Reduce Pesticide Use Research Articles

Grapevines grown from canes having spent 10 months in space: study of their downy mildew susceptibility

The control of plant diseases represents a significant challenge in agriculture, particularly with the current emphasis on reducing pesticide use, necessitating alternative approaches. Among them, resistant plant breeding programs offer a promising alternative. Considering the stressful conditions in space, space conditions emerge as an innovative method for advancing crop improvement. This study explored the unique potential of the International Space Station (ISS) environment to induce beneficial modifications in grapevine, resulting in plants with reduced susceptibility to diseases. Canes of two Vitis vinifera L. cultivars, Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) and Merlot (Me), have undergone a 10-month space journey on-board the ISS, while others stayed on Earth (Ground Control, GC). We conducted a 2-year analysis of the response to downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) of plants developed from ISS and GC canes, called Mother plants. The disease development of progenies produced from Merlot Mother plants was also evaluated. A higher proportion of individuals with low-susceptibility was noted in the ISS Mother group compared to the controls for both cultivars. This trend was also observed for the Merlot progenies. Finally, 11% of Merlot individuals (Mother and progenies, and for the 2 years of study) were distributed in the low susceptibility class. This study suggests that grapevine canes exposure to ISS conditions resulted in an enhanced percentage of plants showing reduction of susceptibility to downy mildew.

An overview of the development of termite baits in the past 3 decades.

Since the commercialization in 1995, termite baits have been introduced in 32 countries, protecting over 3.7 million homes and reducing pesticide use by more than 11,100 metric tons. Over the past 3 decades, advancements have been made to address the limitations of bait systems, including improvements in bait toxicants, bait matrices, and the frequency of required site visits. Termite baits have been applied in both commercial and experimental area-wide projects. This article discusses the factors contributing to the success of these projects and the key elements driving the progress and advancements in termite bait technology.

What Explains Hop Growers' Fungicide Use Intensity and Management Costs in Response to Powdery Mildew?

Methods for causal inference from observational data are common in human disease epidemiology and social sciences but are used relatively little in plant pathology. We draw upon an extensive data set of the incidence of hop plants with powdery mildew (caused by Podosphaera macularis) collected from yards in Oregon from 2014 to 2017 and associated metadata on grower cultural practices, cultivar susceptibility to powdery mildew, and pesticide application records to understand variation in and causes of growers' fungicide use and associated costs. An instrumental causal forest model identified growers' spring pruning thoroughness, cultivar susceptibility to two of the dominant pathogenic races of P. macularis, network centrality of yards during May-June and June-July time transitions, and the initial strain of the fungus detected as important variables determining the number of pesticide active constituents applied by growers and the associated costs they incurred in response to powdery mildew. Exposure-response function models fit after covariate weighting indicated that both the number of pesticide active constituents applied and their associated costs scaled linearly with the seasonal mean incidence of plants with powdery mildew. Although the causes of pesticide use intensity are multifaceted, biological and production factors collectively influence the incidence of powdery mildew, which has a direct exposure-response relationship with the number of pesticide active constituents that growers apply and their costs. Our analyses point to several potential strategies for reducing pesticide use and costs for management of powdery mildew on hop. We also highlight the utility of these methods for causal inference in observational studies.

ADL-YOLOv8: A Field Crop Weed Detection Model Based on Improved YOLOv8

This study presents an improved weed detection model, ADL-YOLOv8, designed to enhance detection accuracy for small targets while achieving model lightweighting. It addresses the challenge of attaining both high accuracy and low memory usage in current intelligent weeding equipment. By overcoming this issue, the research not only reduces the hardware costs of automated impurity removal equipment but also enhances software recognition accuracy, contributing to reduced pesticide use and the promotion of sustainable agriculture. The ADL-YOLOv8 model incorporates a lighter AKConv network for better processing of specific features, an ultra-lightweight DySample upsampling module to improve accuracy and efficiency, and the LSKA-Attention mechanism for enhanced detection, particularly of small targets. On the same dataset, ADL-YOLOv8 demonstrated a 2.2% increase in precision, a 2.45% rise in recall, a 3.07% boost in mAP@0.5, and a 1.9% enhancement in mAP@0.95. The model’s size was cut by 15.77%, and its computational complexity was reduced by 10.98%. These findings indicate that ADL-YOLOv8 not only exceeds the original YOLOv8n model but also surpasses the newer YOLOv9t and YOLOv10n in overall performance. The improved algorithm model makes the hardware cost required for embedded terminals lower.

