GMO crops require more pesticides than conventional crops

The claim that genetically modified (GM) crops require significantly more pesticides than conventional crops is an oversimplification and, in many contexts, incorrect. The impact of GM crops on pesticide use is complex and depends heavily on the specific genetic modification. Herbicide-tolerant (HT) GM crops, such as Roundup Ready soybeans, corn, and cotton, are engineered to withstand broad-spectrum herbicides like glyphosate. The adoption of these crops has indeed led to an *increase* in the use of glyphosate, which is a herbicide. However, glyphosate is generally considered less toxic and less persistent in the environment than many of the older, more toxic herbicides it replaced. Conversely, insect-resistant (Bt) GM crops, such as Bt corn and Bt cotton, are engineered to produce insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis. The adoption of these crops has consistently led to a *significant reduction* in the use of synthetic insecticides. Studies have shown that the overall environmental impact associated with pesticide use, when considering both herbicides and insecticides, has often decreased due to the shift to GM crops, particularly through the reduction of more harmful insecticides. While herbicide resistance in weeds has emerged in some areas due to repeated glyphosate use, leading to the use of alternative herbicides, this does not universally mean 'more' pesticides, but rather a shift in the types of pesticides used. Overall, the scientific consensus indicates a net positive or neutral environmental impact regarding pesticide use, with reductions in insecticide applications often outweighing increases in specific herbicides.