Which of the following facts are not true about GM crops?

(A) They are more tolerant to abiotic stress (cold, drought, heat, salinity, etc.).
(B) They are pest-resistant.
(C) They cause early exhaustion of soil fertility.
(D) The food produced has decreased nutritional value.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(C) and (D) only

The correct answer is Option (4) → (C) and (D) only    

(A) They are more tolerant to abiotic stress (cold, drought, heat, salinity, etc.). This statement is true. GM crops can be developed to tolerate adverse environmental conditions such as drought, salinity, and temperature stress.

(B) They are pest-resistant. This statement is true. Certain GM crops are developed with pest-resistant traits, such as Bt crops, which help reduce damage caused by insect pests.

(C) They cause early exhaustion of soil fertility. This statement is not true. Early exhaustion of soil fertility is not a characteristic feature of GM crops.

(D) The food produced has decreased nutritional value. This statement is not true. GM crops may even be developed to increase nutritional value, such as vitamin-enriched crops.

NCERT: Plants, bacteria, fungi and animals whose genes have been altered by manipulation are called Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and plants whose genes have been altered by manipulation are called Genetically Modified Plants. GM plants have been useful in many ways. Genetic modification has:

(i) made crops more tolerant to abiotic stresses (cold, drought, salt, heat).

(ii) reduced reliance on chemical pesticides (pest-resistant crops).

(iii) helped to reduce post harvest losses.

(iv) increased efficiency of mineral usage by plants (this prevents early exhaustion of fertility of soil).

(v) enhanced nutritional value of food, e.g., golden rice, i.e., Vitamin ‘A’ enriched rice.

GM crops are often developed to increase yield by making them more resistant to pests, diseases, and abiotic stresses (such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures). Other benefits of GM crops include pest resistance and enhanced nutritional value, both of which contribute to better crop productivity and quality.