The farm-level impact of genetically engineered crops with traits for pest management varies with the crop and genetic modification examined, but use of some genetically engineered crops has produced significant decreases in the application of herbicides and insecticides, according to a new report from USDA’s Economic Research Service.

Adoption of herbicide-tolerant soybeans resulted in significant decreases in herbicide use, while producing a small but significant decreases in herbicide use, while producing a small but significant increase in yields and no changes in insecticides. Use of Bt cotton in the southeast increased yields and net return while reducing use of insecticides. Although use of herbicide -tolerant cotton did not significantly change herbicide use, it increased yields and net returns, according to the report.

Genetically Engineered Crops for Pest Management in U.S. Agriculture is available from ERS at: