GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS FOR WEED MANAGEMENT IN BRAZIL

Abstract

The objective of this work is to present the biotechnological events available for cultivation, mainly in Brazil, and to discuss their introduction as part of weed management. Weeds represent a significant challenge in crop production, causing significant losses in both yield and harvest quality. Therefore, effective control of these plants is required. The widely adopted chemical control methods have selected for resistant weed population over the years. To address this issue, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) resistant to the herbicide glyphosate were developed. This innovation revolutionized weed management in crops such as soybeans, maize, and cotton, bringing significant advances to Brazilian agriculture. This technology was well received by producers due to its practicality and low cost. However, the large-scale adoption of these cultivars led to widespread glyphosate use, resulting in a considerable increase in glyphosate resistance weeds. Consequently, weed management has become increasingly challenging, leaving producers with more limited and less effective options. To overcome this situation, new herbicide-tolerant cultivars that combine genes with distinct resistance traits are being introduced to the market. To date, 14 traits in soybean, 9 in corn, and 9 in cotton have been approved for commercial release. These new cultivars represent promising alternatives to the challenges posed by glyphosate-resistant weeds. Nevertheless, they must be used incorporated into integrated weed management system to ensure the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of these technologies.