Strategic Management of Eco-Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Sustainability in Agro-Based Industries

Eco-innovation and emerging technologies are increasingly central to driving sustainability in agro-based industries. This study examines the impact of technological advancements on sustainable agricultural practices, focusing on innovations that reduce environmental impacts while enhancing productivity. According to the USDA, precision agriculture systems implemented in the Midwest show a 15-20% reduction in fertilizer use and a 10-15% increase in crop yields. Furthermore, the adoption of renewable energy solutions, such as solar-powered irrigation in India, has led to a 30% decrease in energy costs and a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), as reported by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Biotechnology applications, such as genetically modified drought-resistant crops, have reduced pesticide use by up to 37% while increasing crop resilience, according to a study published in Nature. This paper also explores the socio-environmental implications of these technologies, emphasizing the need for balanced development that integrates technological progress with ecological sustainability. Case studies from Brazil, India, and Kenya provide further insights into the successful implementation of these innovations. The findings suggest that leveraging emerging technologies in agro-based industries can significantly enhance sustainability, contributing to a more resilient and equitable human-environment relationship.

Legal Barriers in Sustainable Agriculture: Valorization of Agri-Food Waste and Pesticide Use Reduction

The transition to sustainability in agriculture faces significant challenges, especially to balance environmental goals with the practical demands of food production. This paper examines two different case studies that reveal the complexities of agricultural regulation. The first case focuses on the valorization of agri-food residual biomasses, highlighting the potential to transform food waste into valuable bioproducts such as bioenergy and biofertilizers. Despite the clear environmental and economic benefits, the absence of specific European regulations hinders the widespread adoption of these practices. Without clear rules for achieving “end-of-waste” status, the development and marketing of bio-based products remain restricted. The second case study examines the European Union’s unsuccessful effort to implement the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation (SUR), which aimed to reduce pesticide use by 50% by 2030. Although the regulation sought to align agricultural practices with the EU’s Green Deal, it triggered widespread protests from farmers concerned about the potential economic losses and decreased productivity. These two cases, one showing under-regulation and the other over-regulation, highlight the need for balanced and practical regulatory frameworks that promote sustainability without imposing unrealistic demands on stakeholders. This paper ends with recommendations to harmonize regulations across Europe, ensuring that both innovation in agricultural waste management and practical pesticide reduction strategies are implemented in a way that supports farmers and producers, minimizing economic disruptions and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.

Not the average farmer: Heterogeneity in Dutch arable farmers’ intentions to reduce pesticide use

Ambitious environmental policies and regulations in Europe aim to reduce pesticide use, yet their implementation faces significant obstacles. Effective strategies that gain support within the farming community require a deeper understanding of the underlying intentions, considering that farmers are a heterogeneous group with diverse beliefs related to socio-demographic characteristics. Using an existing dataset with theory of planned behaviour data from 359 Dutch arable farmers (Bakker et al., 2021), we examined the heterogeneity in intentions and beliefs regarding pesticide reduction. Expanding the analysis with quantile regression models, we show that the influence of attitude becomes increasingly important as farmers' aspirations to reduce pesticide use grow. Additionally, we observed a small positive effect of injunctive norms at the 25th quantile and a small negative effect at the 75th quantile of intention. These findings indicate that the relative impact of these constructs varies across the intention distribution, emphasising the need for more nuanced quantitative analyses of heterogeneity in TPB studies. Using moderation models, we observed variations in the relative impact of attitude, injunctive and descriptive norms on intention across different segments of the farming community, particularly concerning age, educational level, and farm income dependencies. Younger, higher-educated farmers, and those less reliant on farm income demonstrated greater openness towards reducing pesticide usage and adopting alternative crop protection practices. These findings suggest that different farmer segments may respond differently to interventions and incentives. Policymakers can leverage this knowledge to develop more nuanced and targeted strategies that promote pesticide reduction while aligning with the diverse motivations and beliefs present among farmers.

Influence of the Chemical Properties of Cereal Grains on the Structure and Metabolism of the Bacteriome of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) and Its Development: A Cause-Effect Analysis.

