a scientific process. Methods for genetic manipulation have rapidly improved over the last century from simple selective breeding, to inserting genes from one organism into another, to more recent methods of directly editing the genome. During 2013 Bangladesh release three Bt Brinjal varieties for commercial cultivation which are BARI Bt Brinjal-1, BARI Bt Brinjal-2 and BARI Bt Brinjal-3 that resistant to brinjal fruit and shoot borer. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) collaboration with Banghabandhu Sheikh Mujubur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU) release first Biotech rice BRRI dhan 62 which is zinc rich during 2013. After BRRI dhan 62, BRRI release Biotech variety BRRI dhan 86 during 2017 using anther culture which is one of the biotech tools. These two varieties is initiation of tissue culture but not GM technology. Golden rice enrich with vitamin A will be first GM rice which is under field testing. Bt tobacco with fine quality fiber with higher yield and late blight resistant potato develop through genetic engineering tools are under also field testing in our country. Among the Asian countries Bangladesh first release GM food crop and Bangladesh is 29th country where government gives approval of GM crop/food.
... The results of the present study indicated that Bt genotypes were significantly superior over non-Bt genotypes in yield during both crop seasons. These observations are supported by Qaim and Zilberman (2003) reported significantly higher seed cotton yield of Bt genotypes. Temp ( ...
Plant molecular farming is a nascent but promising biotechnology-based industry. It is an alternate system for the development of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products cost-effectively in a bulk amount and in short timescale as compared to already established expression systems. This chapter covers the different strategies used for plant molecular farming (PMF) such as stable or transient transformation methods and what advantages they offer, how PMF can help the developing countries to eradicate the different health-related problems they face, what problems are encountered during the establishment of plant molecular pharming as local industry, and what steps should be taken to solve them. We also discuss how PMF helped and is helping the world in different sectors of life globally. Further, the current status of the products that are made via PMF is also discussed, including antibodies, enzymes, growth factors, other pharmaceutical products, and non-pharmaceutical or industrial products, which have the greatest impact on health, economy, poverty, and industry of developed and developing countries.
This comprehensive three-volume set book, Biotechnologies and
Genetics in Plant Mutation Breeding, aims to help combat the
challenge of providing enough food for the world by use of the advanced
process of genetics to improve crop production, in both quantity and quality.
Volume 2: Mutagenesis and Crop Improvement first deals with
mutagenesis, cytotoxicity, and crop improvement. It discusses the processes,
mutagenic effectiveness, and efficiency and mechanisms of mutagenesis and
covers the principles, applications, and scope of mutagenesis as well. Several
chapters focus on mutation-induced cytological aberrations and cytotoxicity.
There is also emphasis on improvement of agronomic characteristics by
manipulating the genotype of plant species, resulting in increase in
productivity.
This book presents the current approaches for insect pest control as a "green" alternative to classical and more toxaic agrochemicals. An overview of the recent advances in insecticide chemistry is also included, which will be of interest to a vast group of researchers - agrochemists, biochemists, chemists and toxicologists. The combination of both chemical and toxicological aspects of insecticides is unique and the book includes contributions from synthetic chemists, entomologists, environmentalists and toxicologists giving it wide appeal. Throughout the book, the different approaches that involve "greener chemicals" are emphasized. The book is divided into 9 chapters, each considering the state of art of each family of insecticides, together with future expectations. Each chapter gives a description of useful biorational insecticides, highlighting environmentally-friendly processes and then the mode of action is fully-described, emphasizing selectivity towards targeted species. Finally, for every family of compounds, their environmental effects (toxicity, bioaccumulation and metabolism) is considered, comparing them to classical insecticides, including human and environmental risk assessments. In addition the formulation, dispersal and persistence in the environment are covered as key aspects in developing greener agrochemicals. The book