Identify the incorrect statement about genetically modified plants.

The correct answer is Option (2) → GM crops show high reliance on chemical pesticides.

Genetically modified (GM) plants are plants whose genes have been changed by manipulation, to give them a useful new trait.

Option (1) GM crops are more tolerant to abiotic stresses. — A correct statement. Abiotic stresses are harmful non-living factors of the environment. GM crops can be made to bear them better.

Option (2) GM crops show high reliance on chemical pesticides. — An incorrect statement. The fact is reversed. Pest-resistant GM crops, such as Bt cotton, make their own insecticidal protein. So the farmer needs fewer chemical pesticides, not more.

Option (3) GM crops have higher nutritional value of food. — A correct statement. Golden rice is an example. It has been modified to make vitamin A, which ordinary rice lacks.

Option (4) GM crops have reduced post-harvest losses. — A correct statement. Post-harvest losses are the part of the crop that spoils after it is harvested, in storage and transport. Genetic modification has helped to cut these losses.

NCERT Extract:
Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture – “… Plants, bacteria, fungi and animals whose genes have been altered by manipulation are called Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). 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.”