- A Pest-resistant crop varieties actually require progressively greater chemical input over successive growing seasons as resistance breaks down under typical conditions according to standard textbooks
- B Breeding pest-resistant varieties provides durable, heritable resistance that reduces chemical input dependency, though it requires longer development time compared to pesticide application
- C Chemical pest control methods are generally preferred by farmers since resistant crop varieties tend to reduce overall field biodiversity in general practice as commonly described in most textbook accounts
- D Pest-resistant crop varieties are invariably and consistently far more expensive for breeders to develop than equivalent pesticide programs during normal conditions as generally observed
Correct answer: B. Breeding pest-resistant varieties provides durable, heritable resistance that reduces chemical input dependency, though it requires longer development time compared to pesticide application
Explanation: Breeding pest-resistant varieties creates heritable, long-term resistance in the crop genome, reducing the need for repeated chemical applications, minimizing environmental impact and input costs. While resistance can eventually be overcome by pest evolution, it remains a more sustainable approach than sole reliance on chemical pest control.
Concept context
Learn about animal husbandry, plant breeding, tissue culture, biofortification, and single cell protein.
Read the full Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production notes →