Harnessing Genetic Tools for Next-Generation Pest Management: A Comprehensive Review
Tamjeeda Nisar *
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.
Sajad A. Ganie
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.
Sheikh Momin Ramzan
Division of Livestock Production and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-K, Shuhama, India.
Saima Hamid
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.
Parveena Bano
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.
M. A. Paray
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.
Wasim Yousuf
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.
Humira Mushtaq
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.
Suriya S
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.
Nowdeep
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Genetic engineering is the technique of altering an organism’s genetic composition through the introduction of desired genes, often referred to as recombinant DNA technology or gene manipulation. In agriculture, this technology has been applied to develop transgenic plants with insect and herbicide resistance, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, and enhanced nutritional profiles. Genetically modified (GM) crops such as Bt cotton and Bt maize have significantly reduced pest infestations, lowered pesticide usage by up to 50%, and increased yields by 20–30% in several regions. Similarly, RNA interference (RNAi) based pest control has been successfully employed against major crop pests such as the corn rootworm and cotton bollworm, offering species-specific and environmentally safer alternatives to chemical pesticides. Genome editing tools, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, are being harnessed to engineer durable resistance against viruses, fungi, and insect pests in staple crops like rice, wheat, and tomato. These approaches not only reduce dependence on chemical pesticides but also contribute to sustainable agriculture by lowering production costs and minimizing environmental impacts. With continuous innovations in genetic pest control, the scope of crop protection and yield enhancement is expanding, demonstrating the transformative role of genetic engineering in modern agriculture.
Keywords: Genetic engineering, transgenic plants, RNAi, pest management