Ecological consequences of genetically modified crops on soil biodiversity

Abstract

Uncontrolled population raised an important concern of food security in front of the entire world. To increase the global food productivity, numerous technological interventions have been done, and development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) especially crops was considered as a novel approach. Genetically modified crops (GMCs) are designed in such a way to fight against both biotic and abiotic stresses and to give a better yield than conventional crops. Several GMCs have been adopted in many countries of the world and many more are under trial. Like many other technologies, use of GMCs in the natural fields is found to have some ecological complications like their impacts on non-target organisms, loss of biodiversity, flow of transgene, etc. In this chapter, efforts have been done to explore the concept and role of GMCs in agriculture. Further, adverse impacts of GMCs on the environment, soil biodiversity, and non-target plants and animals have also been discussed thoroughly.