Jiayi Wu , Qian Li

Modern Agricultural Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 2   doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0007
Received: 24 Jan., 2024    Accepted: 01 Mar., 2024    Published: 10 Mar., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Wu J.Y., and Li Q., 2024, The impact of genetic engineering on maize herbicide tolerance, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 15(2): 60-69 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0007)

The adoption of genetically engineered maize for herbicide tolerance has significantly impacted agricultural practices, particularly in weed management. This study examines the development, implementation, and consequences of herbicide-tolerant maize varieties. The introduction of transgenic maize expressing genes such as dicamba monooxygenase (DMO) and CP4-EPSPS has enabled higher tolerance levels to herbicides like dicamba and glyphosate, respectively, leading to improved weed control and reduced crop injury. However, the widespread use of these genetically modified (GM) crops has also led to the emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds, necessitating the development of dual herbicide-tolerant varieties and new herbicide tolerance traits. Meta-analyses and field studies indicate that while GM crops have reduced overall pesticide use and increased crop yields and farmer profits, the long-term sustainability of these benefits is challenged by evolving weed resistance. This study synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the agronomic, economic, and environmental impacts of herbicide-tolerant maize, highlighting both the advantages and the ongoing challenges in this field.

Genetic engineering; Herbicide tolerance; Maize (Zea mays); Weed resistance; Transgenic crops