Advancing Cotton Agriculture: The Impact of Biotechnological Interventions on Disease Management and Soil Health in Pakistan
This study investigates the impact of biotechnological interventions on cotton agriculture in Rajanpur, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan, focusing on the effectiveness of genetically modified (GM) cotton varieties and bio-pesticides in disease and pest management. Comprehensive soil health assessments revealed significant improvements in nutrient levels and reductions in pathogen presence post-intervention. GM cotton fields exhibited notably lower incidences of Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCV) and higher yields compared to non-GM fields, demonstrating a yield increase of up to 37%. The use of bio-pesticides, such as Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum, effectively reduced fungal infections and nematode populations, contributing to better crop health and environmental sustainability. The study highlights the economic and environmental benefits of reducing chemical inputs and calls for continued research and supportive policies to enhance the adoption of biotechnology in agriculture. Future research should explore multi-trait GM crops and long-term impacts on agricultural ecosystems.
Keywords: Biotechnology, cotton agriculture, GM cotton, bio-pesticides, sustainable farming
