In much of the world, the percentage of those producing our food has decreased dramatically in the last century-many rely on just a few to provide food and fiber. Much of this productivity comes from crop protection techniques, including synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, but the continued reliance on past methods alone threatens modern-day food security. The authors of this CAST Issue Paper examine the current plant protection revolution that is driven by the biological realities of pesticide resistance, various market forces, and real or perceived side effects of pesticides. They point out that crop protection chemicals have been "miraculous," but "their automatic use is no longer efficacious or justifiable." Integrated pest management is the preferred approach, and pest prevention is a key component in its success. This paper examines the development of methods used to control disease, insects, and weeds-and the authors stress the need for new technologies and an integrated cropping systems approach. This science-based review considers many plant protection trends, including the following: • Disease management and the need for new modes of action • Insect management and issues involving pesticides • Weed management and the need for new technologies to control the evolution of resistant weeds • Biological control of plant pathogens, insects, and weeds-and the need for further research in these areas • Seed treatment technology-and its various methods and benefits • Nematicide uses shifting from fumigation and banded row applications to seed treatments New technologies are becoming important, especially for surveillance and application: (1) drones and other remotesensing devices lead to more systemic monitoring and methods such as sitespecific weed management; (2) "smart sprayers" comprise both detection and chemical spraying systems; and (3) new cultivators have been developed to especially help organic and vegetable crop growers. Genetic techniques (such as CRISPRCas9, RNAi, marker technology, plantincorporated protectants, and stacked traits) may fit well into integrated systems. Whatever approaches are adopted, however, resistance management plans are essential. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to spur adoption of best management practices-and food producers must consider how to handle economics, regulations, land stewardship, incentives, and new technologies. The needs are immediate and the challenges formidable. The authors make it clear that "scientists from all the pest management disciplines need to improve communication and work together to develop integrated strategies for managing pests while preserving ecosystem services and farm productivity." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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