Rhyzopertha dominica causes significant economic losses in stored cereals. Insects' digestive tract microbiome is crucial for their development, metabolism, resistance, and digestion. This work aimed to test whether the different chemical properties of different wheat and barley grain cultivars cause disturbances in insect foraging and rearrangements of the structure of the R. dominica microbiome. The results indicated that grain cultivars significantly influence the microbiome, metabolism, and insect foraging. Most observed traits and microbiome structures were not correlated at the species level, as confirmed by ANOSIM (p = 0.441). However, the PLS-PM analysis revealed significant patterns within barley cultivars. The study found associations between C18:2 fatty acids, entomopathogenic bacteria, an impaired nitrogen cycle, lysine production of bacterial origin, and insect feeding. The antioxidant effects also showed trends towards impacting the microbiome and insect development. The findings suggest that manipulating grain chemical properties (increasing C18:2 and antioxidant levels) can influence the R. dominica microbiome, disrupting their foraging behaviours and adaptation to storage environments. This research supports the potential for breeding resistant cereals, offering an effective pest control strategy and reducing pesticide use in food production.

Role of Entomology in the Era of Precision Agriculture: A Review

Precision agriculture (PA) represents a transformative approach to farming by utilizing advanced technologies like GPS remote sensing, and data analytics to optimize crop production and minimize environmental impacts. While technological advancements in PA are well-documented, the role of entomology is often overlooked. This review highlights the critical intersection between entomology and PA, demonstrating how understanding insect behavior, population dynamics, and ecological interactions enhances PA practices. Insects play pivotal roles in pest management, pollination, and ecosystem health, making their study essential for developing effective PA strategies. The review examines how entomological research has informed precision pest management, integrated pest management (IPM) systems, and the use of biological control agents within the PA framework. It discusses how integrating entomological insights with PA technologies, such as remote sensing and sensor networks, enables real-time monitoring and targeted pest control, thus improving crop yields and reducing pesticide use. Additionally, the review addresses challenges such as data integration, technology accessibility, resistance management, and environmental concerns, and highlights prospects including advancements in technology, innovation in monitoring techniques, and the integration of biological control methods. By emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, this review underscores the importance of combining entomological knowledge with PA tools to develop more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. The integration of entomology into PA not only enhances pest management but also contributes to broader goals of environmental sustainability and agricultural resilience. Overall, this review offers a comprehensive overview of how entomology can advance precision agriculture and foster sustainable food production systems.

Adoption status of integrated pest management (IPM) practices among vegetable growers of Lamjung district of Nepal

The widespread use of highly toxic pesticides for agricultural purposes has raised concerns about their hazardous impact on both human health and the environment. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a strategy designed to tackle pest problems and reduce pesticide use, with the aim of protecting both human health and the environment. This study was conducted in Besishahar, Sundarbazar, Rainas, and Madhyenepal municipalities of the Lamjung district of Nepal in the year 2023 with a sample of 100 vegetable-growing farmers to assess the adoption of IPM practices in vegetable cultivation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data, and the logit model was used to identify the factors affecting the adoption of IPM practices in vegetable cultivation among farmers. Respondents were grouped into two categories, adopter and non-adopter, based on the extent of adoption of IPM practices. The findings revealed that only 37 % of the total respondents adopted IPM practices for vegetable cultivation. The easy availability of chemical pesticides and lack of bio-pesticides were the major constraints for the adoption of IPM practices in the study area. The output of the binary logit model indicated that greater participation in training, higher education levels, and increased contact with extension agents significantly influence the adoption of IPM practices in vegetable cultivation. The findings could be used to formulate better policies towards increasing the adoption of sustainable approaches in agriculture and regulation.

Seasonal Variability of Pesticide Residues in Vellode Bird Sanctuary: Implications for Ecosystem Health

This research provides a comprehensive examination of the seasonal fluctuations in pesticide residues within the Vellode Bird Sanctuary, with a particular emphasis on the detection and quantification of organochlorines, organophosphates, synthetic pyrethroids, and herbicides in the sanctuary's aquatic environment. The pesticide analysis was conducted from July 2019 to May 2020. This study period spanned three seasons: monsoon, winter, and summer. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) from Perkin Elmer was used to analyze the pesticide residues in lake water. The pesticide analysis showed that aldrin, α-cypermethrin, α-HCH, β-HCH, bifenthrin, butachlor, chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, endosulfan-α, γ-HCH, pendimethalin, phorate, profenophos, p,p'-DDT, and quinalphos were recorded at higher levels during the monsoon season. The values of pesticide residues in the winter and summer seasons were below the level of detectable quantification (less than 0.5 μg/l). The study shows that increased pesticide concentrations during the monsoon are due to runoff from nearby agricultural fields caused by heavy rainfall. In contrast, lower pesticide levels in winter and summer are likely due to reduced pesticide use and rainfall. These findings highlight the significant impact of seasonal variations on pesticide contamination, with greater ecological risks during the monsoon. The sanctuary's aquatic ecosystem is particularly vulnerable during periods of high rainfall, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation and management strategies.

