The Role of Genetically Modified Plants in Sustainable Crop Protection

Potential yield loss (i.e. production without crop protection) of major crops is estimated at 50% to 80% worldwide, whereas actual yield loss (i.e. loss despite crop protection) ranges from 25% to 40% on average of crops. These figures show that crop protection plays a crucial role in safeguarding crop productivity against competition from pests (weeds, animals, pathogens and viruses) and in preventing pre- and post-harvest loss of food, feed and fibres. Sustainable crop protection should utilise all suitable techniques and methods which are compatible with economic, ecological and social requirements. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is considered to fulfil the conditions of sustainability, and IPM is thus a strategy that can contribute most efficiently to food security. IPM is one of the most effective strategies to contribute to crop productivity per harvested area which reflects in sustainable production systems the desire to increase land use efficiency and income by minimising adverse environmental and social impacts.