Question

Many farmers are worried about the decreasing genetic diversity of plants associated with generations of artificial selection and inbreeding. Why is limiting random sexual reproduction of food crops concerning?

a. Mutations during asexual reproduction decrease plant fitness.

b. Consumers do not trust identical-appearing produce.

c. Larger portions of the plant populations are susceptible to the same diseases.

d. Spores are not viable in an agricultural setting

Short answer

The correct answer is (c) Larger portions of the plant populations are susceptible to the same diseases.

Step-by-step solution

Step1. Introduction  

The genetic diversity among plant populations in a given species allows the plants to adapt to various environmental conditions. Such diversity could therefore yield valuable traits that could overcome the food-security challenges.

Step2. Explanation for correct answer 

c. Larger portions of the plant populations are susceptible to the same diseases.

The hassle of small farmer livelihood is aggravated due to the truth that small farmersbe afflicted by many manufacturing dangers like drought, flood, loss of ok use of inputs, poor extension leading to huge yield gaps, loss of confidence and adequate irrigation, crop failure and so forth.

The farmer's concerns are:

• cope with weather exchange, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss.
• satisfy customers' converting tastes and expectancies.
• Meet the growing call for more meals of higher high-quality.
• spend money on farm productivity
• undertake and learn new technology

Step3. Explanation for incorrect answer 

a. Mutations during asexual reproduction decrease plant fitness.

• Mutations are the sole source of genetic variability that can occur in asexual reproduction. Mutations are usually harmful or neutral to offspring but can occasionally be beneficial. Mutations can result from the insertion, deletion, or substitution of one or a few nucleotides in a gene sequence.

b. Consumers do not trust identical-appearing produce.

• Farmers are worried about the decreasing genetic diversity of plants associated with generations of artificial selection and inbreeding because Larger portions of the plant populations are susceptible to the same diseases.

d. Spores are not viable in an agricultural setting

• The structure of the spore protects the genomic DNA from intense heat, radiation, and attack by most enzymes and chemical agents. In fact, bacterial spores are so resistant to environmental factors that they can exist for centuries as viable spores.