Modern tools for sustainable agriculture: a review of intelligent crop protection technologies

Modern agriculture is under increasing pressure due to rising global food demand and the intensifying effects of climate change. Traditional crop protection methods often struggle to meet the current demands for higher productivity, reduced environmental impact, and long-term sustainability. This review highlights the importance of intelligent crop protection as a timely and necessary approach to address these challenges. There is a clear need for advanced Technologies and strategies to enable efficient, sustainable, and precise crop management. Intelligent crop protection integrates several modern technologies to enhance decision-making, minimize resource utilization, and protect crops more effectively. We review the application of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), robotics and automation, remote sensing, precision agriculture tools, and genome editing in crop protection. IoT devices, such as soil sensors, weather stations, and drones, real-time monitoring of field conditions. AI and ML assist in detecting pests and diseases early through image analysis and predictive models. Robotics enhances the accuracy and efficiency of tasks such as spraying and weeding. Genome editing techniques, such as CRISPR, are used to develop crop varieties with enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. By integrating these technologies, intelligent crop protection systems can reduce chemical use, conserve labor and resources, and promote more sustainable farming practices. This review demonstrates how adopting these innovations can help farmers enhance productivity and resilience while addressing the environmental and social challenges of modern agriculture.