How is plant biotechnology used in agriculture?

Plant biotechnology plays a pivotal role in agriculture, particularly through the development of crops that exhibit improved resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses. By utilizing techniques such as genetic engineering, biotechnology allows for the introduction of specific genes that help crops withstand challenges such as diseases, pests, extreme temperatures, and drought conditions.

This improved resistance is crucial for maintaining crop yields and ensuring food security, especially in regions where environmental stressors can significantly impact agricultural productivity. For instance, genetically modified crops may produce proteins that provide resistance to insects or pathogens or may possess traits that enhance their ability to thrive in nutrient-poor or arid soils.

The other options, while relevant to agricultural practices, do not directly encapsulate the primary focus of plant biotechnology. Enhancing water retention in soil or reducing fertilizer usage are important agricultural goals but are achieved through different agricultural practices and soil management techniques, rather than direct intervention at the genetic level of plants. Developing new species of plants can also be a goal of plant biotechnology, though it mainly focuses on improving existing crops rather than the creation of entirely new species. Thus, improving crop resistance stands out as a primary application of plant biotechnology in agricultural settings.