also includes a general introduction to entomology, with special emphasis on those insects that act as vectors in the spread of diseases. Insects that may be potential pests against humans and livestock are included, focusing on their life cycles, and physiology, as a logical comprehension of mode of action of insecticides. In addition there is a chapter on classical insecticides (covering both, approaches prior to the chemical era, and classical chemical insecticides, organochlorinated, organophosphorus, and carbamates) for comparison with current trends in pest control. The negative environmental effects that such insecticides have caused in nature, such as poisonings, bioaccumulation or toxic effects are highlighted. It is hoped that the use of more specific agrochemicals and approaches may avoid, or at least considerably reduce such severe and irreversible effects in nature. The insecticides covered are considered from numerous points of views: chemistry, toxicological profile, risk assessment, legal status, environmental behaviour and selectivity. The most important families of currently used insecticides are covered and critical discussions about future perspectives are included with frequent comparisons to classical insecticides. The following topics are covered in the book, as greener alternatives to classical insecticides: " Pyrethrins and pyrethroids " Neonicotinoids " Spynosins " Insect growth regulators " Botanical insecticides " Microbial insecticides " Integrated Pest Management Programs (IPM)
Genetically engineered (GE) crops are likely to be one solution when it comes to balancing the needs of a growing human population and changing climate. Recent data suggest that many U.S. adults believe that GE foods are risky for human health and the environment, despite scientific consensus that they are no more harmful to human health or the environment than conventionally bred crops. While some evidence suggests that consensus messaging could be a significant factor in publics’ perceptions about technologies like GE, the effect of communicating scientific consensus and under different conditions remains unclear. We test message effectiveness in terms of individuals’ consensus perceptions and beliefs about the environmental risks and benefits of GE technology. We find that consensus messaging reduces perceived environmental risks of GE crops, and that supplementing a consensus message with benefits information reduces perceived environmental risks and increases anticipated benefits. We find an interaction effect for trust in scientists, such that those who have lower trust in industry scientists exhibit a backfire effect when exposed to consensus information.
Soil, as an important constituent, is not only useful for producing food but also for maintaining environmental sustainability. It contains microorganisms with useful traits, which are necessary for enhancement of agricultural productivity. Rhizosphere, one of the complex ecosystems on Earth, is a hot spot for these microorganisms, which are beneficial for plant growth and development. Rhizospheric microorganisms play an important role in improving efficient use of nutrients, such as nitrogen, and crop sustainability. In the functioning of rhizospheric microorganisms, plant genotype plays a crucial role. Current advances in the understanding of plant natural pathways have resulted in the discovery of many of the enzymes and corresponding genes. These genes are required for the biosynthesis and transport of a variety of rhizosphere signaling molecules, supporting metabolic engineering to control the rhizosphere. Moreover, genetic variations have been revealed in several crops such as cereals, particularly maize, wheat, and rice. The rhizosphere has been targeted for efficient use of nutrients, most notably, of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Although utmost progress is being made for potassium. Numerous studies reported that drought tolerance in wheat was improved by rhizospheric bacteria. Further, preparing isolates of rhizospheric bacteria from harsh environments is a promising as well as a novel way to improve plant water‐use efficiency. Important bacterial species like Rhizobium , Pseudomonas , Azospirillum , and Bacillus found to have positive impacts on crops by enhancing both above and belowground biomass and hence play positive roles in achieving sustainable agriculture. These new advancements importantly contribute toward solving food‐security issues under changing climatic conditions. Harnessing rhizosphere microbiomes for drought‐resilient crop production can improve plant growth, and they offer the potential to increase crop resilience to future drought. Therefore plant–microbe interactions are indispensable for combating food crisis, which is one of the greatest global challenge.
