In what way can biotechnology assist with pest management in agriculture?

Biotechnology offers significant benefits for pest management in agriculture, particularly through the development of pest-resistant crop varieties. This approach involves using genetic engineering techniques to introduce specific traits into crops that can confer resistance to pests. Such traits may involve the expression of proteins that are toxic to certain insects or the enhancement of the plant's own natural defense mechanisms.

These pest-resistant varieties help reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides, which can have negative environmental impacts and contribute to pest resistance over time. By minimizing the use of chemical treatments, biotechnology not only improves the sustainability of agricultural practices but also promotes healthier ecosystems and reduces production costs for farmers.

Options related to increasing crop height, reducing irrigation, or lowering the need for crop rotation do not directly address pest management. While these factors are relevant to overall crop health and yield, they do not directly mitigate pest issues as effectively as developing pest-resistant crops does.