How does agricultural biotechnology enhance crop resistance to environmental stresses?

Agricultural biotechnology enhances crop resistance to environmental stresses primarily through the development of genetically engineered crops. This innovative approach allows scientists to modify the genetic makeup of plants to introduce traits that confer resistance to various stresses, such as drought, salinity, and pests.

By utilizing techniques such as gene editing or transformation, specific genes known to enhance stress tolerance can be incorporated into crop genomes. For example, crops can be engineered to produce proteins that help them retain water or synthesize compounds that deter pests. This not only makes them more resilient in challenging environments but also can result in improved yields and reduced reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

The other choices do not directly address the critical role of biotechnology in improving crop resilience. Using more chemical fertilizers does not enhance resistance but rather can lead to environmental degradation. Limiting crop variety could actually make agriculture more vulnerable to diseases and pests, while promoting organic farming practices, although beneficial for environmental health, typically does not employ the advanced tools of biotechnology that offer targeted genetic improvements necessary for enhancing stress resistance.