Changing climate is a biggest threat to mankind in the present times. Rise in average temperature, disturbed rainfall patterns, and occurrence of pest have affected the agricultural production. The change in climate has given rise to such conditions, which affect the environment and human health. Reduction in greenhouse gas emission is the key to mitigate climate change. Agricultural activities also contribute to GHG emission; thus, the use of energy-efficient farming is a good solution. The use of white biotechnology and green biotechnological tools and methods such as GM crops, biofertilizers, biofuels, mycobiotechnology, and biochar can respond positively for mitigating climate variability.KeywordsBiotechnologyClimate changeTransgenicBiocharBiofuels
The concept of circular economy is gaining traction as an alternative way of overcoming sustainability issues embedded in the linear fashion system. Circular economy business models are established based on the concept that the resources are kept on using for a longer period. Extending product life, a key strategy of circular economy, aims to keep the product in use to the highest extent as possible through design and operational practices. This chapter offers a comprehensive overview of strategies that enables extending the life of a fashion product. Three major strategies of (i) design for long life, (ii) product service systems that enable collaborative consumption through repairing, exchange, rental and leasing services, and (iii) refashioning models which are facilitated by the producer, or consumer-based Do-It-Yourself (DIY) methods are discussed in detail, together with their pros and cons. This analysis provides useful insights for the designers, consumers and businesses to support the transition towards sustainable and circular fashion.KeywordsCircular fashionProduct life extensionSustainable fashionCollaborative consumptionProduct service systems
The United Nations has envisaged a sustainable development plan for the year 2030 which initiates 17 sustainability development goals (SDGs) with objectives that promote all round development. This forum encourages contributions from all sectors—governments, industrial, civil organizations, public and private sectors—as opportunities for the fulfillment of these goals. The textile and fashion industries have been very popular in the extensive use of natural resources accompanied by waste and waste products that tend to pollute the environment causing hazards to the living organisms in the planet. Businesses and brands in the textile and apparel sector are earnestly working on aligning their production and management on the basis of sustainability, the pinnacle being the sustainability development goals. This chapter deals with the sustainable management and effective use of natural resources (SDG 12—Target 12.2)—water, energy and soil for the development of sustainable textile fibers and certification methodologies for sustainable reporting (SDG 12—Target 12.6). This can be achieved by sound management of chemicals and wastes occurring in the production cycle or life cycle of a product (SDG 12—Target 12.4). Green productivity in sustainable manufacturing calls for improved resource efficiency and waste reductions by implementing a cleaner manufacturing strategy. The specialized long value chain of the textile and fashion industry is poised to address the sustainability challenge to achieve the economic, social and environment development goals.
The food security challenge is one of the most topical issues of the 21st Century. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is the least food-secure region, and solutions are constantly being sought to alleviate the problem. The region’s exponentially growing population is in dire need of affordable and nutritious food. The “Gene Revolution” (genetic engineering) presents opportunities in which food security can be ensured in SSA. Genetic modification (GM) has potential to solve myriad problems currently being experienced in SSA agriculture, hence improving yields and reducing the costs of production. Most of the SSA countries have a precautionary stance towards GM crops; thus, only a handful of countries have approved the commercialized production of transgenic crops. The lack of understanding and sound knowledge about the GM system is reflected in the formulation of policies and regulatory frameworks for biosafety and their implementation. There is need to conscientize the policymakers and the public about the general principles of genetic engineering for better decision making. Considering the multiple beneficial aspects demonstrated by transgenic crops it will not be prudent to ignore them. The versatility of GM technology makes it adaptable to the food crisis in SSA.
Biopesticides have been an IPM tool for several decades for crop health management. Both phytochemicals and microbial pesticides are two biopesticide groups that have been regulated in India. This knowledge-intensive technique in pest management needs frequent updating of scientific information by the manufacturers of microbial pesticide (MP) formulation in tandem with government and private extension system to popularise these products in integrated pest management in crops. Quality review management of MP products is essential to sustain the shelf life and field bioefficacy of the products. The biowaste management of MP production units should follow GLP and GMP standard operating procedures to prevent undesirable leakage of harmful microorganisms following the relevant national guidelines and international conventions. Legal compliance of label expansion of MP formulations across various crops as per good agriculture practice to manage target pests would provide farmers higher economic benefits. Risk assessment based on the perceived hazards in handling microbial biocontrol agents as MP has to be based on the global conventions and norms with regard to biological substances.
Biopesticides have been an IPM tool for several decades for crop health management. Both phytochemicals and microbial pesticides are two biopesticide groups that have been regulated in India. This knowledge-intensive technique in pest management needs frequent updating of scientific information by the manufacturers of Microbial Pesticides (MP) formulations in tandem with government and private extension systems to popularize these products in integrated pest management in crops. Quality review management of MP products is essential to sustain the shelf life and field bioefficacy of the products. The biowaste management of MP production units should follow GLP and GMP standard operating procedures to prevent undesirable leakage of harmful microorganisms following the relevant National Guidelines and International Conventions. Legal compliance of label expansion of MP formulations across various crops as per good agriculture practice to manage target pests would provide farmers higher economic benefits. Risk assessment based on the perceived hazards in handling microbial biocontrol agents as MP has to be based on the global conventions and norms with regard to biological substances.
