Global agriculture faces critical challenges from insect pests, plant diseases, and weeds, which cause substantial yield losses and lead to heavy reliance on chemical pesticides. Such practices threaten biodiversity, human health, and environmental sustainability. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming agricultural production and forestry by enabling accurate identification, early detection, and predictive modeling, thereby driving significant advancements toward sustainable agriculture. In particular, AI in crop protection modernizes traditional management practices through the use of machine learning (ML), computer vision, and data analytics. AI improves the accuracy of insect pest identification, plant disease detection, and weed control, thereby reducing dependence on chemical inputs. This comprehensive review begins with a meta-analysis Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach and then presents recent advancements in AI for integrated crop protection. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and field robots support real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making, optimizing strategies for pest, disease, and weed management. AI-driven innovations including intelligent monitoring systems, spectral imaging, and agricultural robots enhance data acquisition and support improved decision-making for fertilization, irrigation, and the management of plant growth and development. Moreover, AI-enabled precision weed management increases effectiveness, boosting agricultural output while minimizing environmental impacts. The integrated application of AI in pest, disease, and weed management supported by advanced image segmentation and IoT technologies underscores its pivotal role in transforming sustainable agriculture. This review synthesizes recent achievements and identifies key research gaps, offering a comprehensive overview of AI’s transformative influence in crop protection. By reducing chemical usage, enhancing biodiversity, and aligning with global sustainability goals, AI provides essential insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working to promote a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.