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Genetically Modified (GM) Crop Use 1996-2020: Environmental Impacts Associated with Pesticide Use CHANGE.

Graham Brookes¹

¹PG Economics, Dorchester, UK.

GM Crops & Food

|October 13, 2022

Summary

Genetically modified (GM) crops significantly reduced pesticide use by 7.2% globally between 1996 and 2020. This shift, driven by insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant varieties, lowered environmental impact by 17.3%.

Keywords:

Active ingredient GM crop environmental impact quotient herbicide insecticide weed resistance

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Area of Science:

Agricultural Science
Environmental Science
Biotechnology

Background:

Pesticide use in agriculture presents environmental challenges.
Genetically modified (GM) crops offer potential solutions for pest and weed management.
Herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant GM crops are widely adopted globally.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the global environmental impacts of pesticide use changes in GM crops.
To quantify the reduction in pesticide active ingredient application.
To evaluate the change in environmental impact using the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) indicator.

Main Methods:

Analysis of pesticide application data for GM crops from 1996 to 2020.
Calculation of total active ingredient reduction.
Assessment of environmental impact changes using the EIQ indicator.

Main Results:

Global pesticide application decreased by 748.6 million kg (-7.2%) of active ingredient.
The overall environmental impact (EIQ) of pesticide use on these crops reduced by 17.3%.
Insect-resistant cotton showed the most significant impact, with a saving of 339 million kg of active ingredient and a ~33% reduction in environmental impact.

Conclusions:

Widespread adoption of GM insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant crops has led to substantial reductions in pesticide use and environmental impact.
GM crop technology is a key factor in mitigating the environmental footprint of agriculture.
Targeted development of insect-resistant cotton has proven particularly effective in reducing pesticide-related environmental harm.