A survey of China's plant biotechnologists shows that China is developing the largest plant biotechnology capacity outside
of North America. The list of genetically modified plant technologies in trials, including rice, wheat, potatoes, and peanuts,
is impressive and differs from those being worked on in other countries. Poor farmers in China are cultivating more area of
genetically modified plants than are small farmers in any other developing country. A survey of agricultural producers in
China demonstrates that Bacillus thuringiensiscotton adoption increases production efficiency and improves farmer health.
This review examines potential impacts of transgenic cultivars on insect population dynamics and evolution. Experience with classically bred, insecticidal cultivars has demonstrated that a solid understanding of both the target insect's ecology and the cultivar's performance under varied field conditions will be essential for predicting area-wide effects of transgenic cultivars on pest and natural enemy dynamics. This experience has also demonstrated the evolutionary capacity of pests for adaptive response to insecticidal traits in crops. Biochemical and genetic studies of insect adaptation to the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins expressed by currently marketed transgenic cultivars indicate a high risk for rapid adaptation if these cultivars are misused. Theoretical and practical issues involved in implementing strategies to delay pest adaptation to insecticidal cultivars are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on examining the "high dose"/refuge strategy that has become the goal of industry and regulatory authorities.
Biotechnology offers great potential to contribute to sustainable agricultural growth, food security and poverty alleviation in developing countries. Yet there are economic and institutional constraints at national and international levels that inhibit the poor people's access to appropriate biotechnological innovations. Agricultural Biotechnology in Developing Countries: Towards Optimizing the Benefits for the Poor addresses the major constraints. Twenty-three chapters, written by a wide range of scholars and stake-holders, provide an up-to-date analysis of agricultural biotechnology developments in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Besides the expected economic and social impacts, the challenges for an adjustment of the international research structure are discussed, with a special focus on intellectual property rights and the roles of the main research organizations. Harnessing the comparative advantages of the public and private sectors through innovative partnerships is the only way forward to optimize the benefits of biotechnology for the poor. The book will be an invaluable resource for both academics and policy-makers concerned with agricultural biotechnology in context of developing-countries.
The agribiotechnology revolution must address the problems of developing countries, whose needs are often greater than the concerns of more developed nations.
European corn borer (ECB; Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner), is a major pest of corn (Zea Mays L,) in North America. Recently seed companies have begun to offer control of this pest by introducing synthetic genes derived from Bacillus thuringiensis spp, kurstaki (Bt) into the corn genome, Our objectives were to compare the yield of Bt hybrids with adapted high yielding non-Bt hybrids, and to evaluate Bt hybrid yield under economically significant ECB infestation, Experiments were established in the field at three locations in 1995 and one location during 1996, Three groups of corn hybrids were evaluated: transformed hybrids with the Bt gene, closely related "iso-line" hybrids without the Bt gene, and "standard" high yielding hybrids adapted to these locations. ECB infestation treatments consisted of natural infestation, inoculation four times during the growing season, and insecticide application resulting in an ECB "free" treatment. Grain yield of Bt corn hybrids was not affected by ECB, Yield of isoline hybrids was 10% lower than both standard and Bt hybrids regardless of ECB treatment. Yield of Bt hybrids was 4 to 8% greater than standard hybrids when inoculated with ECB, However, yield of Bt hybrids was 8% less than standard hybrids when an insecticide was applied. Yield of initial Bt hybrid introductions was equivalent to or better than standard hybrids, except in environments with low ECB.
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY: FOOD AND FEEDThe staple crops of the developed world--wheat, corn, rice, and soybeans--get most of the attention from genetic engineers, who are endowing them with genes for resistance to disease and herbicides. Now some researchers are turning their attention to so-called nonprimary crops, often native to the subtropics or tropics, that have untapped potential for producing food, fiber, fuel, and medicines.
Pesticides enhance agricultural productivity, but the environmental and health side effects of their use justify government
regulation, a subject of continuing societal debate. Bans on pesticide use are the principal regulatory device used in the
United States. The economic impacts of such bans depend on the availability of substitutes, supply and trade conditions, and
research and development. Without substitutes, pesticide bans result in reduced production levels and higher prices, a substantial
loss of discretionary income to consumers, and a redistribution of income among agricultural producers. Most food safety concerns
can be addressed by establishing standards and markets for pesticide-differentiated products, but worker safety and clean
water concerns will require direct controls. Pesticide-use fees are shown to be more efficient than outright pesticide bans
as a mechanism to obtain environmental goals.
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