What is a challenge of relying on genetic pest management methods?

Relying on genetic pest management methods can lead to uniformity among crops, which increases vulnerability to pests and diseases. When a large number of plants share similar genetic traits, they often respond to pests and pathogens in the same way. If a pest or disease is able to overcome the plant resistance designed through genetic modification, it can quickly spread among the uniform crop population, potentially leading to significant losses.

This challenge underscores the importance of genetic diversity in agricultural systems. A diverse crop population is better equipped to withstand varying environmental pressures and pest attacks, as different genetic backgrounds may provide different levels of resistance. Therefore, while genetic pest management can be a powerful tool, reliance on it without sufficient diversity can create significant risks for agriculture as a whole.

The other options touch on relevant aspects but do not encapsulate the primary challenge brought by genetic uniformity regarding pest susceptibility.