Final answer:
Genetic engineering in agriculture can lead to increased herbicide use, development of resistant insects, and environmental risks such as uncontrollable crop growth. These disadvantages must be weighed against the benefits that GMO crops may provide.
Step-by-step explanation:
The disadvantages of genetic engineering in agriculture include having crops that require increased use of toxic herbicides, having insects that develop a resistance to GMO plants containing insecticides, and the possibility of having crops that can grow uncontrollably. Genetic engineering has brought about advanced traits in crops, like herbicide and pest resistance, which in some cases lead to increased herbicide use when weeds become resistant. Another disadvantage is that some insects might develop resistance to the genetically engineered traits meant to deter them, which can lead to the use of more pesticides or the evolution of super pests. Finally, there is a concern for environmental risks where genetically engineered crops may spread and grow beyond their intended areas, potentially outcompeting native species and disrupting ecosystems.