Final answer:
Growing monocultures of genetically uniform plants can lead to increased susceptibility to diseases and pests, loss of biodiversity and environmental stressors, and limitations in crop yield and quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Growing monocultures of genetically uniform plants can lead to a variety of issues:
- Increased susceptibility to diseases and pests: When a large area is planted with the same crop, it becomes a target for specific pests and diseases that can easily spread and devastate the entire crop.
- Loss of biodiversity and environmental stressors: Monocultures contribute to the loss of crop diversity and genetic homogeneity, reducing the resilience of crops to environmental stresses and decreasing their ability to adapt to changing conditions.
- Limitations in crop yield and quality: Although monocultures may initially provide enhanced crop yield, over time, they can deplete soil nutrients and attract plant pests, leading to reduced yield and lower quality crops.