Final answer:
The farmers went back to the traditional seed in the case of hybrid corn because it was more cost-effective, easier to manage, and had better storage and transportation characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the case of the hybrid corn, the farmers went back to the traditional seed even though the hybrid corn was reported as superior. This happened because the hybrid corn had some disadvantages that outweighed its advantages. One of the disadvantages was that the hybrid corn seeds were more expensive than the traditional seeds. Additionally, the hybrid corn was not suitable for saving and planting in future seasons, unlike the traditional seed which could be saved and replanted.
Another disadvantage of the hybrid corn was that it required intensive management practices, such as special fertilizers and pesticides, which increased the cost and complexity of cultivation. Farmers who were used to the simplicity and low cost of cultivating the traditional seed were reluctant to adopt these new practices. Moreover, the hybrid corn also had a shorter shelf life, which made storage and transportation more challenging for the farmers.
In summary, the farmers went back to the traditional seed because it was more cost-effective, easier to manage, and had better storage and transportation characteristics compared to the hybrid corn.