Motivation and opportunity may drive Tunisian farmers to reduce chemical pesticides in horticulture

This study investigates the sociopsychological factors influencing Tunisian farmers’ adoption of sustainable pest management techniques by employing the motivation-opportunity-ability framework and using partial least squares structural equation modelling. It is the first empirical study to test this framework in predicting farmers’ readiness to reduce pesticide usage in agriculture, distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. The findings reveal that both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations significantly impact farmers’ readiness to reduce pesticide use. Particularly, extrinsic motivations, such as peer influence and prevailing practices within the community, play a crucial role, highlighting the importance of social dynamics in sustainable agricultural decisions. Additionally, opportunities to adopt non-chemical pest control methods, enhanced by access to information and technology, positively influence farmers’ intentions to minimize pesticide use. These results suggest that enhancing farmers’ motivation through targeted educational programs and fostering opportunities via supportive policy environments are key strategies to promoting sustainable pest management practices in the region.

Impact of Pesticide Training on Safety Climate Perception Among French Cereal Farmers.

Background: The training of farmers in pesticide safety is of prime importance for reducing pesticide use and exposure through the implementation of sustainable management practices. This study aimed to assess the impact of compulsory training on the knowledge and perceptions of cereal farmers, with the help of a safety climate scale. Method: We approached cereal farmers throughout France during compulsory training and certification procedures for pesticide-related activities. Trainees were asked to complete a safety climate questionnaire at the start and end of the course. In total, 733 cereal farm managers or workers completed the questionnaire at the start of the study, 131 of whom declined to complete the questionnaire at the end of the training session, leaving 602 subjects available for pre-training/post-training comparisons. Statistical analyses were based on paired t-tests and mixed models for repeated measures. Findings: The mean safety climate score increased from 82.37 to 88.22 after the training course (7.1 %, p < .001) in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Mean increases were also found for each of its seven dimensions (p < .001), ranging from 2.8% for "rules and best practices" to 12.4% for "communication and feedback." Few covariate-by-time interactions were found to be significant. Conclusion/Application to Practice: This study demonstrates that pesticide training is highly effective in increasing safety climate perception among cereal farmers and provides hints for improving the design of educational programs. Promoting the development and facilitation of lifelong learning with continuously updated training programs should be a top priority for minimizing pesticide exposure.

How does pesticide reduction affect labour time and profitability? A crop production case study

CONTEXTNational and international agendas are focusing on reducing pesticides due to their detrimental effects on flora, fauna, and human health, which has led to the introduction of agri-environmental programmes aimed at reducing the risk of pesticides. Pesticide reduction in agriculture can have an impact on labour time requirements and profitability. OBJECTIVEWe used winter wheat, sugar beet, and potatoes as examples to analyse the changes in profitability and working time requirements, including management tasks. METHODSFor the calculations, we used five different production schemes for each crop: reference; (A) reduction of herbicides; (B) reduction of growth regulators, fungicides, and insecticides; combination of schemes (A) and (B); and organic production. The working time requirements for fieldwork and farm management work were modelled for each scheme and crop. The respective partial costs and benefits of the schemes were calculated for each crop. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSBased on the model assumptions, scheme (B) appears favourable in terms of working time requirements, and profitability of winter wheat and sugar beet. Scheme (A) offers synergies between the same parameters for potato production. Economic analysis shows that crop production with reduced pesticide use may even experience an increase in financial viability if the yield is not severely jeopardised, and farmers can be compensated through premiums and direct payments. SIGNIFICANCEOur results can support policy-making, since the labour time requirement and profitability of pesticide-reduced crop production can affect the success of voluntary agri-environmental programmes for the reduction of the risks from pesticide use in agriculture.

The chemical grain composition of wheat and barley affectsthe development of the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica F.) and the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.)

The lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica F.) and the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.) are stored grain pests that cause significant economic losses in grain storage. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the chemical composition of wheat and barley grain (e.g., protein, fatty acids and total antioxidant capacity) on the development of two species of storage pests and to determine the relationship between the analyzed variables. The study involved the evaluation of 10 wheat cultivars and 10 barley cultivars under laboratory conditions. The observations included assessing the beetles’ progeny abundance, dust mass produced after feeding, and grain mass loss. The chemical composition of the tested wheat and barley cultivars was also determined, and the influence of different chemical compositions on insect development was investigated. The results of the experiment revealed diversity of resistance among cultivars to pest feeding. Larger populations of the lesser grain borer were observed on barley grains, while rice weevil populations were higher on wheat. Cultivars with higher protein and fat content were more susceptible to pest attacks. A connection between the amount of dust, grain mass loss, and the type of pest was also identified, indicating differences in feeding mechanisms and selective food preferences of these insects. The grain chemistry of wheat cultivars, including the content of fatty acids and antioxidants, significantly influenced the progeny abundance of S. oryzae, suggesting the potential of these components as natural barriers against storage pests. This study provides valuable insights for developing breeding strategies to enhance the natural resistance of new grain cultivars to these pests, contributing to the reduction of pesticide use. Statistical analyses confirmed the significance of differences in grain composition in varied resistance to the studied pests. The conclusions drawn from this work may help establish new storage and breeding practices, promoting sustainable agriculture and protecting natural resources.

A benefit-risk analysis for biological control introductions based on the protection of native biodiversity.

The release of biological control agents has been an important means of controlling invasive species for over 150 years. While these releases have led to the sustainable control of over 250 invasive pest and weed species worldwide, a minority have caused environmental harm. A growing recognition of the risks of biological control led to a focus on risk assessment beginning in the 1990s along with a precipitous decline in releases. While this new focus greatly improved the safety of biological control, it came at the cost of lost opportunities to solve environmental problems associated with invasive species. A framework that incorporates benefits and risks of biological control is thus needed to understand the net environmental effects of biological control releases. We introduce such a framework, using native biodiversity as the common currency for both benefits and risks. The model is based on interactions among four categories of organisms: (1) the biological control agent, (2) the invasive species (pest or weed) targeted by the agent, (3) one or more native species that stand to benefit from the control of the target species, and (4) one or more native species that are at risk of being harmed by the released biological control agent. Conservation values of the potentially benefited and harmed native species are incorporated as well, and they are weighted according to three axes: vulnerability to extinction, the ecosystem services provided, and cultural significance. Further, we incorporate the potential for indirect risks to native species, which we consider will result mainly from the ecological process of agent enrichment that may occur if the agent exploits but does not control the target pest or weed. We illustrate the use of this framework by retrospectively analyzing the release of the vedalia beetle, Novius (= Rodolia) cardinalis, to control the cottony cushion scale, Icerya purchasi, in the Galapagos Islands. While the framework is particularly adaptable to biological control releases in natural areas, it can also be used in managed settings, where biological control protects native species through the reduction of pesticide use.

Integrated Pest Management: Success Stories and Key Takeaways

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has revolutionized pest control in various agricultural settings, including orchards. By blending cultural, biological, and chemical methods, IPM aims to minimize pest damage while reducing environmental and health impacts. One of the most successful strategies within IPM is mating disruption, which uses synthetic pheromones to confuse male insects and prevent them from finding mates. This technique has been particularly effective against pests like the codling moth in apple and pear orchards, significantly reducing insecticide use by up to 90% in some regions.The implementation of IPM in orchards has numerous long-term advantages. Lower manufacturing costs, less environmental contamination, and increased worker safety have all resulted from reduced pesticide use. Furthermore, a healthier ecological balance has been promoted by the rise in natural predators and parasitoids brought about by the decrease in chemical treatments. Many growers have reported greater fruit quality due to more targeted pest control and healthier trees, despite worries that reduced use of pesticides would harm fruit quality. Important pests have also been suppressed regionally as a result of IPM's efficacy, such as the codling moth in the Pacific Northwest, whose populations have dropped to the point where little intervention is needed. Economic assessments highlight IPM's financial sustainability by demonstrating considerable long-term cost savings. According to one study, IPM adopters in apple orchards in Nova Scotia had 25% reduced pest management expenses over a ten-year period than those using conventional approaches. These results demonstrate how integrated pest management (IPM) has the ability to provide long-term, efficient pest control that is advantageous to growers, the environment, and consumers alike. IPM's widespread use attests to its effectiveness and sustainability. Integrative pest management (IPM) ensures the long-term health and production of agricultural systems by combining various pest control techniques into a balanced solution that satisfies both ecological and financial requirements.

