Summary
This narrative review examines the integration of modern digital and biotechnological tools—including Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, remote sensing, and genome editing—to improve crop protection in response to pressures from rising food demand and climate change. The authors argue that intelligent crop protection systems combining these technologies can substantially reduce reliance on chemical inputs whilst maintaining or improving productivity and farm resilience. The review synthesises how these tools enhance decision-making, enable real-time field monitoring, and support more efficient and sustainable crop management practices.
UK applicability
The technologies reviewed are largely technology-platform agnostic and could be applied within UK farming contexts, though adoption barriers (capital costs, skills, broadband infrastructure in rural areas) and regulatory frameworks around genome editing would require consideration. UK policy support for digital agriculture and precision farming uptake would influence practical applicability.
Key measures
Technologies evaluated include: IoT devices (soil sensors, weather stations, drones), AI/ML for pest and disease detection, robotic spraying and weeding systems, remote sensing capabilities, precision agriculture tools, and CRISPR-based genome editing for pest and disease resistance
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on the application and integration of IoT, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, remote sensing, precision agriculture tools, and genome editing in crop protection systems. It reports how these technologies can reduce chemical use, conserve labour and resources, and promote sustainable farming practices whilst enhancing productivity and resilience.
Topic tags
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