Corn rust is a pathogen caused by fungus that can attack corn plants and cause wide spread damage to this staple crop. Much of the midwest farmlands are used to grow corn. What method will best mitigate the impact of corn rust on this important crop?

A) Corn should only be grown in rainy season so its not needed to integrate land

B) Corn should be grown in cold season

C) Cloning

D) Genetic variation so at least some plants would be resistent to corn rust

Question

Biology

Lindsay Rivera

11 June, 08:56

Corn rust is a pathogen caused by fungus that can attack corn plants and cause wide spread damage to this staple crop. Much of the midwest farmlands are used to grow corn. What method will best mitigate the impact of corn rust on this important crop?

A) Corn should only be grown in rainy season so its not needed to integrate land

B) Corn should be grown in cold season

C) Cloning

D) Genetic variation so at least some plants would be resistent to corn rust

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Zackery Russo · Answer 1

D. Genetically distinct varieties of corn should be grown so that genetic variation will ensure at least some of the corn plants will be resistant to the corn rust.

Explanation:

Genetic diversity can be rare for selectively bred vegetable varieties, but it is the best method to use to ensure resistance to drought, pests, disease, and cold winters. Without genetic variation, one adverse condition could wipe out whole crop yields for a season.