Question

Genetically modified plants have been useful in:

• A. Increasing post harvest losses
• B. Decreasing crop yield
• C. Making crops tolerant to stresses.
• D. Decreasing efficiency of mineral usage by plants

Hint:

Genetically modified plants are often designed to enhance their ability to withstand environmental stresses, improving their resilience and yield.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Genetically modified (GM) plants are plants that have been modified using genetic engineering techniques to introduce new traits. These traits may include resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses, as well as increased nutritional value or enhanced growth.
Step 1: Analyzing the options.
- Increasing post harvest losses (Option 1): GM plants are not intended to increase post harvest losses; rather, they are modified to improve post-harvest qualities like shelf-life.
- Decreasing crop yield (Option 2): GM plants are generally designed to increase crop yield, not decrease it.
- Making crops tolerant to stresses (Option 3): This is correct. Many GM plants are engineered to be more resistant to environmental stresses like drought, salinity, or extreme temperatures.
- Decreasing efficiency of mineral usage by plants (Option 4): GM plants are usually modified to increase the efficiency of nutrient uptake, not decrease it.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Genetically modified plants have been primarily useful in making crops tolerant to stresses.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{The correct answer is (3) Making crops tolerant to stresses.}} \]