Pesticide thiamethoxam in seed treatment: Uptake, metabolic transformation and associated synergistic effects against wheat aphids

Precise, effective and green control plays an essential role in reducing environmental and ecosystem damage. Seed treatment has proven effective and long-lasting for target organisms, and exploring the reasons for long-term protection is important for sustainable agricultural development. This study examined the uptake and metabolism behaviour of thiamethoxam under seed treatment in wheat samples throughout the whole growth cycle, as well as the associated synergistic effects of thiamethoxam and its metabolites during the most severe period of aphid occurrence. Uptake and metabolism results showed that 41 % of thiamethoxam and its active metabolites (clothianidin and demethyl-clothianidin) accumulated mainly in flag leaves of wheat, severely harming aphids, which was significant in controlling leaf-feeding pests. Combined activity results showed that thiamethoxam, clothianidin and demethyl-clothianidin produced synergistic efficacy in controlling aphids, with cotoxicity coefficients ranging from 179.34 to 452.07. Compared with the control, thiamethoxam seed treatments at a rate of 1.5 a.i. g/kg seeds and 3.0 a.i. g/kg seeds can significantly enhance salicylic acid (55 % and 41 %) and jasmonic acid (168 % and 125 %) concentrations and invoke changes in the concentrations of plant secondary substances, which promoted wheat resistance to aphids. Future studies cannot ignore the synergistic effects of metabolites and plant secondary substances in pest control. These results provided data support for reducing pesticide use, increasing efficiency and making more rational use of neonicotinoid insecticides.

The role of market in motivating farmers to reduce pesticide use: Evidence from vegetable farms in Shiraz

The overuse of pesticides has harmful impacts on both the environment and human health. Implementing efficient techniques is crucial to manage pesticides and reduce negative impacts effectively. In order to achieve this objective, we evaluated the harm of pesticide application in vegetable fields in Shiraz and identified the factors that impact farmers' behavior in using pesticides. The Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) indicator was initially utilized to evaluate the effects of pesticide residues on both human health and the environment. Afterwards, the Logit model was employed to investigate the likelihood of excessive pesticide usage among farmers. Our findings suggest that farmers may not give high importance to environmental and human health considerations when deciding on pesticide usage. Market incentives, such as the quantity and price of vegetables produced without pesticide use, play a significant role in reducing pesticide use in Shiraz vegetable farms. The results of the study can help policy makers in implementing pesticide-free agricultural practices.

Enhancing Animal Nutrition and Sustainability: The Vital Role of Genetically Modified Crops in Animal Feeding

Agriculture and livestock are fundamental to the economies of developing countries. A substantial portion of crop harvests is allocated for animal feed. Thus, more technological advancements are necessary to enhance agricultural productivity and provide affordable feed. Future biotech crops are expected to play a crucial role in this area. The goal is often to introduce traits into plants that do not naturally occur in these species. These new traits may include resistance to pests, diseases, or environmental conditions, or the production of specific nutrients or pharmaceutical agents. GM crops have indirectly benefited the livestock sector by increasing the yield of feed ingredients and improving quality traits. These crops are primarily used in livestock feed rations as energy and/or protein sources. Numerous animal feeding studies have been conducted to demonstrate that genetically modified crops are as nutritious and wholesome as compared to their conventional counterparts. No biological relevant differences in animal performance, health, or animal product (meat and milk) composition had been observed in various studies conducted. Overall, no significant differences in gain, intake, and feed conversion have been reported. Since the GM crop’s composition is not different from its conventional counterpart [except for the introduced transgene(s) and expressed protein(s)] and the expressed transgenic protein is rapidly digested in the digestive system, one would not expect any unintended effects. The introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops into the market undergoes extensive testing and a rigorous approval process to ensure food, feed, and environmental safety. This process includes thorough analyses before GM crops are deemed safe for commercial use. GM livestock feed is assessed for its nutritional composition and digestibility by comparing it with conventional crops. Therefore, while GM crops have the potential to enhance the efficiency of animal agriculture by improving nutritional content, reducing pesticide use, and increasing crop yields, it is essential to approach their adoption with caution.