Commercial planting of genetically modified maize lowers pest damage, yield loss and pesticide usage in Northeast China

Key Points

• This research examines how genetically modified maize impacts pest damage and pesticide usage while promoting food security.
• Analyzed the effects of GM maize on pest damage and pesticide use in Northeast China.
• Evaluated the integration of biological control and agroecological methods alongside GM maize cultivation.
• Assessed implications for food security and environmental sustainability.
• GM maize significantly decreases pest damage compared to non-GM varieties.
• Pesticide usage is reduced when growing GM maize, promoting cost savings for farmers.
• The adoption of GM maize could enhance food security by maintaining crop yields.