Question

The greatest threat to genetic diversity in agricultural crops is

• A. Extensive use of insecticides and pesticides
• B. Extensive mixed cropping
• C. Introduction of high yielding varieties
• D. Extensive use of fertilisers

Answer 1

The correct option is C Introduction of high yielding varieties

Genetic diversity in agricultural crop is threatened by the introduction of high yielding varieties as they have the required traits and hence always are bred purely. Cross breeding them will compromise some of the traits and hence are never done.

Around 30,000 traditional rice varieties are being replaced by just 10 high yielding varieties. So those 30 thousand varieties are on the verge of extinction now.

So, the correct answer is 'Introduction of high yielding varieties'.